It’s The Color That Counts: Big and Small Green Improvements for Your Home

As more and more information comes to light about how our technology and modern ways of living have affected the environments, it’s much more common for homeowners to decide they want to try to make their homes as green and environmentally friendly as possible. It’s not just for Boulder "yippies" anymore either! Some people have more of a budget put aside than others for this, but even if you’re a little short on cash, there are small ways you can improve your home that’ll ultimately help make a big difference when it comes to saving the environment. Some might even have the potential to save you some money in the long run too!

First, if you do have a bit of money saved up to put to this specific purpose, consider changing your roofing or siding materials to Plywood, OSB or paneled siding that helps reflect a great portion of the sun’s reflective energy. You want siding that does this because it will ultimately end up saving you money in electricity costs since your house will stay cooler in the summer and keep your electricity costs down. The same goes for specific types of insulation that will help keep heat in during the winter.

If you have some money saved up but are a little worried about spending it all on energy efficient materials that’ll improve your home, there are also options that might cost a bit more upfront but will ultimately pay off the next time you do taxes. Look for Energy Star label shingles for your home. The federal government offers a 30 percent rebate come tax time, which comes to about $1500 of savings when it comes time to filling out your taxes.

Lastly, if money is a big concern right now, there are small ways you can chip in to help the environment, while not taking a chunk out of your bank account at the same time. If you already have blinds or shades on your windows, for example, remembering to keep them closed over your windows during daylight hours will add up in terms of saving money in electricity costs over a period of time. And instead of turning your heat up higher in the winter, just open up your window’s shades and let the sun naturally heat up your home. Also make sure your windows don’t have any cracks or drafts in them. This can be a fast way to help your energy bill too, since you won’t end up having to pay more in heating or cooling if your windows and doors are properly sealed to the outside elements.

Top 5 Things To Do in Denver

According to various online resources, Denver is considered the most popular big city in America, and if you live here, you already know why!  Being the envy of other major cities’ like Manhattan and Los Angels, Denver offers its residents a high-quality of life, safe neighborhoods, breathtaking views and tons of things to do. Whether you are planning a move to Denver or just a trip, there are several attractions in the area that are a definite must-see. 

Denver’s Capital Building is the jewel in the city's skyline, literally.  Construction of this Corinthian Style masterpiece was completed in 1896 and is still one of the main highlights of the city. Two of the most distinguishable characteristics of the Capital Building are its gold dome, which features more than 200 ounces of pure 24 carat gold leaf, and its one of a kind Colorado Onyx wainscoting and pillars.   

The Denver Zoo is not only a great place for kids but it's also attractive to older generations as a fantastic place for a date or to host an event.  From a very modest beginning, Denver’s Zoo is now one of the most extravagant zoos in America with over 80-acre and 4000 animals.  Not just a popular warm weather attraction, the Denver Zoo hosts tons of events like Boo at the Zoo and Zoo Lights which brings in visitors year round. The Toyota Elephant Passage is a half a billion dollar Asian Tropic exhibit which is powered by an eco-friendly biomass gasification technology that utilizes human trash and animal waste to produce energy.

A longtime symbol of excellence and notoriety in Denver is the world famous Brown Palace Hotel.  This elegant triangular shaped Italian Renaissance building features an eight-story stained-glass atrium, Colorado Red Granite and Arizona Sandstone, 12,400 surface feet of Onyx and a variety of semiprecious quartz.  Truly stunning in appearance the Brown Palace is also hot spot for dining and entertainment.

If you are looking for fun in Denver, LoDo is the place to be.  The Lower Downtown side of Denver is one of the liveliest areas in the city.  Here you will find dozens of restaurants, nightclubs, local business, and the Coor’s Baseball Field. A great place to walk about during the day, LoDo really comes alive once the sun goes down.

Antique Row is the official antique district of Denver located over an 8 block stretch from 1100 to 1800 S Boradway in Southwest Denver.  With over 400 antiques dealers in the district, many antique buffs consider Antique Row to be the Mecca for old western and cowboy artifacts. You can also expect to find many dealers here that specialize in silver, porcelain, Depression glass, dolls, jewelry and furniture.  There are also several great restaurants in the area which makes it very easy for visitors to enjoy a whole days worth of antique shopping.

3 Things Every Parent Should Know About Keeping Young Athletes Safe

Our friends at Alliance Insurance have provided a few tips to help keep your kids safe during the upcoming season.

Your child should get his or her heart checked.
More than 75 young athletes succumb every year to sudden cardiac death due to undetected heart defects. The American Heart Association recommends that kids who play sports get a thorough physical exam every two years. Check whether your child’s school has automated external defibrillators (which can deliver a lifesaving shock during cardiac arrest), and make sure the devices are present at school athletic events.

