Do the Right Thing.

What if anything are your represent ivies doing for you and your community? In Colorado ours are backing things like wind farms, protecting water rights and watching the utility companies. Wind energy is clean power. Today is the day, now is the time to ask your represent ivies what they are doing to protect your future. Energy costs are predicted to continue to rise, what are you going to do about it?

SOUTHEASTERN COLORADO has, by many accounts, some of the best conditions in the nation for wind generation of electricity.

One wind farm already is operational in the area, the Colorado Green Wind Project. Earlier this year, PPM Energy, ScottishPower's competitive U.S. energy business, announced its plans for a second generation site, the Twin Buttes Wind Power Project.

Wind farms are a boon to ranchers where windmills are located. Owners of the generators pay the cattlemen lease payments, making ranching financially more feasible.

More wind generation in the area would be possible, the experts say, except that there are not adequate power transmission lines to handle the load. And although Xcel's new generator being built at Comanche Station east of Pueblo will help satisfy the state's growing power needs, even more power will be required.

According to a study called the "Colorado Long Range Transmission Planning Study 2005-2015," Xcel, Aquila and other utilities estimate the state will need about 4,000 additional megawatts of power by 2015. So there appears to be a growing market for wind-generated electricity.

Building transmission lines from Southeastern Colorado to the Front Range would be costly - about $750,000 per mile, according to one estimate. So, where would the financing come?

Two proposals have been made, and both deserve full consideration by the Colorado Legislature when it convenes in January.

One plan would be a change in rules for the state's Public Utilities Commission in governing when utilities can pass infrastructure costs to users. That proposal is contained in a bill sponsored by Rep. Buffie McFadyen, D-Pueblo West.

Currently, utilities must wait until new infrastructure has been constructed before they can start charging their customers for the costs. Under the rules change, utilities would have latitude to start charging for those projects while they are being built.

The second proposal recently was aired by Baca County Commissioner Troy Crane. He is calling for a PUC-overseen transmission authority with bonding powers to finance the additional transmission lines. Mr. Crane notes that counties cannot issue such bonds on their own, and so he is urging Sen. Ken Kester, R-Las Animas, to sponsor legislation creating a transmission authority.

It may be that a combination of the two proposals would mesh and jump-start construction. In any event, it's prudent for the state to act now rather than wait for the time when power brown-outs become necessary.

We urge Gov.-elect Bill Ritter, who has called for more renewable energy, to provide leadership on this issue so that the ball can get rolling within the next year.         

Water is Everything in the West. Water rights are often battled over in courts and by neighbors. Even with recent legislation voted in by citzens every drop of water that can be saved is being saved. Long time Colorado residents have been in ‘drought' mode for years. Turn the facet off and water the yard on your appointed day - or be fined. For those moving into the area of Southern Colorado don't panic. Just be aware that we take water very, very seriously. From the Pueblo Chieftain today 11-27-06.

The development fund, budgeted for $10.8 million in 2007, is dedicated to future water rights acquisition or storage projects. We support the Board of Water Works for careful and prudent planning of Pueblo's future water-supply needs. Its budget practices provide a good model for how all of the area's public agencies can better plan for long-term needs.

If and when additional water rights become available, we trust the water board, whose members are elected by the voters of Pueblo, to make the right decision about keeping the water here for local use before it can be bought up and diverted somewhere else outside our region.

The development fund will be there when the opportunity arises to increase the board's water holdings. The board could spend as much as $2 million from the fund in the coming months, although no specific uses have been identified. In the last two years, the water board has looked at the possibility of buying Bessemer Ditch shares and filing for expansion of Clear Creek Reservoir, while continuing to protect long-range supplies from existing sources.

Even with the 4 percent increase, Pueblo water rates are well below the Front Range average and among the lowest in major cities in Colorado, according to Water Works executive director Alan Hamel.

Pueblo also has the lowest water-connection fee - $2,535 for a single-family home - of the state's major water utilities. By comparison, Aurora's tap fee is more than $14,000 higher.

The Board of Water Works' budget for next year will be $28.5 million, representing a $3 million increase over 2006 primarily driven by the across-the-board rate hike. The most costly new program will be a $2.5 million automated meter reading system, paid for by $1.5 million next year to go with $500,000 set aside in each of the past two years.

