Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Colorado: $8,000 reasons to buy a new home.

$8,000 REASONS
FOR YOU TO GET OFF THE FENCE!










Dear Future Homeowner,

There’s never been a better time to buy a home. Really!!

That’s because Congress is offering the $8,000 tax credit to help first-time homebuyers, like yourself, purchase a home. If you qualify and buy a principal residence before April 30, 2010, then you’re eligible for the credit—allowing you to subtract 10% of the purchase price of your home up to $8,000 from your tax bill.

Also, the FHA at the urging of NAR has changed the rules to make this money available to you at closing! Visit www.HousingMarketFacts.com for more information.

So, why wait? Please contact me for more information about this can’t-miss opportunity.


STEFAN GEYER

Realtor®, Home Real Estate
C: 303.766.4663 , F: 303.534.5508
http://www.stefanmax.com/

"A Modern Realtor® for Modern Times"

Colorado Homebuyers, You have a 2nd Chance!


STEFAN GEYER

Realtor®, Home Real Estate
C: 303.766.4663 , F: 303.534.5508
http://www.stefanmax.com/

"A Modern Realtor® for Modern Times"

Homeowners Insurance: Time for an Annual Check-Up

An annual check-up on your homeowners insurance can result in a healthier policy and a healthier pocketbook.

It's time for your annual check-up. The good news is that for this one, you won't have to don one of those revealing hospital gowns-and you may walk away with a healthier pocketbook. We're talking about a homeowners insurance check-up, a task you should complete once a year, ideally around renewal time. This will ensure your policy still provides the right level of coverage for your family, and your premium isn't costing you more than it should.

Remember, homeowners insurance is essential. The coverage is designed to protect your home and its contents, as well as shield you from liability for accidents and such on your property. Block out an hour of your time, call an insurance agent, and get answers to these three important questions.

What type of coverage do I have?

The most effective type of coverage is known as "replacement cost," which covers, up to your policy limits, what it would take today to rebuild your house and restore your belongings, says Jerry Oshinsky, a partner at Jenner & Block in Los Angeles who has represented homeowners in litigation against insurers.

"Extended" replacement cost coverage provides protection to your policy limit, say $500,000, and then perhaps another 20% of the cost after that. Percentages vary, but in this example you could recoup up to $600,000 on a $500,000 policy, assuming your losses reach that high. Extended coverage can compensate for any unanticipated expenses like spikes in construction costs between policy renewals. Now harder to find due to the industry shift toward extended replacement coverage, "full" or "guaranteed" replacement coverage covers an entire claim regardless of policy limits.

A less attractive alternative is "actual cash value" coverage that usually takes into account depreciation, the decrease in value due to age and wear. With this type of policy, the $2,000 flat-screen TV you bought two years ago will be worth hundreds of dollars less today in the eyes of your claims adjuster. Kevin Foley, an independent insurance broker in Milltown, N.J., favors replacement cost coverage unless you can save at least 25% on the premium for going with actual cash value coverage instead.

Even if you have replacement cost protection for your dwelling and personal property, don't assume everything is covered. Structures other than your home on your property-such as a detached garage or swimming pool-require separate coverage. So too do luxury items like jewelry, watches, and furs if you want full replacement cost because reimbursement for those items is typically capped.

How much coverage do I really need?

OK, now that you're clear on what type of policy you have, you need to figure out how much policy (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/homeowners-insurance-are-you-over-or-underinsured/) you truly require in dollar terms. Let's say you purchased your home five years ago and insured it for $200,000. Today, it's worth $225,000. Simply increasing your coverage to $225,000 may nonetheless leave you underinsured. Here's why.

The key to determining how much dwelling coverage you need isn't the value of your home but the money you'd have to pay to rebuild it from scratch, says Carlos Aguirre, an agent for Liberty Mutual Insurance in Arlington, Texas. Call your local contractors' or homebuilders' association and inquire about the average per-square-foot construction cost in your area. If it's $150 and your home is 2,000 square feet, then you should be insured for $300,000.

There's no rule of thumb for how much your homeowners insurance should cost. Insurers use numerous factors-age, education level, creditworthiness-to determine pricing, so the same policy could run you more than your neighbor. In recent years the average annual premium (http://www.iii.org/media/facts/statsbyissue/homeowners/) was $804. Oshinsky advises against scrimping on insurance because big increases in coverage probably cost less than you'd think. He recently purchased a liability policy that cost $250 for the first $1 million in coverage. Adding another $1 million increased his premiums only $12.50 more.

