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Colorado Springs Real Estate Blog - Kathy Torline - Nordstrom

One way to find a good home inspector

How do I find a good home inspector?

For a free Buyers Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com

I was working on putting together a list of home inspectors for my client to call to schedule an inspection on a property she is trying to purchase; and I realized that was a great topic for a quick blog.

Home inspectors are a crucial part of providing information to buyers so they can make an informed decision on the inspecting-uid-1605070property they are trying to purchase. I was looking for the business cards of a couple of inspectors I've used the the past, and I remembered they were both members of ASHI, American Society of Home Inspectors and all of their contact information was on ASHI's web page.

ASHI's web site is full of information for consumers; links to consumer protection articles including articles about mold, septic information, aluminum wiring, FAQ's on inspections, and you can search for inspectors in a specific area.

In Colorado, inspectors aren't required to be licensed. Consequently it's comforting for a consumer to choose an inspector who is a member ASHI; as not just anyone can belong to ASHI. Their membership requires an inspector to complete 250 paid inspections as well as they must pass a comprehensive test. Experience definitely counts in this industry.

Article was originally posted at: One way to find a good home inspector

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Don't forget to get your Colorado License

For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com

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  • It's against the law

    One of the many things to do when moving your entire house from one state to another is to remember to register your vehicle in Colorado and get your Colorado Driver's License.

    After becoming a Colorado resident, you have 30 days to qualify for a Colorado Driver's license and 90 days to register your vehicle.

    Colorado Driver's License

    When heading to the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), bring the license from your former state as you will be required to surrender it in order to obtain the new license. There is no written exam or road skills testing required to change a valid out-of-state license to a Colorado Driver's license, however you will need to pass the vision test. If your out-of-state driver's license has expired, you may be required to apply for a STATE learners permit and pass all required testing to receive a driver's license. The identification requirements are posted on the Colorado Department of Revenue Web site. There are several DMV locations in Colorado Springs:

    • 4420 Austin Bluffs Pkwy., Colorado Springs, CO 80918 M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (719) 594-8701
    • Chapel Hills Shopping Center 1710 Briargate Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80920 M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (719) 520-6240
    • 200 S. Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903 M-T, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CLOSED on Friday (719) 520-6240
      Vehicle Registration

    The Division of Motor Vehicles details out exactly what type of document you need to bring with you when you are transferring your vehicle registration to Colorado. The web site also gives all the facts on the military exemption as well as the exemption for out-of-state students.

    Also, the FAQ section of the site web pretty much answers every question you could think of , plus some. Also, once you get your initial paperwork done and finished, you can do just about everything online in the future.

  • Original article was posted at: Moving to Colorado Springs, don't forget to get your new Driver's License

    Remember, Knowledge is Power

    A Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent You Can Trust

    Selling HOMES in El Paso & Douglas County; including Colorado Springs, Monument, Fountain, Larkspur, Pueblo, Castle Rock, Manitou Springs, Woodland Park, Palmer Lake

    www.Kathytorline.com & www.ColoradoSpringsVintageHomes.com

    Colorado Springs Real Estate

    What do you do with Hazardous Waste in El Paso County?

    Getting ready to move in Colorado Springs? What do you do with the old paint cans? The old car batteries? Old computers?

    El Paso couny has a Hazardous Waste Collection Facility on 3255 Akers Drive, which is close to Constitution and Marksheffel Road.. The collection center is free to residents of El Paso and Teller County, but they encourage a donation of non-perishable food for Care and Share.

    The web site is full of all types of amazing information, including what is household waste and a recycling directory.

