Colorado Springs Colorado Homes for Sale | Do You Know About the Fair Trade Housing Act?

The Fair Trade Housing Act of 1968 codified into law the ideal that an individual looking for a home could not be discrimated against based on his religious beliefs, race, color, sex, or physical handicap to name a few. The whole purpose behind it was to help control the rampant discrimination that was taking place in the housing market during the civil rights uphevels of the late 1960s.

Even if we don`t want to admit it, the Fair Trade Housing Act is something that touches us even today. The Fair Trade Housing Act means that a seller or developer cannot refuse to sell a home, come to an understanding about the selling price, make the property unavailable, or refuse to provide a suitable living space to someone based only on the traits listed above.

The Fair Trade Housing Act also forces mortgage companies to play by the same rules. Because of the law, the mortgage lender cannot refuse to make a loan, provide information regarding loans, impose different terms or conditions, discriminate in the appraising of a property, or refuse to purchase a loan based on these discriminatory tactics.

It is also illegal for someone to prevent you from exercising your rights, or to prevent you from helping another under this act. The seller is also prevented from making special deals or advertisements with one group of people over another.

There are other features for the physically handicapped within the Fair Trade Housing Act For starters, your landlord cannot refuse to make reasonable modifications to your place of residence or the common areas of the building to accommodate your needs. Also, the building supervisor must be willing to make reasonable exceptions to rules policies, and services they provide in regards to the disability being discussed. These adjustments can include allowing for service animals, the installation of a chair lift, or perhaps allowing the installation of a light door bell for a hearing impaired person.

The Fair Trade Housing Act also requires that new buildings meet certain construction requirements. If the building has an elevator, and at least four housing units, it must also comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), including having an accessible route through the building, accessible light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats, and other environmental controls.

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Colorado Springs Real Estate | Essential Questions to Ask a Home Inspector

When you are getting ready to buy a property, a home inspection is always a good idea. The most efficient method to accomplish this task is through the use of a professional home inspector. You need to make certain that the home inspector is up to the task. These questions will help you determine if they are qualified for the job.

Find out what areas the inspector will be looking at. The areas covered need to coincide with the state regulations, and any areas of concern for you. Also be sure to ask for proof that the inspector will follow the ethical guidelines and standards provided by his industry. Most if not all qualified inspectors will have prepared information about their abilities, certifications, and areas that they will observed during the inspection.

Once you know what the inspector will be looking at, and what his qualifications are, the next thing to discover is his level of experience. Experience is truly a grand teacher, and a home inspector with more of it will be ablel to recognize situations that might be missed by an inexperienced inspector. It is important to ask how many inspections they have done.

A property is a very important investment. You need to know if the inspector is specialized in residential or commercial properties. Residential buildings must meet very different building and code requirements than commercial buildings. Be sure to ascertain if the home inspector is knowledgable about residential needs and regulations.

Be sure to determine the duration of the actual inspection. A proper house inspection can last up to four hours. If you are told anything less, the inspection won`t be worth the paper it is written on.

How will the inspector be paid for his services? The price of the inspection may vary, and is dependent on the size of the house, and the scope of the inspection. The normal price is somewhere between $300 and $700, and is well worth the investment.

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Homes in Colorado Springs CO | The Final Walk Through: The Things You Need to Know

You should realize that the final walk through is perhaps the last time that you`ll be able to spot potential headaches, and resolve them before you buy the home. Let`s face it, both sellers and agents might say what you want to hear, regardless of what the reality is. It is best to discover the condition of the property for yourself. Make the most of the final walk through with these simple ideas.

It is crucial that the final walk through be a part of any real estate negotiations. That way you should have no problem scheduling it when the time comes. The optimal time to have the walk through is at least five days before you close on the house. This allows both parties to remedy any problems that are notice during the final walk through before the transaction is completed. It is never a good idea to sign anything that leaves you unsatisfied, especially in a real estate transaction.

There are three general things to inspect during your final walk through. They include the outside of the house, the inside of the house, and the appliances. Potential problem areas for the outside of the home include the siding, the yard, and windows. Also make certain to inspect areas that you saw as being a potential problem during the visits to the property. You should also be sure that the garage no longer has the seller`s stuff in it, and that the door works properly. Keep in mind, a final walk through may be your best and last chance to fix the problem areas that are discovered.

The best course of action when inspecting the inside of the house is to observe each room carefully. Most people choose to start in the living room. You are forced to make certain that the area is clean, and any furniture that is staying is in good condition. In the kitchen, be sure the cabinent doors are in good condition, and that the seller`s things have been removed. The next area to inspect is the bathroom. It`s best to make sure everything is clean and disinfected to your satisfaction. If there were problematic areas inside the house before, this is really your last opportunity to discover it get resolved by the sellers of the property.

