Amber Linn was born in Germany, however, she grew up in both Colorado and Louisiana. She attended Bossier Parish Community College where she pursued a career in Telecommunications, majoring in Computer Animation. After seventeen years in Louisiana, she relocated to Northern Colorado in 2018 and began her real estate career in 2021.
C3 Real Estate Solutions has established itself as a premier real estate company in the region and provides a robust offering of services that includes residential and commercial brokerages, a Luxury division, as well as a Farm and Ranch division.
National
Colorado
Greeley Board of Realtors
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Subject Property : 3920 Windom St Fort Collins CO 80526
Owner Information
Owner Name : Burton Sarah / Burton James
Mailing Address : 3920 Windom St, Fort Collins CO 80526-5308 C004
Owner Occupied Indicator : O
Location Information
Legal Description : Lot 26, Springfield Sub 1st
County : Larimer, Co
Census Tract / Block : 11.12 / 3
Township-Range- Sect : 07-69-33
Legal Lot : 26
APN : R1044362
Alternate APN : 97331-05-026
Last Market Sale Information
Recording/Sale Date : 04/28/2021 / 04/21/2021
Sale Price : $340,000
Subdivision : Springfield
Map Reference : 97331 / 7-69-33-NE
School District : Poudre R-1
Munic/Township : Outside City Limits
Neighbor Code : 19734
1st Mtg Amount/Type : $329,800 / Cnv
1st Mtg Document # : 42495
Document # : 42494 1st Mtg Term : 30
Deed Type : Warranty Deed Price Per SqFt : $257.58
Title Company : Other Lender : Group Mtg
Seller Name : Rothweiler Paul D & Renee C
Prior Sale Information
Prior Rec/Sale Date : 08/08/2012 / 07/11/2012
Prior Sale Price : $179,900
Prior Doc Number : 53509
Prior Deed Type : Warranty Deed
Prior Lender : Phh Mtg
Prior 1st Mtg Amt/Type : $143,920 / Conv
Customer Name : De Anna Harwood Customer Company Name : First American Title Prepared On : 06/17/2025
Property Characteristics
Gross Area : 1,656
Living Area : 1,320
Tot Adj Area : 1,320
Above Grade : 1320
Total Rooms : 6
Bedrooms : 3
Bath(F/H) : 2
Year Built / Eff : 1981 / 1991
# of Stories : 2
Property Information
Land Use : Sfr
County Use : Resid-improved
Zoning : R2
Tax Information
Parking Type : Attached Garage
Garage Area : 336
Basement Area : 432
Basement Type : Basement
Exterior wall : Frame
Interior Wall : Drywall
Porch Type : Open Slab
Air Cond : Central
Foundation : Concrete Style : Split Level
Roof Material : Composition Shingle
Construction : Wood
Quality : Fair
Condition : Average
Heat Type : Central Bath Fixtures : 8
Cooling Type : Central Equipment : Cook Top, Fanceiling, Hot Tub, Ah7
Res/Comm Units : 1
Acres : 0.17
Water Type : Public
Sewer Type : Public Service
Sales History
Rec. Date : 04/28/2021 08/08/2012 01/07/2004 04/24/2001
Sale Date : 04/21/2021 07/11/2012 12/23/2003 04/20/2001 Sale Price : $340,000 $179,900 $144,000
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO - BEARS uncbears.com
COLORADO NATIONAL SPEEDWAY
4281 Co Rd 10, Dacono, CO 80514 coloradospeedway.com
SOUTHERN COLORADO
COLORADO SPRINGS SWITCHBACKS FC
Weidner Field 111 W. Cimarron St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903 • switchbacksfc.com
AIR FORCE ACADEMY goairforcefalcons.com
PIKES PEAK INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
16650 Midway Ranch Rd., Fountain, CO 80817 ppir.com
MUSEUMS:
DENVER METRO
DENVER ART MUSEUM
720.865.5000
100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver, CO 80204 • denverartmuseum.org
DENVER MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE
303.370.6000
2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO 80205 dmns.org
HISTORY COLORADO CENTER
303.447.8679
1200 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203 historycolorado.org
MOLLY BROWN HOUSE
303.832.4092
1340 Pennsylvania St., Denver, CO 80203 • mollybrown.org
COLORADO RAILROAD MUSEUM
303.279.4591
17155 W. 44th Ave., Golden, CO 80403 coloradorailroadmuseum.org
KIRKLAND MUSEUM OF FINE DECORATIVE ART
303.832.8576
1201 Bannock St., Denver, CO 80204 kirklandmuseum.org
FORNEY MUSEUM OF TRANSPORTATION
303.297.1113
4303 Brighton Blvd., Denver, CO 80216 forneymuseum.com
COLORADO
MUSEUMS Cont.