How can I lower my premiums?

The higher your deductible, the amount you pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in, the lower your premium. Landing on the appropriate deductible level requires remembering that insurance should cover major calamities (http://www.houselogic.com/articles/homeowners-insurance-to-claim-or-not-to-claim/), not minor incidents, says Foley, the independent insurance broker. Most homeowners should be able to absorb modest losses like a broken window pane or a hole in the drywall without filing claims. If you can, then you're wasting money with a $250 deductible.

Foley's rule: If you're a first-time homeowner and don't have a lot of savings, moving up to a $500 deductible will probably stretch your budget. However, if you live in a ritzy home and drive an expensive car, then you should be able to afford a $1,000 deductible. In Milltown, N.J., for example, the premium for a $200,000 home with a $500 deductible would be $736, according to Foley; moving up to a $1,000 deductible drops the annual premium to $672. That's $64 in savings.

Every major insurer offers discounts to various groups, such as university employees or firefighters. Figure about 5%. Ask which affiliations would entitle you to a discount and how much. If an AARP membership would result in a $50 savings, pay the $16 dues and pocket the $36 difference. Many insurers also offer discounts ranging from 1% to 10% or more for installing protective devices like alarms and deadbolt locks, for going claim-free for an extended period, or for insuring both your car and your home with the same carrier.

G.M. Filisko is an attorney and award-winning writer who has been involved in insurance litigation. A frequent contributor to many national publications including Consumers Digest, Bankrate.com, REALTOR(R) Magazine, and the American Bar Association Journal, she specializes in real estate, personal finance, and legal topics.

By: G_M Filisko

Published: August 28, 2009

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Friday, December 4, 2009

FHA Condo Changes

New changes related to condo requirements when seeking an FHA loans, listed below.  The changes are effective with FHA case numbers assigned on or after 12/7 and some of them are only temporary. 

* Pre-Sale Requirements: 30% minimum based on primary residence, second homes, and investment property transactions.
* Owner Occupancy Requirements: Minimum of 50% of units sold, or under contract, in the condominium project must be owner occupied by owner (or planned to be owner occupied).
* Multiple ownership: For projects with more than 10 units no more than 10% of the units may be owned by one entity or investor.
* Delinquent HOA dues: No more than 15% of the units can be more than 30 days past due.
* Maximum concentration of FHA loans: no maximum on existing projects if the below holds true.
* The project is 100 percent complete and construction has been completed for at least one year, as evidenced by issuance of the final or temporary/conditional certificate of occupancy for last unit conveyed;
* 100 percent of the units have been sold and no entity owns more than 10 percent of the units in the project (for projects with fewer than 10 units, single entity may own no more than 1 unit);
* The project’s budget provides for the funding of replacement reserves for capital expenditures and deferred maintenance in an account representing at least 10% of the budget;
* Control of the Homeowners Association has transferred to the owners

Homebuyer Tax Credit Quandaries Answered

Tax Credit Quandaries Answered - Here are answers to some of the most confusing questions related to the new home buyer tax credits:

How does a current home owner qualify for the $6,500 credit? Buyers must have lived in their homes for at least 5 out of the last 8 years. The home they buy must become their primary residence, but buyers don’t have to sell their previous home - they can use it as a rental or a second home and still claim the credit.

Does the new home have to be more expensive than the one the buyer currently owns? No, but if the property sells for more than $800,000, the buyers don’t qualify.

Can buyers who are building a new home claim the credit? Yes, although the contract must be in place by April 30 and the buyer must move in by July 1.

Can buyers claim the credit if they purchase a home from a relative? No.

Treasury Department Announces Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program

Treasury Department Announces Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program

On November 30, 2009, the Treasury Department released guidelines and forms for its new Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA). HAFA is part of the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP). HAFA provides incentives in connection with a short sale or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (DIL) used to avoid foreclosure on a loan eligible for modification under the HAMP program. HAFA applies to loans not owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, which will issue their own versions of HAFA in coming weeks. HAFA is a complex program, with 43 pages of guidelines and forms, designed to simplify and streamline use of short sales and deeds-in-lieu of foreclosure.