It is also crucial that you make sure the appliances are in good condition during the final walk through. It is valuable to make sure that they are connected correctly, in working order. Don`t be afraid to turn on the appliances, check the various outlets, or inspect the circuit breaker board. If you do find a broken appliance, you can make certain that the issue is resolved prior to the closing. Remember, this is the last chance to make sure that you`re buying the home you want, in the condition you expect.

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The Real Truth About Rent to Own Options | Colorado Springs Homes

In today`s market, selling your home right away can be difficult. Often the price you are forced to sell your home and make a profit is made more difficult by the falling home values in your area, and the competitiveness of the market. If selling outright is becoming more difficult, offering a rent to own option may be an alterantive decision. The rent to own option is something employed by many sellers, but its best to comprehend it before the decision is finalized.

Basically a rent to own option is a way for a renter to pay a little more as a deposit, and a little more each month to gain the right to buy the home or property at the end of his termed lease. The whole process begins when the seller creates an escrow account to hold a four percent deposit of the purchase price that is provided by the renter. The escrow account will continue to grow from the additional deposits made each month by the renter in the form of additional rental payments. If the renter determines to eventually by the home, the escrow account can act as a sizable down payment.

For the seller, the rent to own option can help more assurance that your property will be sold. In most cases the rent to own contracts will dictate that the contents of the escrow account will be given to the seller in cases where the renter determines not to buy. This means that even if you don`t sell the home, you have a nice bit of change to use in promoting it to the next potential buyer. In general though, renters wouldn`t give up the chance to own a home that they have been slowly paying for over a period of time.

A rent to own option usually last between one and four years. The agreements that are drawn up will probably include the usual things found in rental agreements, plus language specific for a rent to own options.. Specific language within the rent to own portion could include the consequences of breaking the contract, the purchase price of the home, and the amount of the initial deposit.

A rent to own option can be a excellent way to help both the seller and the buyer get what they want over time. It can become a situation where everyone benefits.

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Ethics and the Appraiser | Homes for Sale Colorado Springs CO

Purchasing a home means that you will invest a good portion of your income for many years to come. This property will see your family grow and change, graduations, romantic nights, playdates, and countless family dinners. Since all these things are important, you`ll want to make sure your dream home is exactly what you expect. The easiest way to do this is to bring an appraiser to the table. The best choice for an appraiser is one who has the ethics to provide you an objective report that meets the standards of the industry.

As a whole, the appraisal industry has developed a set of ethics that is considered to be paramount in the industry. It is something that a true appraiser will take very seriously, since not upholding the standards mean they lose their right to work. Here are some of the most common standards.

One of the most important ethical standards is that appraisers cannot do anything that would bring disgrace and damage to their profession or to the public. The aim of a professional appraiser is to provide their client with an objective view of the property that is being studied. The appraiser needs to understand and relate what is good about the property, and what areas need to be improved.

The second idea that should be paramount in the mind of the appraiser is that the information that they provide must be both unbiased and accurate. The client`s desires are not the only thing to consider. An ethical appraiser must also report on the whole of his findings. This means that all the information and data that the appraiser uncovers is placed into the report, regardless how it effects the subsequent sales transaction.

The third ethical idea is one of confidentiality. This gives the appraiser to work for the client, and gather information to make the most accurate appraisal of the property in question. By making sure the confidentially is maintained, the appraiser promotes the free exchange of information. This protection allows the appraiser to obtain information and compile a more comprehensive report. The one exception to this confidentiality rule is when the appraiser becomes knowledgeable about activities or plans that are of an illegal nature, or ones that would cause immediate danger to life and health of the appraiser, another person, or the community as a whole.

The last tenet is that the appraiser must operate his business in a way that obeys the laws of the community in which they operate. They are required to be sure that their activities do not promote fraud, damage to properties, or endanger the life and health of the community around them.

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Understanding Your Amortization Schedule | Colorado Springs CO Homes for Sale

As a home owner, have you ever wondered exactly how the lending institution decides what you owe in a given month, and which portion of it gets reserved for the principle or the interest portion of your mortgage payment? While it may seem haphazard, their is a method to determining such things. Actually it is determined by using an amortization schedule.

An amortization schedule is nothing more than a table indicating month by month how much of your payment is going to principle versus interest. The amortization schedule is also a tool for determining the outstanding balance on the loan. This is useful for when you want to refinance your loan and need the exact payoff amount.

In most cases the interest on the loan is the bulk portion of the payment in the beginning. As the loan matures, a larger portion of the montly payment is reserved for the principle. This basically indicates that at any given month, the majority of the payment will be going to either the interest or the principle.