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
303.298.7554
1485 Delgany St., Denver, CO 80202 mcadenver.org
THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF DENVER
303.433.7444
2121 Children’s Museum Dr., Denver, CO 80211 • mychildsmuseum.org
DENVER FIREFIGHTERS MUSEUM
303.892.1436
1326 Tremont Pl., Denver, CO 80204 denverfirefightersmuseum.org
BUFFALO BILL MUSEUM & GRAVE
720.865.2160
987 1/2 Lookout Mountain Rd, Golden, CO 80401• buffalobill.org
MUSEUM OF MINIATURES, DOLLS & TOYS
303.322.1053
830 Kipling St., Lakewood, CO 80215 dmmdt.org
CLYFFORD STILL MUSEUM
720.354.4880
1250 Bannock St., Denver, CO 80204 clyffordstillmuseum.org
MORRISON NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
303.697.1873
501 CO-8, Morrison, CO 80465 morrisonco.us
NATIONAL BALLPARK MUSEUM
303.974.5835
1940 Blake St., Denver, CO 80202 ballparkmuseum.com
BOULDER MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
303.443.2122
1750 13th St., Boulder, 80302 bmoca.org
WINGS OVER THE ROCKIES AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
303.360.5360
7711 E Academy Blvd., Denver, CO 80230 • wingsmuseum.org
AMERICAN MOUNTAINEERING MUSEUM
303.996.2747
710 10th St., Golden, CO 80401 mountaineeringmuseum.org
NORTHERN COLORADO
FORT COLLINS MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY
970.221.6738
408 Mason Ct., Fort Collins, CO 80524 fcmod.org
LOVELAND MUSEUM
970.962.2410
503 N Lincoln Ave., Loveland, CO 80537 cliffdwellingsmuseum.com
COLORADO MODEL RAILROAD MUSEUM
970.392.2934
680 10th St., Greeley, CO 80631 cmrm.org
FORT COLLINS MUSEUM OF ART
970.482.2787
201 S College Ave., Ft. Collins, CO 80524 moafc.org
GREELEY HISTORY MUSEUM
970.350.9220
714 8th St., Greeley, CO 80631 greeleymuseums.com/locations/greeley-history-museum
SOUTHERN COLORADO
MANITOU CLIFF DWELLINGS
719.685.5242
10 Cliff Rd., Manitou Springs, CO 80829 cliffdwellingsmuseum.com
FINE ARTS CENTER
719.634.5581
30 W Dale St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903 • fac.coloradocollege.edu
PRORODEO HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM
719.528.4764
103 Pro Rodeo Dr., Colorado Springs, 80919 prorodeohalloffame.com
U.S. OLYMPIC MUSEUM
719.497.1234
200 S Sierra Madre St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903 • usopm.org
MIRAMONT CASTLE
719.685.1011
9 Capitol Hill Ave., Manitou Springs, CO 80829 • ballparkmuseum.com
GHOST TOWN MUSEUM
719.634.0696
400 S 21st St., Colorado Springs, CO 80904 • ghosttownmuseum.com
STATE PARKS:
cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks
DENVER METRO
BARR LAKE Brighton, CO
CHERRY CREEK Aurora, CO
ELDORADO CANYON Boulder, CO
COLORADO
STATE PARKS cont.
CASTLEWOOD CANYON
Franktown, CO
ROXBOROUGH
Littleton, CO
CHATFIELD
Littleton, CO
GOLDEN GATE CANYON
Golden, CO
NORTHERN COLORADO
STATE FOREST
Walden, CO
BOYD LAKE
Loveland, CO
LORY
Fort Collins, CO
ST. VRAIN
Firestone, CO
SOUTHERN COLORADO
CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN
Colorado Springs, CO
LAKE PUEBLO
Pueblo, CO
MUELLER
Colorado Springs, CO
OTHER PARKS:
DENVER METRO
RED ROCKS PARK AND AMPHITHEATRE
720.865.2494
18300 W Alameda Pkwy., Morrison, CO 80465 • redrocksonline.com
SOUTHERN COLORADO
GARDEN OF THE GODS
719.634.6666
1805 N. 30th St., Colorado Springs, CO 80904 • gardenofgods.com
CAVE OF THE WINDS
MOUNTAIN PARK
719.685.5444
100 Cave of the Winds Rd. Manitou Springs, CO 80829 caveofthewinds.com
ROYAL GORGE BRIDGE & PARK
719.275.7507
4218 CO RD 3A, Cañon City, CO 81212 royalgorgebridge.com
SANCTUARIES
& ZOOS: DENVER METRO
DENVER ZOO
720.337.1400
2300 Steele St., Denver, CO 80205 denverzoo.org
DENVER AQUARIUM
303.561.4450
700 Water St., Denver, CO 80211 aquariumrestaurants.com
BUTTERFLY PAVILION
303.469.5441
6252 W 104th Ave., Westminster, CO 80020 • aquariumrestaurants.com
EASTERN COLORADO
THE WILD ANIMAL SANCTUARY
303.536.0118
2999 CO RD 53, Keenesburg, CO 80643 wildanimalsanctuary.org
SOUTHERN COLORADO
CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO
719.633.9925
4250 Cheyenne Mtn. Zoo Road Colorado Springs, CO 80906 cmzoo.org
PUEBLO ZOO
719.561.1452
3455 Nuckolls Ave., Pueblo, CO 81005 pueblozoo.org
COLORADO WOLF & WILDLIFE CENTER
719.687.9742
4729 Twin Rocks Rd., Divide, CO 80814 wolfeducation.org
AMUSEMENT PARKS:
DENVER METRO
ELITCH GARDENS
303.595.4386
2000 Elitch Cir., Denver, CO 80204 elitchgardens.com
WATER WORLD
303.427.7873
8801 N Pecos St., Federal Heights, CO 80260 • waterworldcolorado.com
LAKESIDE AMUSEMENT
PARK
303.477.1621
4601 Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80212 lakesideamusementpark.com
NORTHERN COLORADO
RIDE-A-KART
970.586.6495
2250 Big Thompson Ave. • Estes Park, 80517 www.rideakart.com
COLORADO
AMUSEMENT PARKS cont.
