LAXER v. EDELMAN
Leagle.com
The plaintiffs commenced this action against the Sotheby's defendants, Edelman, the home inspector, and the environmental firms. As relevant to this appeal, ...

and more »

Frederick News Post (subscription)
Radon sneaks up on city
Frederick News Post (subscription)
She said her home inspector told her, "If I were you, I'd be more concerned about radon." She is relieved she ordered the test and had results and repairs ...

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Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Program at Pitt helps felons become their own bosses
Pittsburgh Post Gazette
... said participants had a variety of goals, including setting up a care home, becoming a home inspector, starting a youth center, finishing college and ...

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MiamiHerald.com
Barnes wins Democratic race without runoff
Atlanta Journal Constitution
Dennis Pius, 63, a home inspector from Marietta, said he voted Tuesday for Barnes because "he's got more experience" than the other candidates, ...
Barnes wins; Handel has early lead in GOP raceAtlanta Journal Constitution

all 555 news articles »

Barnes wins; Handel has early lead in GOP race
Atlanta Journal Constitution
... and name identificatio Dennis Pius, 63, a home inspector from Marietta, said he voted in the primary because he is particularly energized this election. ...

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There are tons of spots around Denver to get up on the side of a cliff and hang on – outdoor and indoor.  If you have never tried it, I suggest heading down to the Denver Flagship REI store to climb the Pinnacle.  They will provide the equipment and simple instructions and you’re off.  The Pinnacle is in the middle of the store and gives you a taste of what climbing is like.  If you decide it’s for you then you should seek out a more complete class teaching you the basics of climbing and the equipment you will need.  Thrillseekers at 1912 S. Broadway offer instructional classes for all climbing levels and they also rent gear.

Boulder Rock Club offers skills based outdoor climbing classes for those who want to enjoy the sport outdoors.  Once you are ready for climbing outdoors I highly suggest it.  Not much compares with the elements and beauty of enjoying this sport outside in Colorado.

Loving Denver Life,

Vali Hooker

The pacifier fails to meet federal safety standards. The nipple can separate from the base easily, the pacifier handle is too long, the mouth guard is too small and there are no ventilation holes on the mouth guard. The pacifier could pose a choking and aspiration hazard to young children.

Indy inspectors at home with added competition
Indianapolis Star
As the new guy in town, HouseMaster knows it will face competition from home inspector veterans in the area. "But with 30 years in business, we've seen this ...

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Photo: Matley0 via Flickr

Are you ready to start the process of buying a house in Denver but don’t know what the first steps are? This is a question I get asked most often so here is a quick list to get the ball rolling down the correct path.  Once you do decide this is the direction you would like to go make sure you take time to sit down with your real estate agent to discuss the steps and details that will happen during the home buying process as to avoid any surprises.

1. Decide what you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income.  A mortgage lender can help you come to a price range that’s comfortable for you.

2. Develop your home wish list. Then, prioritize the features on your list.

3. Select where you want to live. Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you’d like to live in, taking into account items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety.  Your real estate agent is a great resource for this, they may help you discover other areas that you didn’t think of that match your home criteria and price range.

4. Start saving. Do you have enough money saved to qualify for a mortgage and cover your down payment? Ideally, you should have 20 percent of the purchase price saved as a down payment. Also, don’t forget to factor in closing costs. Closing costs — including taxes, attorney’s fee, and transfer fees — average between 2 and 7 percent of the home price.  If you don’t have 20% saved don’t worry there are other options.  Your real estate agent and lender can help you explore all options.

5. Get your credit in order. Obtain a copy of your credit report to make sure it is accurate and to correct any errors immediately. A credit report provides a history of your credit, bad debts, and any late payments.  IF there are items that are mistakes and/or inaccurate then your mortgage lender can guide you through the process of correcting these items.

6. Determine your mortgage qualifications. How large of mortgage do you qualify for? Also, explore different loan options — such as 30-year or 15-year fixed mortgages or ARMs — and decide what’s best for you.

7. Get preapproved. Organize all the documentation a lender will need to preapprove you for a loan. You might need W-2 forms, copies of at least one pay stub, account numbers, and copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements.

8. Weigh other sources of help with a down payment. Do you qualify for any special mortgage or down payment assistance programs? Check with your state and local government on down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers. Or, if you have an IRA account, you can use the money you’ve saved to buy your fist home without paying a penalty for early withdrawal.

9. Calculate the costs of homeownership. This should include property taxes, insurance, maintenance and utilities, and association fees, if applicable.

10. Contact a REALTOR®. Find an experienced REALTOR® who can help guide you through the process.

Denver is a large city with many different areas and neighborhoods, it’s best to have the basics taking care of before you start viewing homes.  By doing this you can focus on the features and Denver neighborhoods during the search process and be ready to go when you find one you are interested in calling your home.