HAFA:
-Complements HAMP by providing a viable alternative for borrowers (the current homeowners) who are HAMP eligible but nevertheless unable to keep their home.
-Uses borrower financial and hardship information already collected in connection with consideration of a loan modification.
-Allows borrowers to receive pre-approved short sales terms before listing the property (including the minimum acceptable net proceeds).
-Prohibits the servicers from requiring a reduction in the real estate commission agreed upon in the listing agreement (up to 6 percent).
-Requires borrowers to be fully released from future liability for the first mortgage debt (no cash contribution, promissory note, or deficiency judgment is allowed).
-Uses standard processes, documents, and timeframes/deadlines.
-Provides financial incentives: $1,500 for borrower relocation assistance; $1,000 for servicers to cover administrative and processing costs; and up to $1,000 for investors for allowing a total of up to $3,000 in short sale proceeds to be distributed to subordinate lien holders (on a one-for-three matching basis).
-The program does not take effect until April 5, 2010, but servicers may implement it before then if they meet certain requirements.

The program sunsets on December 31, 2012.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Positive Perspective for the Denver Metro Market

1.  Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended, Expanded: The House of Representatives passed legislation November 5th that would extend and expand the tax credit for first-time home buyers.

2.  Denver Home Resales Rebound in October: Metro Denver home resales increased in October from September, but were down from October of last year, according to a Metrolist Inc. housing report released Friday.

3.  Existing-Home Sales Jump 13% in West, 9.4% Nationwide: First-time homebuyers helped drive up existing home sales nationwide -- and especially in the western states, including Colorado -- according to the latest figures from the National Association of Realtors. In the West, including Colorado, existing-home sales jumped 13 percent to an annual level of 1.3 million in September -- 5.7 percent higher than a year ago.

4. SMA Solar Plant to Bring Hundreds of Jobs to Denver: SMA Solar Technology AG, the world’s largest manufacturer of a critical component in solar power generation, said Monday it will invest about $20 million in its first North American manufacturing plant — in Denver — expected to open in the first half of 2010.

5. Vail Resorts' Sales of Season Passes Increase 13 Percent: Vail Resorts Inc.'s season-pass sales rose 13 percent in September as skiers eager for powder prepared to make tracks a year after the financial crisis.

Holiday Event Calendar, In & Around Denver




Monday, November 9, 2009

Colorado Suburban Home Styles: A Popularity Ranking

I have appraised thousands of homes in hundreds of neighborhoods in Colorado.  From my first-hand  research, I have established a popularity ranking of the most common suburban style detached homes.  The list was determined by analyzing average days on market, and sale price of the various styles.  Below is the list, starting with the most popular.  Click on the link for a description of the house style.

1.  Ranch
2.  Two Story
3.  4-Level, (split-level), with a basement
3.  Tri-Level, (split-level), no basement
4.  Bi-Level

The higher a house style is on the list, the more likely it is to sell quicker and for a higher dollar amount than the house styles listed below it.  There are always exceptions, and the list becomes less reliable in the cases of large houses, custom style houses, or houses located in the Colorado Mountains.

Do you want an idea what your Colorado home is worth?  Give me a call!


Stefan Geyer
Realtor / Certified Appraiser
Home Real Estate
303-858-8100
http://www.stefanmax.com/



  

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Obama Signs Extended Tax Credit into Law

Obama Signs Extended Tax Credit into Law: http://bit.ly/oFMH9

Call me if buying or selling a home in the Denver Metropolitan area.

(see previous post for very detailed information regarding the tax credit for homebuyers)


Stefan Geyer
Colorado Realtor
http://www.stefanmax.com/

Denver > Buy Homes with your Credit Card?

Have you considered investing in a rental property, or two, or three?  Adding them to your investment portfolio?  How about properties so cheap that you could likely buy them using your credit card?  Of course, a credit card is not a recommended purchase method, but it gives you an idea of just how cheap some deals are.  I dove into the MLS this morning, searching for cheap properties in Colorado, specifically in Denver and the Greater Denver area.  Below is a summary of my findings:

-260 Single Family homes priced at 50K or less.
-28 Single Family homes priced at 25K or less.
-18 Condominiums priced at 25K or less.

You can expect every one of these properties need work, but there is a great deal of equity to be had in many cases.  Are you interested?  Contact me for additional information.


Stefan Geyer
Colorado Realtor
http://www.stefanmax.com/

Friday, November 6, 2009

Colorado Update: Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended & Expanded

For homebuyers, and home sellers, in Colorado, there is more good news! 