NORTHERN COLORADO
ESTES PARK RIDE-A-KART
970.586.6495
2250 Big Thompson Ave., Estes Park, CO 80517 • rideakart.com
SOUTHERN COLORADO
NORTH POLE CO SANTA’S WORKSHOP
719.684.9432
5050 Pikes Peak Highway, Cascade, CO 80809 • northpolecolorado.com
TOURS:
DENVER METRO
UNITED STATES MINT
303.572.9500
320 W. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80204 usmint.gov
COLORADO STATE CAPITOL BUILDING
NORTHERN COLORADO
BUDWEISER BREWERY EXPERIENCE
970.490.4691
2685 Busch Dr., Fort Collins, CO 80524 budweisertours.com
PERFOMING ARTS:
DENVER METRO
DENVER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
303.893.4100
1101 13th St., Denver, CO 80204 denvercenter.org
ARVADA CENTER
720.898.7200
6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada, CO 80003 • arvadacenter.org
NORTHERN COLORADO
THE LINCOLN CENTER
970.221.6730 417 W Magnolia St., Fort Collins, CO 80521 • lctix.com
DENVER METRO
DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS
720.865.3500
1007 N York St., Denver, CO 80206 botanicgardens.org
SOUTHERN COLORADO
THE BROADMOOR SEVEN FALLS
855.923.7272
1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80905 broadmoor.com/adventures/seven-falls/tickets
PIKES PEAK COG RAILWAY
719.685.5401
515 Ruxton Ave., Manitou Springs, CO 80829 • cograilway.com
&
303.866.2604
200 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO 80203 capitol.colorado.gov
HAMMOND’S CANDIES
303.333.5588
5735 Washington St., Denver, CO 80216 hammondscandies.com
COORS BREWERY TOUR
303.277.2337
502 14th Street, Golden, CO 80401 millercoors.com
CELESTIAL SEASONINGS FACTORY TOUR
303.530.5300
4600 Sleepytime Dr., Boulder, CO 80301 celestialseasonings.com
UNION COLONY CIVIC CENTER
970.356.5000 701 10th Ave., Greeley, CO 80631
SOUTHERN COLORADO
PIKES PEAK CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
719.477.2100
190 S Cascade Ave., Colorado Springs, CO 80903 • pikespeakcenter.com
(Call for hours)
COLORADO
SKI RESORTS:
ARAPAHOE BASIN SKI AREA
970.468.0718 arapahoebasin.com
ASPEN MOUNTAIN
970.923.1227 aspensnowmass.com
BEAVER CREEK RESORT
970.754.4636 beavercreek.com
BLUE SKY BASIN
970.754.8245 vail.com
BRECKENRIDGE SKI RESORT
970.453.5000 breckenridge.com
BUTTERMILK SKI RESORT
855.496.9219 aspensnowmass.com
COPPER MOUNTAIN RESORT
970.968.3025 coppercolorado.com
CRESTED BUTTE MOUNTAIN RESORT
970.251.7021 skicb.com
ECHO MOUNTAIN echomntn.com
ELDORA MOUNTAIN RESORT
303.440.8700 eldora.com
HESPERUS SKI AREA
970.385.2199 ski-hesperus.com
HOWELSEN HILL SKI AREA
970.879.8499 steamboatsprings.net
KENDALL MOUNTAIN
970.387.5522 skikendall.com
KEYSTONE RESORT
970.754.0001 keystoneresort.com
LOVELAND SKI AREA
720.405.6455 skiloveland.com
MONARCH MOUNTAIN
719.530.5000 skimonarch.com
POWDERHORN RESORT
970.268.5700 powderhorn.com
PURGATORY RESORT
800.525.0892 purgatory.ski
SILVERTON MOUNTAIN
970.387.5706 silvertonmountain.com
SKI COOPER
719.486.2277 skicooper.com
STEAMBOAT SKI RESORT
970.879.6111 steamboat.com
SUNLIGHT MOUNTAIN RESORT
970.945.7491 sunlightmtn.com
TELLURIDE SKI RESORT
800.778.8581 tellurideskiresort.com
VAIL MOUNTAIN RESORT
970.476.3600 vailresorts.com
WINTER PARK SKI RESORT
970.726.5514 winterparkresort.com
WOLF CREEK SKI AREA
970.264.5639 wolfcreekski.com
GRANDBY RANCH
888.850.4615 granbyranch.com
SNOWMASS gosnowmass.com
ASPEN HIGHLANDS
800-525-6200 aspensnowmass.com
RESORTS, SNOW REPORT AND PASSES VISIT: coloradoski.com
COLORADO
• Colorado contains 75% of the land area of the U.S. with an altitude over 10,000 feet.