    The facility accepts:Agriculture & Industry uid 1737832

    • household paint and paint-related products
    • lawn & garden chemicals
    • household items: cleaners (carpet, drain, oven, toilet bowl), aerosols, ammonia,
    • batteries (alkaline & rechargeable),
    • fluorescent lights,
    • mercury thermometers
    • propane tanks,
    • automotive products (no tires): antifreeze, batteries, brake & transmission fluids, cleaners (bug/tar, chrome, engine, vinyl), contaminated oil, flares, fuels, wax, etc.
    • ammunition,
    • fireworks
    • electronics: including CPU's, monitors, keyboards, printers

    For other counties:

    The Original Article was posted at: What to do with hazardous waste in El Paso County

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    A Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent You Can Trust

    Selling HOMES in El Paso & Douglas County; including Colorado Springs, Monument, Fountain, Larkspur, Pueblo, Castle Rock, Manitou Springs, Woodland Park, Palmer Lake

    www.Kathytorline.com & www.ColoradoSpringsVintageHomes.com

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    Moving to the Air Force Academy?

    Moving to the Air Force Academy?

    For a Free Colorado Springs Relocation Guide, Email Kathy Torline at KTorline@msn.com

    Are you preparing for a move to the Air Force Academy? If so, I hope you find these sites helpful. The Air Force Academy in Colorado SpringsAcademy celebrated its 50th graduation last May and it continues to educate young men and women for service with The United States Air Force. The Academy has approximately 4000 cadets and graduates about 1000 per year.

    If you are moving here with your family, there are four housing areas located on the grounds of the Academy. You can also live off base where there is plenty of housing located in the northern part of Colorado Springs, Monument or Palmer Lake.

    Anyone being transferred to the Academy is assigned a sponsor to make your transition easier, but here is some arrival information that will also help make your move go more smoothly.

    If you have children of school age, they will be attending the award winning District 20 school system, where there is a high school and elementary school located on The Academy itself. You can start the process before ever arriving and it will certainly help speed up getting your children enrolled.

    If you plan on living off base and in Colorado Springs, its nice to know that all utilities except garbage comes in one bill (remember, this applies only to the city of Colorado Springs. Other towns may be set up differently). To get your utilities hooked up check out the utilities site.

    The Academy has its very own newspaper, The Academy Spirit and it's free to you and full of interesting articles about where you'll be living. You can also check out The Gazette which is the local Colorado Springs paper.

    For some other articles that you might enjoy reading about The Air force Academy check out these:

    The original article was posted at :Relocating to The Air Force Academy? Here's some great info to make your move easier.

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    www.Kathytorline.com & www.ColoradoSpringsVintageHomes.com

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    Why should I buy a HUD Home?

    Colorado Springs HUD home - 7 Reasons to Buy

    For a FREE list of Foreclosure Homes, Email KTorline@msn.com

    1. Comprehensive Property Report; HUD has already had a property inspection report done on their properties. Hence, you have an idea of what needs to be fixed on them. A buyer should still get an inspection done; but it's nice to know most of what needs to be done before you put in a bid; it cuts down on the surprises.IMG_1748 hans outside
    2. Precise Bid Periods: All HUD properties are on a bid period, consequently you'll know quickly whether or not your bid has been accepted.
    3. Low Downpayment: $100.00 down. Yes I did type this correctly. You can get into a HUD property for $100.00 down.
    4. Attractive pricing: HUD properties seem to be discounted about 20% to 25% from the general market.
    5. Options for Financing: Many of the HUD properties are available for an FHA 203K loan, a rehab type loan. Consequently a buyer can borrow more than the cost of the house and have extra funds available for major repairs.
    6. Easy to Show: All of the properties are accessible by a HUD key, consequently a Realtor doesn't need to make an appointment to show the property.
    7. Research on Pricing Available: It's easy to research the bid statistics on properties; hence a buyer and their Realtor can get a feel for how the pricing works and what the winning bids are. Currently, a fair amount of the winning bids are going for more than the asking price. Also, many of the properties are getting 4, 5 even 6 bids on them.

    The original article was posted at:7 reasons to buy a HUD home in Colorado Springs

    Remember, Knowledge is Power

    A Colorado Springs Real Estate Agent You Can Trust

    Selling HOMES in El Paso & Douglas County; including Colorado Springs, Monument, Fountain, Larkspur, Pueblo, Castle Rock, Manitou Springs, Woodland Park, Palmer Lake

    www.Kathytorline.com & www.ColoradoSpringsVintageHomes.com

    Colorado Springs Real Estate