Doreen Eubank is an Expert Realtor for the Metro Denver Colorado area, who can help you decide where to live.  Because, Doreen understands finding your special place means taking in many factors that include accessibility to work, education and recreational activities.  It also includes the size and style of your home, the style of the neighborhood that will make you feel more at home.  All of these factors must come together to make your new Metro Denver Colorado home, feel like home.

DENVER COLORADO CODE OF ETHICS AND INTERESTING INFORMATION FOR SELLING OR BUYING YOUR HOME IN THE METRO DENVER AREA!

An Expert Realtor's DENVER COLORADO REAL ESTATE AREA "WEB SITES" WILL BENEFIT YOUR INTEREST BY HAVING ALL RELEVANT INFORMATION AT YOUR "FINGERTIPS".

The importance of using a Realtor

Some people may assume that the word "Realtor" is just a shorter way to say real estate broker or agent. But, as the COLORADO ASSOCIATION of REALTORSpoints out, that is a false assumption because the term "Realtor" is actually a distinction given only to those real estate brokers and agents who belong to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORSand to its strict CODE OF ETHICS.

Why is a name so important? First of all, the term "REALTOR" is a collective membership markregistered with the U.S. Patent Office, and designates only those real estate brokers and agents who are members of the national association.

Members of the national, state, and local REALTOR organizations display the Realtor identification--the stylized "R"-or the name Realtor in their signs, advertising and business cards.

Most importantly, if you use a Realtor, you can be assured that you are dealing with a "REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL", with personal integrity as well as competency in real estate matters.

Real Estate brokers and agents who wish to be Realtors must first be accepted through their local Realtor boards. Acceptance for membership is based upon good business character and demonstration of ability in real estate maters. Before attaining membership, the real estate broker or agent pledges to abide by the association's nationally recognized CODE OF ETHICS.

This code demands high professional conduct. It is a three-part document dealing with Realtors' relations with the public, the client, and fellow Realtors. The essence of the Code is the Golden Rule, contained in the code's preamble: "Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."

The Code is enforced through professional standards committees which are maintained by local boards. These, in effect, are grievance committees charged with the responsibility of hearing complaints and arbitrating disputes.

The public, as well as members of the board, can bring complaints before the committee. Disciplinary action can consist of suspension or expulsion from membership. A real estate broker or agent who is not a Realtoris governed only by state license laws.

BecauseRealtors have worked to unify and standardize their business practices since 1908, the term "REALTOR" has come to connote competence, fair dealing and integrity in business relations.

In addition to promoting real estate information and education, the association is involved in protecting the rights of all private property owners. It is the goal of the association to make home ownership affordable and accessible.

The COLORADO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORSreminds you that Realtors are people in the real estate business who continues to be affiliated with well-organized real estate activities and business practices. Realtors have the knowledge generated by over 75 YEARS of ETHICAL STANDARDS, EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND RESEARCH.

HELPFUL HINTS WHEN PURCHASING A COLORADO HOME.

If you're looking for a home, the Colorado Association of REALTORSoffers tips you might want to consider.

You need to check out the house carefully. New home or not so new, it pays to know what to look for in the home's structure, equipment and surroundings. Though a final assessment can be made by an inspection service company, the points listed below can serve as a remainder of some things you should look for, in order to make a wise buying decision.

STRUCTURE OF HOME

FOUNDATION. Floors and walls poured concrete. No evidence of water seepage or moisture problems. Minor settling cracks usually not structurally significant.

DRAINAGE. Sump pump for sanitary and foundation draining. Crawl space dry.

TERMITE AND WOOD ROT. May require inspection by qualified exterminate for existing and potential problems.

FLOORS. Conditions of walls, whether drywall or plaster. Absence of water marks.

ATTIC. Sufficiently insulated and ventilated.

FIREPLACE. Damper working, flues to chimney clear.

EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCES

HEATING. Type of heat used and minor periodic maintenance required-oil fan motor, lubricate bearings, clean humidifier, replace filters, etc.

HOT WATER SYSTEM. Type and gallon capacity. How long present unit in service (if older home).

ELECTRICAL. Standard house current, number of circuits, outlets and fuses or circuit breakers sufficient for everyday needs. Condition of wiring.

PLUMBING. Good water pressure throughout house. Tie-in to local water supply facilities, etc., all in working order. Bathroom and kitchen fixtures in good shape.

APPLIANCES AND FIXTURES. Range, refrigerator, dishwasher/disposal, laundry facilities, etc. all in working order. Accommodation for gas grill hook-up. Bathroom and kitchen fixtures in good shape.