The goal is to convert many of the city's water meters to radio signals, thus reducing the expense of manually reading them.

Of all the local utility's expenses, we believe building the water development fund may prove in the long run to be the most important part of the board's budget planning.

I've always relied on the Kindness of Strangers.

I'm sitting here on a lovely Sunday morning watching "Gone with the Wind" on television. And I'm reminded how kind the title companies are to us poor Realtors. While I'm sure we have all had our fair share of difficult sales, it's always been the title company that has come to my rescue.

My first several sales were difficult because they involved death, divorce and/ or incapacity. Fellow office mates use to tease me about being "The Queen of Death". But the closer at the title company would always hold my hand and we got the deal done.

When I had a client explain to me what FIRPTA was, it was the title company I ran to for help. These lovely people are always there we need them.

This is one of the most important people in my real estate career. Melanie Osterman of Security Title Pueblo, dressed as Carol Barnett portraying Scarlet O'Hara.   

Tonight, 11-25-06 was the Parade of Lights in Pueblo, Colorado. A tradition that has been going on longer than anyone can remember. It starts on Colorado Blvd and Abriendo and traveled down to H.A.R.P. other wise known as the Historic Arkansas River Project.

There were very few bands but lots and lots of floats. The Eagles to local Realtors decked out semi trucks, wreckers and flat beds. Every twinkle light in Pueblo must have been lined up on 73 floats to show off for the local crowd.

Groups that participated:

Pueblo Police Honor Guard

Pueblo Fire Department

Board of Water Works

Roncalli Middle School

West Pueblo Saddle Club

Wells Fargo

Country 4H Pups and Hound Club

U.S. Post Office

Co. State Fair Princess

Elks # 90

Bells Fort Freetrapers& Muzzle Loaders

and so many more.

Thank you Melanie Osterman, Parade of Lights organizer, for allowing me to participate.

Becky and Bob Buyer are transferring jobs and are looking for a new home in Dry Flats Colorado. Bob is a bottom line kind of guy and Becky is looking for a home that won't trigger her migrans or allergies. They have two children Brenda is all about Pandas and Bobbie enjoys being out on his bicycle when ever he can. Dry Flats is close to the new jobs are, has excellent shopping, restaurants, educational opportunities, 300+ days of sunshine and low humidity.

Because Randi Realtor did such a good job the Buyer Family has narrowed their choices of houses down to two that are across the street from each other. Both were build by David the Dedicated Builder who has an excellent reputation and has been building homes for decades.

Tom Miller of Trusted Mortgages Company has pre approved the Buyers for their desired amount, keeping in mind that Bob will probably look for a home for less than the approved amount. Tom has given his best advice on product and price including an Energy Efficient Mortgage. Tom and Randi have both advised the Buyer Family to consult a tax professional and a lawyer before making any final choices.

Randi called ahead an set appointments to see both houses and asked both sellers if they would leave for a little while. She has gone into both houses and opened blinds, cracked windows and pulled shower curtains. Randi remembered that Becky is very sensitive and has secured the pets outside. Before the Buyers arrive at the house Randi has called the local utility company to find the average power usage for both homes.

House A is an Average 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 car garage house. It is 1500 sq. ft, has good to excellent appliances, carpet and condition. The house recently been painted inside and out and the carpet cleaned. The yard has been professionally landscaped and has a timed sprinkler system. It is priced at $200,000 and has an average utility bill of $200 per month

House G is a Build Green home 3, bedroom, 2 bathroom, 2 car garage house. It is 1500 sq. ft has energy star appliances, tiled and bamboo floors, on demand water system, is oriented to the south for passive solar gain, has 20" over hang, xero scaped yard and stucco exterior. It is priced at $220,000 and has an average utility bill of $125 per month.

Based on the above information which house did Bob and Betty Buyer purchase? Why?

Built Green, Built Better in Colorado http://www.builtgreen.org

The check list for the Built Green program in Colorado is extensive. The builder decides what part(s) of the program and how to work with it, points are given after the house is either tested or documents are presented.