If you were to view a typical amortization schedule, you would see a table divided into five distinct columns. The individual columns are designated as either the time period, the amount outstanding on the loan, the monthly payment, and how much is given to either the interest or the principle. This way your lender just is required to view the outstanding balance column to discover how much is left on the loan.

These schedules are also used to make certain that compound interest on the loan is collected correctly. This lets everyone involved make sure that the amount of interest paid each month is correct, and that the loan is paid back in a good volume of time. This schedule prevents the chance of the principle never being reduced from becoming a real possibility.

An amortization schedule is a excellent way for you to determine how much is left on your loan, and how much of the principle is being paid down each month. It can also show you how much the amount paid to the interest has decreased over time, making sure that you are on track to pay off the loan in the specified time.

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What Are Some Real Estate Environmental Hazards? | Colorado Springs CO Homes

Environmental hazards are becoming more common in the real estate world. These concerns may not unveil themselves during a title deed search, or even while you are visiting the home. These hidden hazards can be spotted however during the home inspection, provided someone who is qualified is performing it. Here are some of the most common environmental hazards seen in older homes today.

Recognizing the Asbestos Situation

For many years, asbestos was seen as the solution to many housing problems. In essence this material is a nature of stringy mineral that is reluctant to flame, and was utilized as building an insulation materials in many buildings. Abestos was often used in ceiling tiles, insulation for pipes, and floorboards. However asbestos has been shown to contribute to a number of health ailments including a lung condition called asbestosis and a lung cancer known as mesothelioma. By 1979, builders were no longer allowed by law to use asbestos in new construction due to the health hazards attributed to it. However, many older buildings may still have some in their construction, since it is easier sometimes to leave it in place than remove it. If the home has asbestos in it, the first step is to determine whether it is broken up enough to cause a problem. Most environmental and health hazards with asbestos stem from the inhalation of dust or small particles.

Lead in the Home

Older houses will often have a signficant amount of lead, which is another potential health and environmental hazard. Lead is most often seen in the paint of older homes and in the piping. Most people see lead paint around their doors or windows, and on the exterior of their properties. It was discovered that lead is highly toxic, and will accumulate in the physical body over time. Children and older people are especially prone to exposure from lead paint, and the symptoms of lead poisoning can vary widely. These symptoms can include constipation, hypertension, decreased mental facilities, and anemia to name a few. If lead paint is ingested, it can lead to damage to the brains of the kids, potentially causing reduced intelligence, impaired memory, delayed motor development, impaired hearing and balance. Lead based paint was made illegal in 1978. Also, the Lead Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 entitles the purchaser of the home to be informed about the existence of any lead based paint on the property. Considering all the potential health and environmental hazards associated with it, taking the time to inspect for lead paint if you suspect it is well worth the time.

These are just two of the environmental hazards that you may encounter while searching for your next residential property. They are valid concerns, and if you suspect either lead paint or asbestos to be present in your next potential purchase, it is definitely worth investigating further.

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Colorado Springs CO Real Estate | Making Sure Your Property is Safe and Healthy Through Moisture Management

If you are accountable for keeping a building, and the people that dwell in it safe and healthy, one situation that you will most likely have to deal with on a regular basis is that of health and safety moisture management. This is one subject area that you will have to address, no matter if the building is residential, commercial or industrial. Fortunately, there are some easy techniques for doing just that.

Why Source Control is Important

The reason why a health and safety and moisture control plan can be effective is how the source of the moisture is controlled. All this means is that you are forced to remove what is causing the wetness in the area, or manage it so that it is no longer a problem. Source control can mean emptying out pails of rainwater in your back yard, or even making sure a faucet doesn`t leak. Sometimes source control also means the replacement of damaged materials such as roof tiles or flooring that has been damaged by water.

Moisture Management

The control of the amount of moisture in the building is also very important. The building will always have some level of humidity. The trick is to learn how to manage in a way that promotes the health and safety of the people involved. A HVAC system can be used as a ventilation aid. If overall dampness is a problem, a few small dehumidfiers can assist to bring a little dryness to the air. Learning what can be done to control moisture levels is an ongoing process, and the strategies may need to be changed from time to time.

The Forgotten Step: Cleaning

The importance of good housekeeping cannot be overstated in the realm of moisture management. Housekeeping can provide to keep everything running in good order. A sink full of dirty dishes is one place where excess moisture can collect.

These ideas, or a combination of them can help you with a excellent plan to control the moisture in your property.