EXTERIOR AND GROUNDS

LOT AND LANDSCAPING. Grading level or properly contoured. Trees and shrubs sufficient for needs. Fences, walls, patio and driveway in good condition.

EXTERIOR WALLS. Type suitable to weather conditions, need for periodic maintenance (painting or tuck pointing).

DOORS AND WINDOWS. Easy to open and close (or replace) for storm/screen removal or installation.

ROOF. Gutters and downspouts in good condition. If older home, how long have shingles been in use? Chimney flashing tightly caulked.

GARAGE. Doors or opener in good working order. Sufficient electrical and heating access.

A GUIDE FOR BUYER'S ESTIMATED COSTS.

PRICE:

Purchase Price $________________________________________

Down Payment $_______________________________________

Balance $_______________________________________

GROSS MONTHLY COSTS:

Principal and Interest (est.) $______________________________________

Real Estate Taxes (est.) $_____________________________________

Total Monthly Tax Deductions (est.) $_____________________________________

NET MONTHLY COSTS:

Monthly Cash Outlay (est.) $______________________________________

Monthly Tax Savings (Assuming--% tax bracket) $_________________________________

Net Monthly Cost (est.) $____________________________________

TIPS FOR A QUICK HOME SALE.

When selling your home, there are a number of steps, you can take to accomplish that goal more quickly, according to the COLORADO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS.

Your Realtor, a real estate professional who belongs to the National Association of Realtors, will have a lot of helpful hints to make your home easier to sell, but here are some general things to keep in mind:

• First impressions are lasting. The front door should be fresh and clean, and the yard should be neat and cleared of any toys or debris.

• Make certain that your home is clean and appealing. If the walls look dingy, paint or re-paper them.

• Fix any dripping faucets. They discolor sinks and add to your plumbing repair bills.

• Fix any loose knobs, sticking doors, windows, and drawers. Failure to do so may be interpreted as a sign of neglect.

• Bathrooms are a selling point: make certain that everything is shining. Clean and repair bathtub and basin caulking. Clothing and personal items should be put away.

• Make certain the kitchen and all appliances are spotless.

• Cluttered rooms look smaller than they are; remove excess furniture.

• Closets and storage areas can look larger by disposing of items you don't need and storing the rest neatly. Clearing them out now will also help you when you move!

• If paint on the exterior trim is peeling, it's time to get out the paint brush. Once you get everything in shape, here are some additional points for showing your home:

1. Before the prospective buyer arrives, create a cheerful atmosphere by opening drapes and curtains. Make certain the temperature is comfortable throughout your home.

2. Avoid having too may people present. Potential buyers may feel like intruders and hurry through.

3. Unless pets are quite, peaceful and well-behaved, get them out of the way

4. Soft background music my be acceptable, but turn off blaring stereos, radios and televisions. They can only impede discussions.

5. Silence is golden. Too much talking on your part can only distract from the buyer's inspection of your home.

6. Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it's been lived in. Let your Realtor react to comments.

7. It's a good idea to stay in the background-better yet, get out of the house. Your Realtor is trained to sell your house, is familiar with the buyer's needs, and can point out the significant features of your home.

Is all this effort worth-while? Simply consider that you are competing for the buyer's attention with other families attention who are also selling their homes at the same time. Time and effort invested to make certain that your home is shown in its best light, will not only give you a competitive edge, but will also help you get the best price for your home.

SELLER'S ESTIMATED PROCEEDS

Sale Price of Property (est.) $________________________________

Less Mortgage Balance (est.) $_______________________________

Less Other Encumbrances $______________________________

Total $______________________________

Projected Gross Equity $____________________________

LESS ESTIMATED SELLING/CLOSING COSTS:

Escrow Charges $_________________________________

Document Preparation $_______________________________

Title Charges $_________________________________

Transfer Tax $_______________________________

FHA, VA or Lender Discount $________________________________

Mortgage Pre-payment Penalty $_________________________________

Real Estate Taxes $______________________________

Appraisal $_________________________________

Survey $___________________________________

Termite Inspection $_________________________________

Corrective Work $_______________________________

Home Protection Plan $_______________________________

Unpaid Assessments $______________________________

Real Estate Commission $_________________________________

Other: $______________________________

Total Deductions (est.) $_______________________________

Net to Seller (est.) $_________________________________

"THE ABOVE IS GOOD INFORMATION, BUT THE REALTORWILL ADD EXPERIENCE AND REALITY TO YOUR QUESTIONS!"