• Colfax avenue is the longest continuous street in America.
• Every year Denver hosts the worlds largest rodeo, the Western Stock Show.
• Denver has the largest city park system in the nation with 205 parks in the city limits and 20,000 acres of parks in nearby mountains.
• Colorado has more microbreweries per capita than any other state.
• The highest suspension bridge in the world is over the Royal Gorge near Canon City. The Royal Gorge Bridge span the Arkansas River at a height of 1,053 feet.
• The world’s largest natural hot springs pool is located in Glenwood Springs.
• “Beulah red” is the name of the red marble that gives the Colorado State Capitol its distinctive splendor. Cutting, polishing and installing the marble in the Capitol took six years from 1894 to 1900. All of the Beulah red marble in the world went into the Capitol.
• The highest paved road in North America is the road to Mt. Evans off of I-70 from Idaho Springs. The road climbs up to14,258 feet above sea level.
• The United States Federal Government owns more than 1/3 of the land in Colorado.
• The 13th step of the state capitol building in Denver is exactly one mile high above sea level.
• The Dwight Eisenhower Memorial Tunnel between Clear Creek & Summit counties is the highest auto tunnel in the world. Bored at an elevation of 11,000 feet under the Continental Divide, it is 8,960 feet long and the average daily traffic exceeds 26,000 vehicles.
• Katherine Lee Bates wrote “America the Beautiful” after being inspired by the views from Pikes Peak.
• In Denver, you can attend sporting events for the NFL (Broncos), MLB (Rockies), NHL (Avalanche), and the NBA (Nuggets) all within a three-mile radius!
• Colorado was the first state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana in 2012.
COLORADO
• The highest point in Colorado is Mount Elbert at 14,433 feet
• The Dwight Eisenhower Memorial Tunnel between Clear Creek and Summit counties is the highest auto tunnel in the United States. “When originally opened in the 1970s, the tunnel was not only the highest vehicular tunnel in the US, but at that time it was also the highest in the world. Since then, higher tunnels have been built across the globe,” the Colorado Department of Transportation said.
• Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous U.S. highway, leaves Rocky Mountain National Park on the east and soars to 12,183 feet as it crosses the Continental Divide to the Western Slope. The highest paved road in North America is the road to Mount Evans off of I-70 from Idaho Springs. The road climbs up to 14,258 feet above sea level.
• Colorado has the highest mean altitude of all the states.
• Louis E. Ballast invented the cheeseburger in 1935 at his restaurant, the Humpty Dumpty Barrel Drive In, in Denver.
• Four-state corner - Colorado’s southwest corner is the only place in the United States where the corners of four states meet: Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah.
• Colorado River - The river was named by Spanish explorers for its muddy, red hue, which means “colored red” in Spanish.
• Colorado Trail - This 500-mile hiking trail runs from Durango to Denver, crossing five river systems, six wilderness areas, seven national forests, and eight mountain ranges.
• Denver records an average of over 300 days of sunshine per year--more than San Diego or Miami Beach.
• At an elevation of 5,280 feet, Denver is nicknamed the “Mile High City” because it sits exactly one mile above sea level.
• The U.S. Air Force Academy was built in Colorado Springs in 1958.
• Jolly Rancher Candies started in Golden, also home to Coors Brewery.
COLORADO
ADMISSION TO STATEHOOD: August 1, 1876
AREA:
Colorado has a total of 104,100 Sq. Miles (8th largest in the US)
The word Colorado is spanish for “color red” and refers to the muddy Colorado River
POPULATION:
5,914,181 (2024 estimate)
STATE ABBREVIATION: CO
STATE ANIMAL: Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep
STATE BIRD: Lark Bunting
STATE CAPITAL: Denver
STATE DANCE: Square Dance
STATE FISH: Greenback Cutthroat Trout
STATE FLOWER: Rocky Mountain Columbine
STATE FOSSIL: Stegosaurus
STATE GEMSTONE: Aquamarine
STATE GRASS: Blue Grama Grass
STATE INSECT: Colorado Hairstreak Butterfly
STATE MOTO: Nil sine Numine (“Nothing Without Divine Will or Providence”)
STATE NICKNAME: Centennial State / Colorful Colorado
STATE SOIL: Seitz
STATE SONG: “Where the Columbines Grow”
STATE TREE: Blue Spruce
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Benefits of using a professional REALTOR®.