The Senate voted 98-0 on Wednesday and yesterday the House voted 403-12 on legislation that includes the extension and expansion of the credit. The President is expected to sign the legislation, perhaps as early as today.

More information on the tax credit and what it means to you:

Changes to the Homebuyer Tax Credit Law
Frequently Asked Questions About the New Bill
See How the House Voted
In Depth: 2009 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

Now REALLY is the time to get your home listed or to begin your home search.  Contact me and let's get started.


Stefan Geyer
Denver Metropolitan Realtor®
Home Real Estate, 303-858-8100
Automate your home search.  Property alerts sent to you via e-mail >> http://www.stefanmax.com/

Monday, November 2, 2009

Colorado: Selling Your House? Should You Paint Your Lawn Green?


Sure! The house selling market is so competitive, anything you can do to separate your listing from another will likely result in a quicker sale. The lawn pictured above is a home in Colorado that recently had their lawn dyed. Painting your lawn is a quick and inexpensive way to give your lawn an appealing and even color. The paint is actually a dye, which only lasts until you mow it, so do it right after mowing. Most dyes are safe on plants and for children and animals, but double check. You can also purchase paint to color your mulch (i.e.: black, brown, and red).

If you would like to have your grass or mulch dyed, contact me, and I will refer you to someone I trust to do a good job for you.

Happy Selling!

Stefan Geyer
Colorado Realtor

Property listings sent automatically to your e-mail:  http://www.stefanmax.com/

Friday, October 30, 2009

End of the BBQ Season in Colorado...



A little sad to see this sight, the End of a Great BBQ Season.  I finished off the season with a crab BBQ, while it was snowing on Wednesday(super manly, I know).  Until next year...

Update on Senate Vote to Extend Homebuyer Tax Credit

Update on Senate vote to extend tax credit: http://rismedia.com/2009-10-29/breaking-news-senate-plans-to-extend-and-expand-tax-credit/

Drive Safe Colorado! Link to Road Conditions & Road Closures

I myself am going to keep my car parked until the afternoon, but if you have to drive today, drive safe Colorado.  If you need CDOT road conditions and closures, click on the following link: http://www.cotrip.org/home.htm

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Senate Approves Extension and Expansion of Tax Credit

I have just received word that the Senate has voted to approve a the extension of the $8,000 tax credit through June of 2010. The "Dodd-Lieberman-Isakson" amendment would also extend the credit to NON FIRST TIME buyers as well.  My blog post from earlier today provides further detail, and I will continue to update my blog as I receive new information.

What more are you waiting for, give me a call while home prices are still low, low low!

Stefan Geyer
Colorado Realtor
http://www.stefanmax.com/

Tentative Agreement to Extend & EXPAND Homebuyer Tax Credit

Colorado / Denver home buyers and home sellers, GREAT NEWS!  The homebuyer tax credit appears it will be extended and expanded.  To take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit, first-time home buyers would need to be under contract by 04/30/2010, and close before 07/01/2010. 

Are you a homeowner?  You may qualify for a credit too!  Have you lived in your current residence for a consecutive five-year period in the past eight years?  Then you would be eligible for a new $6,500 credit.  You also must be under contract by act by April 30, 2010 and close before 07/01/2010.

Contact me for more information.  The time to buy and sell is now, as it is unlikely this type of opportunity for Colroado homebuyers and sellers will appear again or be extended anytime soon.


Stefan Geyer
303-766-4663
Colorado Realtor
Home Real Estate
http://www.stefanmax.com/

Not Selling Your Colorado Home? Just In Case, Follow These Tips

Not selling your home right now? Chances are you will in the future, so I have a few recommendations for you, ones which will give you an advantage over your competition if you do decide to sell.

1. If you get work done to your home, get any required permits, and any required approval signatures. Many homeowners avoid getting permits, due to the expense, but this could later come back to bite you. Keep the permits in a file and make them available to potential buyers.

2. Keep all warranty information for relevant items such as appliances, roof, water heater, furnace, and garage door opener. When getting warranties, seek out ones that are transferable. Buyers appreciate this; it gives them more confidence in the home.

3. Take before and after photos of any remodeling done to your home. Buyers like to see these, and it could also help justify a higher asking price. Appraisers and lenders also like to see these pictures, even in the case of a refinance.

