Do you remember when Charlie Brown would have Lucy hold the foot ball and she’d pull it away again and again? Well, Clear Capital has done it to me again. And I’ve had enough! After almost no research I’ve found these blog posts and authors that are equally as unhappy with Clear Capital.

After two phones from Clear Capital begging me to accept a job I really didn’t want to do, I accepted over the phone. However, when I went to accept the job online it was gone! Yep, 2 phone calls begging me and then Lucy pulled the football away. Well, I hope somebody at Clear Capital is paying attention. I won’t be accepting any more jobs over the phone from you, go complain to Snoopy!

http://activerain.com/blogsview/743790/My-first-and-last-BPO

http://activerain.com/blogsview/117296/BPO-Companies-That-Do-Not-Pay

http://activerain.com/blogsview/176469/Clarification-Requests-From-Clear-Capital

http://activerain.com/blogsview/401163/Status-calls-on-BPOs

I’d like to thank my friend George Souto for this explanation. This is very timely and important to understand.

It’s a dark, stormy night the wind is howling and rain is beating against the window pane, lightning cracks, thunder rolls and you snuggle under the covers grateful that you are safe and warm.  “ARE YOU”?

Have you ever looked in your attic? Do you know for sure that wind hasn’t driven rain into your home? Do you know that your roof is properly insulated, ventilated and secure from insect or rodent intrusions? Your roof protects everything in your home; if it fails it can lead to expensive repairs. If you see moisture on your ceiling, damage is already done. Don’t delay! Call somebody immediately, before it has a chance to get worse. Moisture can decrease the effectiveness of your insulation, and provide an excellent environment for mold or mildew to flourish; great for the kid’s science project, not so good for you and your home.

Your home is a living entity, the veins and arteries are the electrical and plumbing systems. If they get clogged or cut, it isn’t much different than your own body. If left without treatment the problems only get worse until a simple fix now requires a specialist and expensive surgical procedures. The HVAC systems are the lungs and if not properly maintained can create breathing problems due to dust and allergens.

Any crack in the wall could be a simple injury or a symptom of a larger problem. Is it caused by settling of the foundation? This might be caused by poor drainage, if addressed quickly it could be a simple fix, but if left might lead to structural damage.

Most homes over time develop their own poltergeists, a creaking floor board, or strange noises in the pipes. Especially in older homes these sounds can become comforting friends in the night, the key is to know what is normal and what is sinister.

There is no greater feeling than owning your own home and being master or mistress of your own domain. I am not trying to scare you from that experience; I am asking that you approach home ownership like you do your personal health. Get an occasional check up. Many companies will come out for free and check on their particular area of expertise. There are also inspectors that will come out for a nominal fee and look over the entire house. The experts in their field might try to get you to do elective, unnecessary surgery, so ask questions and get a second opinion before doing costly repairs, but don’t ignore problems. Sometimes they will make simple suggestions to save you money; energy audits can save you money by determining where waste is occurring and addressing the problems with simple fixes.

Ultimately home ownership needs to be approached with common sense and pride of achievement. So get an inspection and then as you snuggle under the covers on a cold winter night you will know that you are truly lucky to be safe and warm. 

Pam Simmons – Contributor

Allied Building Supply Pueblo 719 240-1393

 www.alliedbuilding.com

During a recent conversation with another agent and appraiser we got into the ever-so-common discussion of what is the right way to build an energy efficient, sustainable, environmentally friendly house. For the most part he and I agreed on every point. This conversation took several hours but was a great way to exchange ideas and hopefully build our respective businesses.

Many people today are asking builders to build their new construction homes with the newest, biggest, most modern gizmos. Whether it’s photo voltaic, hot water systems, wind turbines or anything else that has bells or whistles. But is the home owner chasing wind mills?

Installers of Photo Voltaic systems are advising home owners to replace their roofs prior to the PV installation. (If roof mounted) The average PV system has a warranty of between 10 and 25 years modified or discounted every year and the warranty or average life span of the roof is 30 years or less, it makes sense to do both projects at once.

Many people are interested in purchasing PV systems today because of the tax credits available. But just as many are putting off the purchase because of the cost and because a newer system is always around the corner. The next newest gizmo is always going to be improving in quality and efficiency.

PV Life cycle info: http://photovoltaics.sandia.gov/docs/LCcost.htm  From this site : One dollar received today is worth more than the promise of $1 next year, because the $1 today can be invested and earn interest.

So what is the correct answer when a home owner asks what to do? Does the owner invest today based on the information above? Or wait to see what will happen tomorrow?

Some of the things that we agreed upon in our conversation:

1) The homeowner is right, after all the owner is the one writing the check.