Congratulations on your decision to buy a home! It’s a challenging project, and there are many ways a professional can help. Here are some of the many ways you may benefit from working with a REALTOR®:
Many more home choices.
Your REALTOR® has thousands of homes to choose from through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), so you’re more likely to find the home that’s just right for you and find it quicker. In fact, a majority of the homes for sale are listed by REALTORS® and aren’t available to you unless you are working with a REALTOR®
A number of transactions “fall out.”
Unfortunately, it’s true. Some transactions fall apart before closing. An experienced REALTOR® may be able to resolve problems and see your transaction through to a successful closing.
Knowledge of new home subdivisions.
New home subdivisions will welcome you and your REALTOR®. If you’re interested in buying a new home, take your agent with you on your first visit to each subdivision. Your professional REALTOR® is an important source of information who can supply background on the builder, nearby subdivisions, and the local community.
It’s a major investment.
You use a professional for your legal, financial and health needs. Why gamble on what may be your biggest investment without a professional at your side?
Help with FSBO’s.
If you consider a “For Sale By Owner,” take your REALTOR® along to help negotiate the contract.
There is less liability.
You may have more protection from legal and financial liability, especially as real estate transactions become more complicated.
The paperwork.
Your experienced REALTOR® will negotiate and prepare the purchase contract for you and assist you throughout the escrow process.
Key professionals involved in your transaction.
REALTOR®
A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate agent and a member of the National Association of REALTORS®, a real estate trade association. REALTORS® also belong to their state and local Association of REALTORS®
Real Estate Agent
A real estate agent is licensed by the state to represent parties in the transfer of property. Every REALTOR® is a real estate agent, but not every real estate agent has the professional designation of a REALTORS®
Listing Agent
A key role of the listing agent or broker is to form a legal relationship with the homeowner to sell the property and place the property in the Multiple Listing Service.
Buyer’s Agent
A key role of the buyer’s agent or broker is to work with the buyer to locate a suitable property and negotiate a successful home purchase.
Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
The MLS is a database of properties listed for sale by REALTORS® who are members of the local Association of REALTORS®. Information on an MLS property is available to thousands of REALTORS®.
Title Company
These are the people who carry out the title search and examination, work with you to eliminate the title exceptions you are not willing to take subject to, and provide the policy of title insurance regarding title to the real property.
Escrow Officer
An escrow officer leads the facilitation of your escrow, including escrow instructions preparation, document preparation, funds disbursement, and more.
Your escrow professional may:
Open escrow and, if instructed to do so, deposit your good faith funds in a separate escrow account.
Order a title search to determine ownership and status of the subject real property.
Issue a preliminary report and begin the process of eliminating the title exceptions you and your lender are not willing to take title subject to.
Request payoff information for the seller’s loans, other liens, homeowner’s association fees, etc.
Coordinate with the buyer’s lender on the preparation of the Closing Disclosure (CD).
Prorate fees, such as real property taxes, per the contract, and prepare the settlement statement.
Set separate appointments allowing the seller and you to sign documents and deposit funds.
Review documents ensuring all conditions and legal requirements are fulfilled; request funds from lender.
When all funds are deposited, record documents with the County Recorder’s Office to transfer the subject real property to you.
After the recordation is confirmed, close escrow and disburse\funds, including seller’s proceeds, loan payoffs, etc.
Prepare and send final documents to all parties involved.
Terms you should know.
Appraisal
An estimate of value of property resulting from analysis of facts about the property; an opinion of value.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
The borrower’s costs of the loan term expressed as a rate. This is not their interest rate.
Beneficiary
The recipient of benefits, often from a deed of trust; usually the lender.
Closing Disclosure (CD)
Closing Disclosure form designed to provide disclosures that will be helpful to borrowers in understanding all of the costs of the transaction. This form will be given to the consumer three (3) business days before closing.
Close of Escrow
Generally the date the buyer becomes the legal owner and title insurance becomes effective.
Comparable Sales
Sales that have similar characteristics as the subject real property, used for analysis in the appraisal. Commonly called “comps.”
Consummation
Occurs when the borrower becomes contractually obligated to the creditor on the loan, not, for example, when the borrower becomes contractually obligated to a seller on a real estate transaction. The point in time when a borrower becomes contractually obligated to the creditor on the loan depends on applicable State law. Consummation is not the same as close of escrow or settlement.
Deed of Trust
An instrument used in many states in place of a mortgage.
Deed Restrictions
Limitations in the deed to a parcel of real property that dictate certain uses that may or may not be made of the real property.
Disbursement Date
The date the amounts are to be disbursed to a buyer and seller in a purchase transaction or the date funds are to be paid to the borrower or a third party in a transaction that is not a purchase transaction.