4. Hire a photographer to take professional pictures of your home when it looks the best, particularly the landscaping. If you list your home during the fall and winter months, these pictures will help buyers visualize the home when it looks its best. For my Colorado home sellers, this one is important (we have two feet of snow on the ground right now, and it is only October!).  This will not cost as much as you think, and I can refer you to photographers that I use when listing my client's homes.

Happy selling!

Stefan Geyer
Colorado Realtor
http://www.stefanmax.com/

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Colorado Homeowners, Underwarter on Your House? I Can Help.


Underwater on your house?  If so, and you live in the Denver / Denver Metropolitan area, I can help.  Quick action is required, so please don't hesitate to contact me.

Fewer short sales are coming up short these days, have hope:   http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/pages/News2009102103?OpenDocument#


Stefan Geyer
Denver Realtor / ECO Broker / Certified Appraiser
http://www.stefanmax.com/

Selling Your First Place in Colorado? Be on HGTV!

MY FIRST SALE, a brand new show on HGTV, is kicking off its first season and looking for first-time home sellers in the Denver Metro area.

I have been contacted and given access to the application.  They are looking for fun, high-energy people who are just starting the process of selling their first place! Their goal is to capture all the trials and tribulations of preparing for resale, pricing, negotiating, and ultimately selling a home for the first time.

Ideal candidates will be interesting, energetic, financially open people who don’t mind sharing frankly on camera about the experience and the purchase details. Singles, couples and families are all invited to apply.

Candidates who are chosen for the show may also receive a modest incentive check from HGTV to thank you for being on the show!

So contact me today if you are selling your home for the first time, want top tier service from myself, and want to apply for the show.  Apply now for immediate consideration!


Stefan Geyer
Realtor / ECO Broker
Denver Metropolitan Area(s)
http://www.stefanmax.com/

Denver is 11th Most Walkable Neighborhood. What is Your Neighborhood's Walkability Score?

A healthy lifestyle is in fashion.  Just looking around, it is apparent that a growing number of people like to ride their bikes(I'm loving the cruiser bikes!), walk, and jog.  The areas where this is most evident is in areas where there is a good concentration of recreation, shopping, eateries, etc.  Click HERE to find out what the Walkability Score is for your neighborhood, or for a neighborhood you are interested in living in.  Denver is ranked 11th most walkable neighborhood in the top 40 U.S. cities, specifically the neighborhoods of Lodo, Golden Triangle and Capitol Hill.

Walk on!

Stefan Geyer
Colorado Realtor
http://www.stefanmax.com/

Colorado Architecture #3 | Highlands


 West Hayward Place is one of my favorites streets in Denver for viewing homes from the Victorian Architectural Period.  These homes were built in the late 1800's and reside in the popular Highlands area, which is approximately a five minute drive from downtown Denver.  The street is very peaceful, with old trees with large canopies providing blankets of shade.  Victorian Cottages primarily line the street, with their acute roof slopes creating a pattern of triangles lined up.  Upon closer look, you will see what makes these homes so unique; the detail in the woodworking on the gables and the use of vivid and contrasting colors of paint. 
These homes were built during a time of rapid industrialization, so new innovations in architecture and design were occurring, evident by these homes.  Wood detailers spent a great deal of time adding their designs to a home, such as fish scale shingles, and ultimately adding character.  I think it adds a quirkiness or playfulness to a home.  Some argue that the extra detailing creates needless complexity.  I appreciate that each home was given a unique personality.

Stefan Geyer
Denver Realtor
http://www.stefanmax.com/

Colorado Architecture #2; Arapahoe Acres

Driving through Arapahoe Acres in Denver Colorado is like driving into the past, a seemingly secret neighborhood, untouched by time...an absolute thrill is you appreciate architecture.  It is the only neighborhood in the country to be listed as a Historic District, by the National Register of Historic Places, since post WWII.  The neighborhood is located approximately fifteen minutes South of I-25, near Hampden and University Blvd.  It is a quiet area, yet only a short drive to Downtown Denver. 

There are 124 homes in the neighborhood, built between 1949-1957, and typically no larger than 2,000 square feet.  To fully appreciate the homes in the area, I highly recommend viewing some or all of the 32 listed at the Arapahoe Acres website.  The homes in the neighborhood represent two styles of architecture, Usonian Style and International Style.  The Usonian Style, developed by Frank Lloyd Wright, designed kitchen and living areas to be flowing and the bedrooms and bathrooms were designed for privacy and quiet.  The roofs have shallow pitches, with no attic spaces, and there are no basements, as a means of controlling costs in a post-depression era.  The entrances are often set-back or hidden for privacy.  The International Style, associated with Modernism, was largely influenced by the Bauhaus School in Germany (shut down by the Nazi regime).  The International Style is defined by a buildings use of volume, symmetry, and applied ornament. Each home is a rare work of art, located in a unique neighborhood, not duplicated in Colorado.