2) There are some great passive solar designs out that will save the home owner money up front, are sustainable and cost effective in the long run.

Homeowners, builders, investors, real estate professionals all need to educate themselves on ALL of the options available. What is the correct balance between active and passive systems? Is the newest gizmo better than some tried and true proven designs?

You don’t need fancy highbrow traditions or money to really learn. You just need people with the desire to better themselves.   Adam Cooper and Bill Collage

Thanks to Deb Hurt : www.activerain.com/debhurt  for the additional inspiration on this blog post : http://weburbanist.com/2009/02/19/abandoned-windmills/   

Pueblo is happy to welcome Vestas to Southern Colorado

Functional Obsolescence is the impairment of the usefulness of a device or equipment due to a design defect, or due to it’s inability to be upgraded or modified to serve the user’s current needs.

If you are trying to sell your property no doubt you know it’s a tough market out there. For your sake as well as the buyers think safety. Both you and your potential buyers should know the property is safe and secure. Here are just a few suggestions to check if the house is safe for visitors and potential buyers.

• Fix any broken door knobs, locks or latches, locate all the keys
• Put timers or motion detectors on exterior lights
• Use timers on interior lights in dark rooms and corners
• Have the property pre-inspected or move in certified
• Trim bushes and trees, clear any branches near door ways or windows
• Remove any “trip ‘n falls” such as throw rugs, extension chords, step stools
• Secure or tighten loose handrails and banisters
• Replace any broken glass in windows and doors
• Make the house numbers large enough to seen from the street
• Put away all medications, bills and any personal information
• Don’t leave out any jewelry, money or other valuables
• Secure pets in fenced yard or kennel
• Are there smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for the entire house?
• Are fire exhausters are easily accessible?
• Blind and curtain cords are pinned up
• Heavy bookshelves, TV’s & stereo equipment are all secure from falling
• Sharp objects like knives and scissors are put out of sight
• Cleaning products, poisons, matches and lighters are put out of reach of small children
• Secure loose steps and walkway paths

Pueblo welcomes Vestas!

Save the planet by making an old home energy efficient  

Better tax credits for increasing the energy efficiency of your existing home. WOW that makes sense. Previously there was a $200 cap on replacement windows. Now it is $1500 tax credit for all energy efficient projects. Don’t get me wrong I love the idea of building more energy efficient homes; it makes great sense that as we build new homes we build them to ever increasing standards that match the new technology available. However, retrofitting an existing home with energy efficient features is much more carbon and cost efficient than adding requirements to new housing.

“These new tax credits are another way that the home building industry can combat the potential effects of global climate change by encouraging home owners to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes,” said Miedema. A 2008 California study showed that homes built before 1983 were responsible for 70% of the greenhouse gas emissions related to single-family envelope energy consumption. The study also found that spending $10,000 to retrofit a 1960s home could save 8.5 tons of carbon at a cost of $588 to $1,176 per ton, depending on existing tax credits and incentives. By comparison, increasing the energy efficiency of a new home 35% over current state requirements would cost about $5,000 and would reduce emissions by 1.1 tons at a cost of $4,545 per ton. The bottom line is that retrofitting existing homes with energy efficient features is four to eight times more carbon- and cost-efficient than adding further energy-efficiency requirements to new housing, the study showed.
Taken from the Nations Building News February 16, 2009 found on www.nahb.org

A word of caution is needed, though, as not all E-star rated products will qualify for the new tax credits. The standards have been increased so consumers need to do some research and make sure that their contractor is well informed. These new standards have just been put in place and not everyone including industry professionals will be aware of the new stricter standards. Consumers should always do some research before investing in products for their home, but now it is more imperative than ever before. The window industry is reeling over this news, there are many very high quality windows that will not meet the new criteria and some not so great windows that do. Shgc and U-factors are just part of the story in an efficient window. However, I believe the overall wisdom of making an older home more efficient is the best thing we can do for the environment, our personal comfort and for our pocket books. Realtors can market either a homes existing improvements or the tax credits for making improvements. Every little bit helps in these tough economic times.

Alternative energy systems such as Solar, wind and geothermal have their own tax credits that have been extended to the year 2016. I hope that we will see a continued increase in smart policies that will encourage energy efficiency and new technologies. Below are some websites that have more information.

Contributed by Pamela Simmons
www.alliedbuilding.com

www.NAHB.org
http://www.energystar.gov
http:/// www.seia.org
www.irs.gov

Like many Realtors across the country I was approached by Growth Leader to become apart of their new program. After a few minutes on the phone with Jennifer Lew I have to say I was impressed with what they offer. And of course, I checked out all the recent blog posts that agents have been writing about Growth Leader.