Earnest Money Deposit
Down payment made by a purchaser of real property as evidence of good faith; a deposit or partial payment.
Easement
A right, privilege or interest limited to a specific purpose that one party has in the land of another.
Endorsement
As to a title insurance policy, a rider or attachment forming a part of the insurance policy expanding or limiting coverage.
Hazard Insurance
Real estate insurance protecting against fire, some natural causes, vandalism, etc., depending upon the policy. Buyer often adds liability insurance and extended coverage for personal property.
Impounds
A trust type of account established by lenders for the accumulation of borrower’s funds to meet periodic payments of taxes, mortgage insurance premiums and/or future insurance policy premiums, required to protect their security.
Legal Description
A description of land recognized by law, based on government surveys, spelling out the exact boundaries of the entire parcel of land. It should so thoroughly identify a parcel of land that it cannot be confused with any other.
Lien
A form of encumbrance that usually makes a specific parcel of real property the security for the payment of a debt or discharge of an obligation. For example, judgments, taxes, mortgages, deeds of trust.
Loan Estimate (LE)
Form designed to provide disclosures that will be helpful to borrowers in understanding the key features, costs and risks of the mortgage loan for which they are applying. Initial disclosure to be given to the borrower three (3) business days after application.
Mortgage
The instrument by which real property is pledged as security for repayment of a loan.
PITI
A payment that includes principal, interest, taxes, and Insurance.
Power of Attorney
A written instrument whereby a principal gives authority to an agent. The agent acting under such a grant is sometimes called an “Attorney-in-Fact.”
Recording
Filing documents affecting real property with the appropriate government agency as a matter of public record.
Settlement statement
Provides a complete breakdown of costs involved in a real estate transaction.
TRID
TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosures
Planning to sell.
A homeowner’s checklist to prepare your home.
So you’re planning to sell your home. You and your real estate broker have decided on a price, based on current market values, but your home may sell faster and bring a higher price if it shows well. Potential buyers will get the best impression if your home is clean, neat, uncluttered, in good repair, light, airy, fragrant, and quiet. This checklist will help you get your home ready to show.
Clean everything in you home.
Cleanliness signals to a buyer that the home has been well cared for and is most likely in good repair. A messy or dirty home will cause prospective buyers to notice every flaw.
Let the fresh air in.
Get rid of odors that may be unfamiliar or unpleasant. People are most often offended by odors from tobacco, pets, cooking, and musty or sour laundry. Fresh flowers and potpourri can be used to your advantage. Other smells that attract positive attention include fresh baked bread and cinnamon.
Painting your home.
There’s nothing that improves the value of a home for a lower cost than a fresh coat of paint. And it’s so often easier to paint a room than it is to scrub it. Stick with neutral colors - off-white is the safest. Be sure to avoid black, violet, and pink.
Keep the noise down.
Silence is a restful sound that offends no one. Turn off the TV and radio. Soft instrumental music is fine but avoid vocals. If necessary, close the windows to eliminate any street noise.
Unclutter your home before you show it.
Have a garage sale. Empty closets. Throw away what you can’t sell. The less “stuff” in and around a home, the roomier it will seem.
Fix anything that is broken.
This includes plumbing, electrical systems, switches, windows, TV antennas, screens, doors, and fences; if it can’t be fixed, replace it or get rid of it (no window screens are better than broken ones). A buyer will make a much lower offer if your house is in disrepair and will probably still insist that everything be fixed before taking occupancy. You’re better off if you leave potential buyers no reason to offer less than you are asking.
Send your pets away.
Send them away or secure them away from the house when prospective buyers are coming. You never know if people will be annoyed or intimidated by your pets or even allergic to them. And you never want a prospective buyer to have to avoid animal droppings.
Send the kids to Grandma’s.
Send them to Grandma’s or take them on a walk around the block. Children can be noisy and distracting to someone interested in looking at a home.
Make a great impression.
“Home
staging is no longer optional in this real estate market, it’s a must.”
- Barbara Corcoran
Staging Tips
Grab them from the Curb
Make It Sparkle
Pay Attention to Color and Light
Depersonalize
Spruce Up Your Curb Appeal
Clean, Clean, Clean
Declutter
Neutralize
Remove All Big Clunky Furniture
Consider Replacing Furnishings
Invest in New Artwork
Make Repairs
Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint
Don’t Forget the Floors Spring for New Light Fixtures
Don’t Take it Personally
Don’t Do Major Renovations
Don’t Think the House Will Sell Itself
Don’t Run Out and Purchase All
New Furniture
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask For Help
Top 5 Dos
Top 5 Don’ts
This checklist will help you get your home ready to show.