The brain needs rest after a head injury.
When recovering from a concussion, kids should get “cognitive rest,” which can mean refraining from thinking activities such as challenging schoolwork. Talk to your child’s doctor and school about easing him back into his studies, and monitor his symptoms.

One-sport athletes should take extra precautions. As more youths play one sport practically year-round, overuse injuries like pitcher’s elbow have begun to spike. To help prevent such injuries, underage athletes should follow the 10 percent rule: Don’t increase training intensity, frequency, or duration by more than 10 percent per week. Kids should take at least 10 weeks off from their sport each year.

To learn more about Alliance Insurance click here.

FAQ: Approval & Closing

If you're looking to purchase a home or refinance your current home, here are some some frequently asked questions regarding Approval and Closing.

1. How long does it take to obtain loan approval?

The average number of days from application to approval will vary from lender to lender, however 7-10 business days is typical. Depending on your credit history, down payment or equity in your home, and the loan program selected, some lenders may be able to approve your mortgage in less time.

2. How long will it take to close if I applied for my mortgage through a "pre-approval" program?

If you applied through a "pre-approval" program and were approved, some lenders can close within 3 weeks after a purchase contract has been signed. In most cases, 45-60 days from application to closing is typical. Each lender's timeframe will vary and the transaction itself may cause the timeframes to vary.

3. If I refinance my loan with my existing lender, will I have to pay all the closing costs again?

Typically, yes, as there is a cost to process any new loan application. This cost may include fees paid to third parties, such as the appraisal provider and the title and closing providers.

4. Will the lender agree to include my closing costs in the loan amount?

On a purchase transaction, you typically cannot finance your closing costs into the loan amount. Some lenders do, however, have special programs under which you may be able to finance some, or all, of the costs by agreeing to a slightly higher interest rate. Also, if you are refinancing, you may be able to refinance some, or all, of your closing costs.

5. How quickly can a lender close on my home loan?

Many lenders can facilitate closing 2 to 3 weeks after you have agreed on a purchase contract for a home. If you need more time, you can take as long as you need. However, keep in mind if you want to close after your rate lock expires, you will need to pay additional fees to protect your interest rate. Many lenders require 30-60 days from purchase contract and application to closing.

6. Can I close on a home without having to be at the closing table?

Many lenders are willing to accommodate what is termed a "mail away" closing. You may also appoint someone to act for you by using a Power of Attorney. In this scenario, you would actually assign someone to sign on your behalf. Each state has its own specific requirements, so please check with your closing agent for state specific requirements. If you select a "mail away," the lender will coordinate overnight delivery of the documents to ensure a timely closing. Please note this process may require some additional coordination time.

7. What is direct billing?

A direct billing program allows a relocation lender to pay all the non-recurring closing costs on your behalf and, in turn, bill them directly to your employer. This makes the closing process easier and reduces the out-of-pocket expenses you are responsible for at the time of closing. Direct billing is only available in certain situations.

8. How much money will be required at closing?

You should consult with your individual lender and closing agent; however, the amount of money needed for cash to close is comprised of your down payment, closing costs, as well as the prepaid items for your initial taxes and insurance escrow accounts. A lender is required to provide you with a good faith estimate of settlement costs at the time of application. Also, typically within 24 hours prior to your closing, the closing agent will provide you with the final sum of money required for the closing.

9. Does the lender require title insurance for purchase transactions?

Yes, a Mortgagee's Title Insurance Policy will be required on purchase transactions.

10. What homeowner's insurance requirements will I need to meet at closing?

Most lenders require a one-year paid receipt for homeowner's insurance policy for at least the amount of the mortgage at the loan closing.

11. What should an active duty service member consider before refinancing?

If you are a service member on active duty, prior to seeking a refinance of your existing mortgage loan, please consult with your legal advisor regarding the loss of any benefits you are entitled to under the Service members Civil Relief Act or applicable state law.

Click here for more FAQs provided by Colorado Mortgage Alliance.

RE/MAX Alliance Garners Top Awards At the RE/MAX International Annual Convention!

RE/MAX Alliance, Colorado’s largest independently owned real estate company, was recognized at the RE/MAX International Annual Convention on March 7th as the largest multi-office network in the United States and having the highest sales volume for a multi-office network in the United States.

“This is quite an accomplishment for our experienced real estate professionals, our management team, support staff, and our loyal clients,” said Chad Ochsner, Broker/Co-owner of RE/MAX Alliance. “This clearly shows that RE/MAX Alliance broker associates can get the job done regardless of market conditions. Congratulations to everyone.”