But as it some times happens, after I got excited about the possibilities the rug got pulled out from under me. Pueblo (PAR) isn’t part of there program – bummer! Our market here in Southern Colorado just isn’t big enough.

But the upside of having a small market is a great, close knit community! Come on down to Pueblo and Canon City, see what we have for you!

Recently I’ve been showing more buyers around than usual, and that’s a good thing! But what is available in the more affordable range is quite discouraging. The list of properties available between $70,000 and $125,000 in Fremont county is long and large. Everything from manufactured homes that will not go FHA to site built homes that are near tare downs at best.

In the last few weeks one particular buyer, her friend and I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly. Today we saw 3 manufactured homes.

The first was so moldy that the three of us could only walk 10 in feet before bolting out of the house.

The second, a bank owned had a broken front door, broken back door and everything in between was “iffy” at best.

The third house is a wonderful looking place on an acre. And the upside is that it’s within my buyers budget, in above average condition, has great views. Finally the first one in approx 20 homes we’re looked at in several weeks that fit’s the bill.

My buyer is looking for a place that she can live in long term. She wants to stay in the area indefinitely. She needs an affordable, comfortable home with enough land to grow a veggie garden and keep some chickens.

Why is that a lot to ask for anymore? Where’s the beef? The beef is a home that is priced right, is in good condition and one that buyers want to buy.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

In remembrance of Clara Peller Wendy’s most memorable spokesperson.

(March 2009)

In the mid 1970’s people were buying up land in Pueblo West, it was affordable and looked like a great deal. After all Walt Whitman said “buy land they aren’t making anymore.”

This was the place McCulloch thought people would retire to, raise families, start businesses, keep horses and enjoy the recreation of the Front Ranch including Pueblo Reservoir. McCulloch developed Pueblo West into sections, some city type lots, some commercial lots, some lake view lots and hundreds acre lots.

 When the land first went up for sale you could buy land for approx $10,000 and up. The average probably being in the $12,000 – $15,000 range. Many of these lots were sold to folks from out of the area, even out of state. After McCullochs initial investment was paid for and a goodly amount of land was sold the prices fell, some sold for in the hundreds of dollars instead of the thousands of dollars of the initial offering.

Over the years the builders came – houses, businesses, schools and such have all been built. But the area is still far from being completely built out.

Today many of the original investors are trying to sell. They never moved, they never build, it just didn’t happen for many reason’s. In today’s 2009 economy the prices of vacant land in Pueblo West are falling. People have been paying taxes for years and are no longer willing to do so – they want out of their original investments.

Vacant land for sale in March of 2009 is averaging $23,000 the lowest end is $7000 and the highest $175,00 with one additional industrial spot for $625,000.

The average asking price for a residential property is $223,000 and the average sold in since Oct of 2008 is $161,000.

Since January 1, 2009 on 6 vacant lots have sold out of approx 800 for sale.

Now, today might be a good time to buy some property in Pueblo West before the prices start going up again! Come see what we have to offer!

Get off your ASK

Once a month I receive a newletter from Jade Sund.  She writes a very powerful, inspiring letter. In the letter I got today there is a quote from Oprah Winfrey :

As you become more clear about who you really are, you’ll be better able to decide what is best for you – the first time around.
Oprah Winfrey

Jade also gives us some pointers on a positive outlook. How do YOU keep a positive outlook today?
· Spend time with like-minded positive energy and focused people.
· Limit your exposure to anything negative.
· Be grateful for all that you already have in all areas of your life.
· Remember you create your economy and take inspired action.
· Watch your energy and focus and adjust up to a better thought when necessary.
· Get outside and appreciate the beauty and nature.
· Listen to music that lifts your spirits.
· Envision, feel and ASK for what your want to experience each day.
· Create positive ASKformations and say them often.
· Remember what you experience in your life has something to teach you. What is your learning from your present situation? How can you use that learning to create what you want in your life?

 I hope you find this information as timely as I did.

 Jade Sund, CCC, MP, Master ASK Energy Coach and Trainer is the creator of the highly successful Get Off Your ASK programs (www.getoffyourask.com).  She is the trainer of Do You Feel Different (www.doyoufeeldifferent.com), an amazing 2 hour experience to expand  your awareness of your awakening in the new earth energy. She coaches groups of highly sensitive, ntuitive and empathic people (www.awakenthepowerwithin.com). Sign up for her free monthly e-zine, ASK 4 Empowerment at www.JadeSund.com  

Pueblo welcomes Vestas!