Exterior
Clean around service areas/trash cans
Haul away rubbish
Straighten woodpile
Repair leaky faucets
Clean up pet droppings
Paint or varnish doors
Polish door hardware
Make sure doorbell/knocker works
Paint or replace street numbers on house
Make sure septic tank is odor free
Clean oil stains from driveway/street
Patch/reseal driveway if necessary
Replace, repair, and/or paint any damages:
Plaster
Wood siding
Trim
Rain gutters
Shutters
Doors
Window frames
Glazing
Screens
Hardware
Fences/gates
Outdoor lighting
Landscaping
Mow/edge lawn regularly
Aerate/feed lawn
Overseed bare spots in lawn
Water lawn regularly
Remove/replace dead plants
Prune overgrown/diseased/damaged shrubs
Prune or remove shrubs/trees blocking view from windows (unless view is undesirable)
Stake up any sagging trees/shrubs
Keep flower beds free of weeds
Trim around base of trees/walls/fences
Repair or remove any broken or damaged
landscape accessories such as:
Fences
Walls gazebos
Fountains
Trellises
Planters
Other
Replace any broken stepping stones
Adjust any sprinkler system; repair any broken/leaky heads
Install fences or shrubs to hide any unsightly views
Clean/Wash
Siding
Windows
Screen
Outdoor BBQ
AC unit
Pool/Spa
Put Light Bulbs In
Porch lights
Carport Garage
Closets
Keep closets clean and free of clutter
Throw out or pack away non-essentials
Adjust/repair sliding doors
Lubricate sliding door hardware
Paint, if needed
All Rooms, Clean especially around:
Doors
Windows
Light switches
Baseboards
Chair rails
Wash lace curtains and have draperies
cleaned if necessary
Remove or pull back dark curtains
Lubricate window slides (soap for wood
silicon or a candle stump for metal)
Make sure doors open smoothly
Clean ceiling light fixtures
Check for cobwebs in all corners
Fix any scratches in wooden floors
Replace worn/broken flooring
Remove or replace worn carpet
Use area rugs where needed
Empty wastebaskets
Make the beds
Fluff the pillows
Kitchen
Keep dishes and food out of sight
Clean appliances
Clean range hood, including light bulbs
Clean behind appliances
Keep floor clean
Clean light fixture
Make sure all electrical outlets work
Eliminate cooking odors
Deodorize garbage disposal, dishwasher, and refrigerator
Repair faucets
Put fresh shelf paper in cabinets
Organize cupboards
Clean out under sink
Replace garbage disposal gasket to reduce noise
Bathroom, Keep them spotlessly clean:
Shine mirrors
Keep wastebaskets empty and clean
Clean out cabinets and remove nonessentials
Keep fresh, clean towels on towel racks
Clean shower door – if sliding door, keep track well lubricated
Remove soap residue, mildew and mold from sink/tub/shower
Remove stains from porcelain sink tub toilet
Replace torn/moldy shower curtain
Bathroom (continued)
Clean tile grout
Make sure toilet flushes properly –replace mechanism if necessary
Clean exhaust fan/heater – replace if broken or noisy
Garage/Carport/Shed
Install 100-watt light bulb
Keep area clean/uncluttered
Hang up/put away tools
Clear away any cobwebs
Remove oil/paint stains from floor
Adjust tension rod to eliminate sag from overhead garage door
Lubricate/adjust/repair garage door opener
Paint if needed
Laundry Area
Clean out area behind washer/dryer
Eliminate any mildew odors
Basement
Eliminate any signs of dampness
Check for and eliminate cracks
Heating/Air Conditioning Unit
Vacuum
Replace filter
Clean intake vent
Remove any stored items
Make sure the temperature in your home is comfortable – keep it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. If it’s cooler outside and you have a fireplace, a nice fire will make your home seem cozy and inviting.
Provide an exhaustive written list of the features of your home.
Know the distance to schools and shopping centers.
Refer any prospect that calls or comes by to your broker for pre-screening and pre-qualification as well as for your own safety.
Tell your real estate agent all about the home-good and bad. Let the professional decide how to handle negatives and features or highlight the positives.
The life of an escrow.
Chooses a Real Estate Agent
Gets pre-approval letter from Lender and provides to Real Estate Agent.
Makes offer to purchase. Upon acceptance, opens escrow and deposits earnest money.
Finalizes loan application with Lender. Receives a Loan Estimate from Lender.
Completes and returns opening package from First American Title.
Schedules inspections and evaluates findings. Reviews title commitment/preliminary report.
Provides all requested paperwork to Lender (bank statements, tax returns, etc.) All invoices and final approvals should be to the lender no later than 10 days prior to loan consummation.
Lender (or Escrow Officer) prepares CD and delivers to Buyer at least 3 days prior to loan consummation.
Escrow officer or real estate agent contacts the buyer to schedule signing appointment.
Documents are recorded and the keys are delivered!
Accepts Buyer’s offer to purchase.
Completes and returns opening package from First American Title, including information such as forwarding address, payoff lender contact information and loan numbers.
Orders any work for inspections and/or repairs to be done as required by the purchase agreement.
Escrow officer or real estate agent contacts the seller to schedule signing appointment.
Documents are recorded and all proceeds from sale are received.
Upon receipt of order and earnest money deposit, orders title examination.
