DENVER COLORADO AREA REAL ESTATE AND RELOCATION RESOURCE

COLORADO HOME BUYING TIPS

• With over 300 days of sunshine, our high altitude sunshine is the dominate element of the Denver Metro climate. When buying a home it may be helpful to consider the orientation of your new Colorado home. The desired orientation ( if any) of your home will be determined by your lifestyle and personal preferences. A north facing home will require more effort to shovel snow in the winter but will provide abundant sunshine on the south facing portion of the home (kitchen, deck, flower gardens). A west facing deck or patio may require shade for late afternoon entertaining. There is no correct option - it is an individual choice.
• Many Denver Metro homes feature wood shake roofs. With proper maintenance, a wood shake roof will have a life expectancy of 15 to 25+ years depending on the original quality of the roof. Wood shakes are combustible and thus some insurance companies do not cover shake roofs or charge a premium ( typically $200 - $400 per year ) for homeowner's insurance. It is recommended that a wood shake roof be inspected, serviced and certified by a licensed roofer as part of the property inspection process.
• Summers in the Denver Metro Area are dry. It is normally necessary to have an underground sprinkler system for your yard and landscaping. Due to our cold winter nights it is imperative that the sprinkler system be properly drained and winterized in the fall. It is recommended that the status of the sprinkler system be verified during the property inspection process.
• Expansive soils in the Denver Metro Area can be a challenge for homeowners. It is not uncommon for soil issues to result in some heaving and cracking of sidewalks and driveways. It is imperative that a qualified property inspector evaluate the home for evidence of potential structural or foundation problems resulting from soil issues.
• Soils in the Denver Metro Area tend not to absorb water particularly well. Thus it is important to evaluate potential drainage issues as well as consider irrigation requirements for new landscaping.
• Structural wood basement floors are common in many new ( 10 years or less) homes in the Denver Metro Area. Structural wood floors are engineered to accomodate expansive soils and thus avoid potential heaving and cracking in the basement floor. A structural wood floor does require a properly installed vapor barrier and ventilation system under the floor to avoid potential mold issues. A structural wood floor as well as a conventional concrete slab floor each offer unique benefits. There is no correct choice but it is imperative to have your new Colorado home inspected and evaluated by a qualified property inspector.
• The State of Colorado does not require the licensing of Property Inspectors. In reality, any one can represent themselves as a property inspector. Thus it is imperative that you select a qualified, experienced, reputable property inspector. We will be happy to provide references for respected, qualified, independent property inspectors.
• The State of Colorado does not regulate mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers. Colorado initiated a registration requirement in 2007. However, lenders are not subject regulation, discipline or continuing education requirements. Thus it is imperative that you select an established, reputable, respected mortgage lender. We will be happy to provide references for respected, qualified, professional mortgage lenders. Please refer to our exclusive MORTGAGE FINANCING IN COLORADO REPORT for more information.
• New Construction: The purchase of a new home in Colorado is an exciting option for many homebuyers. Established, reputable builders in Colorado have an excellent working relationship with real estate professionals. It has been reported that over 75% of all new home purchases in the Denver Metro Area involved a licensed real estate professional representing the Buyer as a Buyer's Agent. Please refer our exclusive BUYING A NEW HOME COLORADO REPORT for more information.
• The Real Estate Laws of The State of Colorado provide for Buyer Agency. A licensed real estate professional in Colorado can exclusively represent a home buyer in a real estate transaction. A professional, qualified Buyer's Agent can provided invaluable services and benefits to a homebuyer at no direct cost to the buyer - their commission is normally paid by the seller. Please refer our exclusive BUYER AGENCY REPORT for more information on our professional buyer's agency services.