Things considered:

Energy Efficiency Requirements

Site Protection

Site Orientation and Design

Foundation

Thermal Envelope

Windows and Doors

Cooling Systems

Heating Systems                                                                                

Indoor Air Quality

Moisture Management

Water Heating

Appliances

Lighting

Foundation

Framing and Subflooring

Insulation

Exterior Finishing

Interior Finishing

Cabinets and Trim

Recycle and Reuse

Construction Waste

Water Conservation

Do the Right Thing

 What would you do if a client asked you for an environmentally friendly house? The first thing to do is qualify the question.

1)Are they looking for something energy efficient?

2)Do they need a house that wouldn't trigger their allergies, heart condition or other health concerns?

3)Something that was built with mother earth in mind?

4)A building that doesn't need much upkeep?                                              

5)A home where they can watch local wildlife?

6)Something that stays at a constant temperature?

1) A highly energy efficient house will have a H.E.R.S number. Home Energy Rating Score over 90 is highly efficient. Very well build new construction home could have a score of 77 to 85. Just like appliances houses can be awarded stars as well, 4 stars is good, 5 is best.                                                     

2) This person needs a home without V.O.C.'s or Volitile Organic Componds which ‘off gas'. These things might include carpeting, paint, vanish, particle board and Formica.

3) Ask about the construction process did the builder make sure that all trash was disposed of properly or did it blow away or get buried? Are there recycled materials in the house? Is the house properly oriented?

4) Look for things that are Sustainable, not needing upkeep or to be replaced with frequency. This might include floors, walls or counter tops that are concrete or tiled.

5) This should be obvious, however wild life often shows up unexpectedly. Call the local wildlife society or college for more information. Trees, water sources and native grass's offer cover and food for animals.

6) Ask about thermal mass, R values, and the construction process. Again if the house has a H.E.R.S. number all the better.

1) Get educated, more and more people are demanding this type service

2) Ask if you don't know                                                                                                  

3) Ask your appraiser for more education

4) Find your local H.E.R.S. rater, he or she has valuable experience and knowledge

5) Contact the Environmental Protection Agency

6) Join local groups like, The Renewable Energy Society or The Sierra Club

I'd like to thank Mary McKnight for awarding my story 2^nd place in the Funniest Real Estate Story.

For anyone who missed it, the story isn't mine. ReMax of Pueblo gives out "The Golden Frying Pan" every year to the Realtor with the oddest story of the year. Forgive me for not remembering the exact Realtor this story is about.

Story: A Realtor was showing vacant land to a couple who had their small dog with them. The hawk came out of nowhere and fluffy was gone. The couple got back into their motor home and haven't been heard from since.

I'm sure there is a moral to this story, but most of us it are laughing to hard to see it.   

Other winners :

Ines Garcia Third Place for craziest real estate story 

Christine Forgione Hysteria does not work well...

Ask a your Realtor if they are an Ecobroker. Do they understand what mold is, how to deal with it, do they know of properly trained people to mitigate it? In some areas of the country Mold addendums are becoming as common as Lead Paint addendums. Don't assume where you live isn't effected by these problems. Always consult a professional on this matter.

If you walk into a vacant or even occupied building and notice an odd smell, leave. Chemicals, pollutants, molds have odors. Don't endanger your health by assuming nothing is wrong. Someone who is trained to mitigate mold will often refuse to enter a building with out a respirator if they know there is a possibility of danger.

Pueblo county is seeing a small rise in buildings with mold. Several houses in Pueblo West have been either torn down or gutted because of mold. This information does surprise many people because this part of the country is considered dry and humidy is low. Call your local county health department for more details. In Pueblo call 719 583-4323

From the Environmental Protection Agency

What is Mold

Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.

Basic Mold Cleanup

The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced.

Ten Things You Should Know About Mold

1. Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma, and other respiratory complaints.
2. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
3. If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
4. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
5. Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60% ) to decrease mold growth by: venting bathrooms, dryers, and other moisture-generating sources to the outside; using air conditioners and de-humidifiers; increasing ventilation; and using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing, and cleaning.
6. Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
7. Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
8. Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
9. In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
10. Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.

Mold and the Insurance Industry from the Insurance Information Institute.