See pictures of homes in Arapahoe Acres (Denver, Colorado):  http://www.flickr.com/photos/stefanmax/sets/72157622670120460/


Stefan Geyer
ECO Broker| Denver Realtor|Certified Appraiser
www.StefanMax.com

Colorado Architecture, Case #1

A revitalization has been occurring in various historic Denver neighborhoods, particularly in the general Highlands (Denver NW) and Washington Park areas.  This revitalization has included an increasing number of property scrapes.  On the scraped lots, new homes are being built, in styles including Prairie, Craftsman, and Modern.  These historic neighborhoods, in the past, have been comprised primarily of bungalow's, craftman style homes and Victorian style homes, so the homes of modern design are new to the landscape.  Many of the local residents would like to preserve the architectural integrity of the neighborhoods and do not appreciate the new development, and in particular, the homes of modern design.  Others feel that the new development, including the homes of modern design, add a new interesting dynamic to the neighborhood.  I took the following picture of a home located near the Historic Highlands shopping area:



When I saw this home, I pulled over, as it had my immediate attention.  It may appear as there are two homes built very close to each other, but in fact, it is one structure.  The original structure is a Queen Anne style Victorian, built in 1907.  The modern style addition was added sometime after 2006.  The architect is seemingly comfortable with a marriage of the two styles and has made a bold statement to the surrounding neighbors and passer-by's. 
A nearby neighbor told me she felt the home was not cohesive, and would benefit from a more balanced design.  She felt that adding a modern tower to the opposite side of the Victorian portion would be a good remedy.  Otherwise, this neighbor was intriqued by the design concept.  What was the concept?  It may have been that the owner liked both styles and could not pick one.  Another idea is that the design is meant to force people to accept that the two style are essentially 'one', and will both be part of their neighborhood in the future. 

Stefan Geyer
Denver Realtor
http://www.stefanmax.com/

What is a condominium? It May Not be What You Think.

As a Realtor and appraiser, I am often asked what defines a condominium.  Some of the defining characteristics I have heard are:
1. A condominium does not have ownership of land associated with the unit.
2. A condominium shares one or more walls, or party walls, with another unit.
3. A condominium has a unit above and/or below it.

Though some or all of these factors can be true, there is only one reliable definition of a condominium, and that is form of ownership.   Condominiums are an individual interest in an apartment and an undivided interest in common areas contained in a condominium project.  It is ownership of the airspace whithin the unit only.  So, this is why a building that by all appearances looks like a duplex, can be considered a condominium.  Condominiums of course have other things that make them unique, such as a condominium declaration, which should be researched and understood if one is to best serve their clients whom want to buy or sell a condominium. 
Special tip regarding condominiums:  Other owners in a condominium project may have right of first refusal, in the case of an owner selling their individual condominium.  Something worth looking into prior to listing!

SOLiD Architecture Talks 'Green' | Denver, Colorado

For_rear_2If you are a fan of forward thinking building design, I recommend taking a few minutes to look at the web site of SOLiD Architectural Design, a Colorado company.  You will see homes like the ones pictured here, and you will also see some of their unique commercial projects, including the Tokyo Joe's Restaurant on 13th Avenue in Denver.  They were also responsible for building the Shoshone Development, which is an urban infill project in Denver (pictured below).  Shoshone


I contacted Owen Beard at SOLiD recently, and asked him if his company incorporates any 'green' features into thier designs.  He answered with the following:

'It seems that Solar electric is the most popular green feature. Right now we have 3 or 4 projects that incorporate photovoltaic panels. This is probably because there are great rebates from power companies and the government.  It would be nice if I could find clients that foot the extra bill for gray water reuse systems, on site water retention, natural or recycled fiber insulation, no V.O.C. plywood and steel construction.  These would greatly increase the interior air quality while reducing the impact on the environment. But some of these add a lot of extra cost to a project.

A while back I designed a bog that would use cattail to convert gray water to usable irrigation water. The system is simple and really quite attractive. It ends up looking like a water garden. Since I do have clients that are environmentally aware I have recently been pushing steel structural systems. Even new steel has a high percentage of reused material and nearly all of it will be recycled after the building has been torn down. So it doesn't end up in a land fill.'


