Consumer Advisory

Recognizing Discrimination in Housing

Colorado has been at the forefront when it comes to enacting fair housing laws, in fact prohibiting discrimination in housing as far back as 1959, years before the federal Fair Housing Act became law. These laws were established to make sure that everyone has the same opportunity and access to choosing where they want to live and the type of housing that they desire.

What is an Appraisal Gap on a Home Purchase?

An appraisal gap is the difference that occurs when a buyer's offer is higher than the actual appraised value of the property (which is usually the amount the bank will loan for the home) that they are contracting to purchase. It is an issue that is currently being experienced in the hot and highly competitive Colorado real estate market and experienced by buyers where there are many more prospective purchasers than inventory that is available for sale, and where bidding wars and other aggressive purchase offer tactics are being used.

Floods and Floodplains in Colorado

In Colorado, floods are one of the most widespread common and natural hazards that we encounter. While some floods develop very slowly, flash floods can occur in an instant. Real estate professionals and their clients looking to purchase a home need to be aware if that home is located in a floodplain, as well as what the risk of flooding is in the area.