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Five Easy Hints for Moving With Your Dog or Cat | Homes in Colorado Springs CO

Moving to a new house can be quite stressful indeed. There is so much to accomplish; just make certain not to forget about your pets at a time like this! The next five tips will help immensely when your pets and moving day finally meet.

Update the Information for Your Pet`s ID and Vaccinations

This is one thing that you should do well before moving day. Just spend a few hours one afternoon and make sure all their shots are current, and that their tags and internal chips have the correct information. Make sure your cell phone is listed in the ID tag. That way if something happens, you will always be reached. That way if your pet gets lost, you can be contacted even if your old house phone is disconnected before the new one is set up.
Tip 2: Start the Moving Process Early

The general rule of thumb is that pets don`t enjoy rapid change. If change comes too quickly, most pets will react poorly. But if you introduce the idea a little at a time, say packing half a room a day, they will adjust better. Don`t be worried if your pet investigates the various boxes and things. He is just trying to discover what is going on. It`s a good idea to leave your pet`s things, like her bedding and toys out until the very end. Another tip is to take a quick visit to the subdivision with your pet if you are able. Let them sniff around and explore the area under your close supervision. Be sure to keep a tight hold of the leash, though. There is no way you want a lost cat in a brand new town.

Tip 3: Keep Your Records in Order

If you are moving to a different town, you may have to register your pet and prove all required vaccinations have taken place soon after you arrive. Therefore, make certain to keep all the paperwork on your pet in one easily accessible location. Then your dog and you can think about the truly crucial things like whether to play fetch or pack the good china.

Make Sure Your Cat is a Part of Your Activities

During the moving process, pets will often become nervous, skittish, or fearful. The pet will most likely act inappropriately as well. It is crucial to remember that the moving process is something that they do not understand very well, and it is your job to reassurance them. So each day, be sure to spend at least half an hour of total time playing and interacting with your pet. Maintain your dog`s daily routine as much as possible. Put food out at the normal time, and go for walks when it is expected.

Allow for Your Cat to Get Used to Her New Environment.

Once the dust has cleared in your new dream home, let your dog have some time to adjust. It is a brand new environment for them, full of new smells, things to see, and potential new friends around the neighborhood. In this unfamiliar environment, familiar things are a godsend. Be sure you unpack your pet`s favorite toys and blankets for him to enjoy. Dogs will often be reassured by familiar smells, so think about giving them a piece of your clothing for their bedding area. The best thing to do when you`re moving boxes into your new dream home is to leave the dog secure in the crate with some chew toys. You can let them out of the crate once their new house is secured. Spend some quality time playing and interacting with your pet. They need to be reassured that this new and secure place to live. You should know that this is a new place, and your dog will want to explore it. Don`t be alarmed if he scampers away from you to run through the house from time to time.

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Living in an Apartment? Think about Container Gardening | Homes for Sale Colorado Springs CO

If you’ve got a small home, but have always wanted to garden, there may be an answer for you. It is container gardening. This method of gardening can be done about anywhere — inside, outside, on the porch, or even incorporated into the landscape around your home. Container gardening can make is easy to grow the herbs or plants you love in a much more limited area. A lot of enthusiasts have as much fun when they are choosing the containers as actually planting. There really isn’t any limit in what you can grow plants in, with the exception of one thing that would be of a concern is that the container should be made of a food grade material.

Proper drainage is essential, so make certain each container allows sufficient water to pass through. If you fail to do this, the roots, and the plants won’t grow the way you want. Providing drainage holes in your container gardens is a fairly easy process. Most people place the holes on the bottom of the container, but that only works if nothing is underneath the container to block the flow. To solve this problem, holes can also be drilled on the lower side of the container. Container gardening also requires premium soil. The soil in each container should allow for enough drainage, but still have the proper saturation levels for your plants.
Despite what you might think, usual gardening soil isn’t a good choice. It is known for poor drainage. Your local gardening store will have soil mixtures designed for container gardening, or you can mix your own to better serve the unique plants in your garden. Another thing to consider is the nutritional health of your plants. The mix you buy at the store might not have the nutrients you would find in a typical organic garden. You will need to provide your plants the nutrients they need to thrive. An avid gardener can often find the organic fertilizer needed to supplement the plants nutritional needs. Make sure you read and follow the directions on the packaging; just remember that more is not necessarily better when it comes to fertilizers. Be sure to take watering into special consideration when container gardening. Containers are more liable to dry out, especially in the summer heat or excessive wind and sun. Monitoring the soil moisture is very valuable so the pots don’t dry out.

Many people find organic gardening quite fun. Growing organic garden using containers certainly is an alternative, and one used by those living in a limited space. Give it a try. Besides – If you don’t like it, it’s all in containers that can be given away!

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