Loving Denver Life,

Vali Hooker

Head west to the city of Golden for Buffalo Bill Days! This is the largest event of the year in Golden and it kicks off Friday night with live music and rides for the kiddos in Parfet Park. There will be a pancake breakfast on Saturday morning, followed by the parade through downtown Golden. The parade starts at 10:00am and if you like horses and western history, you will not be disappointed.They will also have a big stage set up in Parfet Park which will host live music throughout the weekend and there will be plenty of other activities for the whole family.

Loving life in Denver!

Kim Beethe Byers

Civic Center EATS is an outdoor market and live music at Civic Center Park in the Golden Triangle neighborhood every Tuesday during the summer.  Profits benefit Civic Center Conservency which is a nonprofit for the betterment of Civic Center Park.  There are tables set up and food that ranges from turkey legs and cubano sandwiches to fruits and salads.  It’s a great place to enjoy an afternoon outside, hear music and grab a cheap, tasty lunch.

It’s great to see the food truck scene growing in Denver and Civic Center EATS is a great way to check out and sample the variety out there – all in one place.  Civic Center EATS runs through August 31st from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM every Tuesday.  Expect to see Biker Jim’s Gourment Dogs, The Cupcake Truck, Steuben’s Truck, Thai food, The Gastro Cart and many more.

Grab a friend and get down there – if you can’t find anybody to go I’m in, can’t get enough of Civic Center EATS.

Loving Denver Life,

Vali Hooker

Kalamazoo Gazette - MLive.com
Zolton Cohen: Copper plumbing leaks common in older and new installations
Kalamazoo Gazette - MLive.com
Zolton Cohen is a Kalamazoo-based newspaper columnist and former American Society of Home Inspectors-certified home inspector. Write to Zolton B. Cohen, ...

Robert B. Jacobs: Liabilities of home inspections
Contra Costa Times
Before inheriting the property, the daughter had it inspected by a licensed home inspector. The report noted evidence of "wood-destroying insects, ...

 

 

Urban Assault Ride

Get your bike tuned up and sign up the Urban Assault Ride that takes place next weekend, July 25th! What is an urban assault ride?? In my opinion, the most fun bike ride there is! Teams of 2 compete in a bike race/scavenger hunt and in between checkpoints you have to do a lot of fun obstacles such as racing a tricycle, walking on stilts, human bowling, bicycle jousting  or perhaps paddling a blow up duck around a water course. The obstacles and the race itself is different every year and it’s an absolute blast! The goal is to complete the race and all obstacles in the shortest amount of time. You get a few clues the day before the race but then there are other clues you have to figure out during the race so I recommend bringing your smart phone or at least a cell phone so that you can call a friend for help with some of the clues. The beginning of the race is interesting because once the starter gun goes off, all the teams ride off in different directions so it really pays to map the clues that you can in advance.

In years past, the last obstacle is sliding down a big blow up water slide so you may want to bring a change of clothes. The race itself is sponsored by New Belgium Brewing so the after party is almost as fun as the race itself. Good luck!

Loving life in Denver!

Kim Beethe Byers

Fast Free News (blog)
Atlanta Home Inspector Helps Prevent Cancer and Potential Deaths
Fast Free News (blog)
A home inspector is able to do more than just inspect a home. During a regular home inspection, a Professional Home Inspector will do an examination of the ...

Home inspector's vagueness leaves questions
NewsOK.com
DEAR BARRY: When I bought my house, the home inspector found nothing wrong with the furnace, but his report says, "The furnace may need maintenance or ...

A column flush with facts
London Free Press
Rob Parker is a Registered Home Inspector with the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors and a Certified Home Inspector with the American Society of Home ...

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This is an absolutely fun ride and recommended for everybody – young, old, experienced cyclists, newbies!  It’s the annual Moonlight Classic that draws a diverse crowd of participants and spectators alike.  A midnight bike ride by the light of the moon topped off with breakfast – what else is there to say?   It’s a fun ride through a 10-mile, closed street course through Downtown Denver, Lodo and Cherry Creek starting and ended at the Colorado State Capitol Building.

Photo: Nick Nunns

The fun is THIS Saturday at midnight and you can get all the details online.  Be sure to wear a helmet and don’t forget front and back lights for the bike.  Oh, and make sure the lights work – a dead battery made for a hectic start for me a few years back.

Don’t have a bike?  Well, let me introduce you to the Denver B-cycle bike sharing program.  these are those bike stations you’ve probably seen all around town with the red bikes.  Well, you can rent a B-cycle for the duration of the Moonlight Classic.  :: Love This :: Okay, so now you have no excuses – get out there and enjoy the sweet summer night with your fellow Denverites.  Happy Trails.

Loving Denver Life,

Vali Hooker

Column: Radon needs to be removed
Wausau Daily Herald
The phone number is 715-261-1923 Rich Duerkop of American Sentry Home Inspection is a state-licensed home inspector and vice president and education ...

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Home inspector: Relocating to Tennessee still pays off
The Tennessean
As a licensed Tennessee home inspector, when I'm asked, "How is the real estate market?" My recent answer is, "It's getting better all the time. ...