SOLiD Architectural Design is located at 70 South Cherokee Street, Denver, Colorado, 80223.  The phone number is 303-825-2313.
 

Neighborhood Maps: Aurora, Denver & Centennial

Looking to buy a home in Aurora, Denver or Centennial?  Below are links to neighborhood maps for each of these ares:
Denver
Aurora
Centennial

Get daily e-mail updates of property listings in Denver, Centennial, Aurora, Highlands Ranch, and Parker.  Just set up your property search profile at http://www.stefanmax.com/


Stefan Geyer
Colorado Realtor
Certified Appraiser

Is Your Home in a Flood Zone? It Will Cost You.

Is your home, or a home you are buying, is in a flood zone?  If so, you will likely pay a great deal more for property insurance each year; much more than if your home is not in a flood zone.  Not to mention, your home also runs a higher risk of experiencing some degree of flooding in the future.  If you want to find out if a home is in a flood zone, you can check with an appraiser, or on your appraisal report.  The flood zone information is typically found on page one of a standard appraisal report.  Alternatively, you can go to the FEMA website, just CLICK HERE.  Save some money and stay dry...buy homes outside of flood zones!

Carbon Monoxide Law Effective July 1, 2009

Carbon Monoxide Alarms. Note: If the improvements on the Property have a fuel-fired heater or appliance, a fireplace, or an attached garage and one or more rooms lawfully used for sleeping purposes (Bedroom), Seller understands that Colorado law requires that Seller assure the Property has an operational carbon monoxide alarm installed within fifteen feet of the entrance to each Bedroom or in a location as required by the applicable building code, prior to offering the property for sale or lease.

Due Diligence with Radon Testing

You wouldn’t live in a uranium mine or on top of a radioactive waste dump yet many homes across North America and Colorado are more dangerous than any of these places. And without a radon gas test you have no way of knowing if your client’s new house is one of them. According to the EPA, fifty-two of the sixty-four counties in Colorado(81%) are considered Zone 1, “an area of High Concentration.” To see the EPA map go to www.pillartopost.com/environmental-inspection-radon.aspx


Recent news stories continue to inform the public about this risk. A story November 13th on CW 2 News even noted that some recent studies indicate a possible link between our high Multiple Sclerosis rates in Colorado and high Radon levels. See cw2.com and click on the Unit 2 Consumer alert link. Radon is a tasteless, odorless, colorless gas that is found everywhere and occurs naturally from the decay of uranium in the earth’s rocks and soil. When the gas decays further, some of its elements attach themselves to dust particles and lodge in our lungs. When these elements decay, they emit bursts of energy that can cause lung cancer.

Some 20,000 U.S. deaths a year are estimated from exposure to radon, the second highest cause of lung cancer behind smoking. If you are thinking that your client’s new neighborhood is not a concern, think again. Readings above 85 pCi/L have been found by Mr. Recke in South Aurora this past year alone.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Colorado Department of Health, and the Surgeon General recommend radon testing, whether you are buying a home or just living in it. Most radon tests are conducted when a house is for sale, usually as a precaution by the buyer, but more and more homeowners are having tests just for their own peace of mind. In an effort to cut fuel costs and to be energy efficient, many homes are over insulated and one result is that small amounts of radon gas can accumulate and grow to unsafe levels.

A radon test is easy and relatively inexpensive -- many home inspectors conduct the test for around $100-$150 depending on whether the test is performed in combination with a full home inspection or as a stand alone test. Conducting the test and awaiting results can take just 2-3 days if you hire an inspector that uses a Continuous Radon Monitor. He can give you immediate results after the 48 hour minimum test period. But a clean bill of health (from reassuring test results or actions taken as a result of alarming results) can give you peace of mind for decades to come. Almost all radon problems can be fixed without major expense. According to the EPA, 99% of high levels of radon can be solved for $800 to $3,500 -- comparable to having a hot water heater or furnace installed, or having the house professionally painted.

The conclusion is simple – just recommend a radon test for your client’s safety and for your own protection!

by guest author:

Thomas Recke owns the Pillar To Post® Professional Home Inspection franchise for the City of Aurora. He can be reached by e-mail at Thoma.Recke@pillartopost.com, on the web at www.pillartopost.com/aurora, or by calling 303-337-6713.