Colorado Springs Professionals Involved in Your Real Estate Transaction

As we proceed through your real estate purchase, you will be using professionals in other fields. We need you to know that we cannot recommend other professionals or professional services. We can only provide you with a partial list of professionals in the various areas of expertise. You are in now way limited by this list of professionals. You can hire any professional and should research them carefully. You are encouraged to seek out a professional that meets all your needs. You must make your own choices based on your situation and personal needs. When hiring any professional, make sure that you are satisfied with the credentials and competence of the companies or individuals you choose.

Your Colorado Springs real estate purchase may involve some or all of the following professionals or services:

Lender - we will help you shop interest rates and lenders. You will make the final choice of lenders.

Property Inspectors - there is no licensing requirements for inspectors in Colorado. However, inspectors can acquire their education from various professional organizations. Ask about qualification and insurance. Some inspectors will do radon and asbestos testing. Some might test for lead-based paint. Not all inspectors are competent to inspect for mold. You will make the final choice of property inspector and inspections.

Structural Engineers - are used for evaluating structural integrity. If you are considering the purchase of a hillside home, an older home or if the basic property inspection reveals any structural defects this inspection should not be overlooked. You will make the final choice of structural engineers.

Geological Survey - are used to determine home site defects, including but not limited to soil types, soil issues, rate and direction of landmass movements. A geo-survey is often done by or in conjunction with a structural engineering firm. If the basic property inspection reveals any structural defects this survey inspection should not be overlooked. You will make the final choice of geological surveys.

Appraisers - if you are purchasing property needing financing then the lender usually chooses the appraiser. If you are purchasing for cash, assumption, or owner carry financing, you will choose the appraiser.

Attorneys - we are not allowed to give you legal advise and we always recommend that you seek legal counsel for the transaction and the inspection of your evidence of title. The only caution we might give you here is that you should choose an attorney who understands real estate (some specialize in real estate) in order that you don't pay for the attorney's education. We may work with your attorney throughout the transaction. You will make the final choice of attorney.

Home Warranty Companies - there are many companies that sell home warranty policies. Read the fine print carefully as to what is covered and what is not covered as well as the deductibles. You will make the final choice of policies.

Surveyors - if you are financing the property, the title insurance company may require an IMPROVEMENT LOCATION CERTIFICATE (ILC). This is not a staked survey, and does not guarantee the location of the lot lines, and may not be used for fencing or add-ons to improvements. You will make the final choice of surveys and surveyors.

Well and Septic Inspections - discuss with the inspector whether the inspection will be surface or, subsurface, what is involved and the inspectors qualifications. You will make the final choice of inspectors.

Title Insurance Co. - the seller will furnish to you, a title insurance policy insuring you against defects in title, with exceptions. If you finance your purchase, you must furnish to the lender, a mortgagee (lender) title insurance policy. You may purchase this policy from any title company that you choose. However, if you use the same Title Company that writes your policy it will cost a fraction of the cost than if you use a different title company. You will make the final choice of title insurance companies.

We can show you any property in any area in the Greater Colorado Springs area within your price range as listed in the Pikes Peak Multiple Listing Service. We can also show you property in other areas of Colorado by agreement between us. If you know the neighborhood or area you like to live, we can, with your instructions, limit our search to specific areas. If you want to see for sale by owner or bank owned homes in a specific area please let us know.

We cannot make decisions as to where you live or where your children attend school. It is important that once you locate a property that you determine if the school system is satisfactory to you.

It seems that all areas have crime. We cannot know how much crime is too much crime for you. The police department has statistics on crime rates in the various areas.

There is a federal law called "Megan's Law". Megan was a small child who was molested and murdered by a convicted and released sex offender who resided in her neighborhood. The law states that people living in a neighborhood have the right to know if such a person is residing in the neighborhood. Once you locate a property, you may want to check this through the local jurisdictions that are required to keep lists of these people when released and where they reside.

Thank you for your patience in reading this. The purchase of real estate is a very important investment and we think the above are some of the things you should consider.

Please contact us should you have additional questions regarding these matters.

Clint & Laura