Requests necessary information from buyers and sellers via opening packages.
Reviews title commitment/ preliminary report.
Upon receipt of opening packages, orders demands for payoffs. Contacts buyer or seller when additional information is required for the title commitment/ preliminary report.
All demands, invoices, and fees must be collected and sent to lender at least 10 days prior to loan consummation.
Coordinates with lender on the preparation of the CD.
Reviews all documents, demands, and instructions and prepares settlement statements and any other required documents.
Schedules signing appointment and informs buyer of funds due at settlement.
Once loan is consummated, sends funding package to lender for review.
Prepares recording instructions and submits docs for recording.
Documents are recorded and funds are disbursed. Issues final settlement statement.
Accepts Buyer’s application and begins the qualification process. Provides Buyer with Loan Estimate.
Orders and reviews title commitment / preliminary report, property appraisal, credit report, employment and funds verification.
Collects information such as title commitment / preliminary report, appraisal, credit report, employment and funds verification. Reviews and requests additional information for final loan approval.
Underwriting reviews loan package for approval.
Coordinates with Escrow Officer on the preparation of the Closing Disclosure, which is delivered to Buyer at least 3 days prior to loan consummation.
Delivers loan documents to escrow.
Upon review of signed loan documents, authorizes loan funding.
The Buyer
The Escrow Officer
Chooses a Real Estate Agent
The Seller
The Lender
The Closing Process
We know the home buying process can be confusing. Let’s walk through a brief explanation of what happens after you sign the contract.
The signed contract and earnest money are delivered to the settlement agent (note: the title company often acts as the settlement agent). Now the title order begins and information such as taxes, loan payoffs, lien search, and other information is collected.
The title search will determine the legal owner of the property and any outstanding liens and/or assessments. This search is critical to making sure the property will transfer legally to the buyer.
Over the next few weeks the following will occur: inspections, repairs (if necessary), payoffs obtained from current lenders, HOA’s, lienholders, ect, and loan document preparation. It is important the buyers and sellers are responsive to requests for paperwork and information.
Once the invoices, payoffs, statements, and loan documents are received, the settlement statement is prepared. This document includes the closing calculations and is used to inform the buyer and seller of their bottom line figures.
The closing paperwork must then be signed by the buyer and the seller. This will include documents such as the deed, settlement statement, loan documents (if applicable), and others.
All payees, including the seller, payoff lenders, real estate professionals, and others are paid according to the settlement statement.
The final documents, including the deed and loan instrument, are sent to the county recorder’s office for recordation. After recording, the deed will be sent to the buyer. The title insurance policy is sent to the buyer and the lender.
Understanding title insurance.
The title industry and title insurance in brief.
Prior to the development of the title industry in the late 1800s, a home-buyer received a grantor’s warranty, attorney’s title opinion, or abstractor’s certificate as assurance of home ownership. The buyer relied on the financial integrity of the grantor, attorney, or abstractor for protection. Today, homebuyers look primarily to title insurance to provide this protection. Title insurance companies are regulated by state statute. They are required to post financial guarantees to ensure that any claims will be paid in a timely fashion. They also must maintain their own “title plants” which house duplicates of recorded deeds, mortgages, plats, and other pertinent county property records.
What is title insurance?
Title insurance provides coverage for certain losses due to defects in the title that, for the most part, occurred prior to your ownership. Title insurance protects against defects such as prior fraud or forgery that might go undetected until after closing and possibly jeopardize your ownership and investment.
Why is title insurance needed?
Title insurance insures buyers against the risk that they did not acquire marketable title from the seller. It is primarily designed to reduce risk or loss caused by defects in title from the past. A loan policy of title insurance protects the interest of the mortgage lender, while an owner’s policy protects the equity of you, the buyer, for as long as you or your heirs (in certain policies) own the real property.
When is the premium due?
You pay for your owner’s title insurance policy only once, at the close of escrow. Who pays for the owner’s policy and loan policy varies depending on local customs.
How title insurance differs.
Unlike other forms of insurance, title insurance emphasizes loss prevention for the insured. Title professionals perform labor-intensive work to find and address title issues that could threaten your homeownership. This upfront analysis gives you, as a policy holder, the peace of mind that your title risk has been effectively reduced. In contrast, insurance based on loss assumption (such as auto or property and casualty insurance) requires little upfront work because claims cannot be predicted or prevented, and premium funds are needed only in the event of an accident or other covered issue. These types of insurance also require annual coverage payments, unlike title insurance which is paid for only once upon the purchase of your home or establishment of a new mortgage.
The importance of title protection.
There are many title issues that could cause you to lose your real property or your mortgage investment. Even the most careful search of public records may not disclose the most dangerous threat: hidden risks. These issues may not be uncovered until years later. Without title insurance from a reputable and financially solvent company, the ownership of your home could be jeopardized.
Here are some examples of title issues that may occur:
Deeds by persons supposedly single, but secretly married.
Deeds in lieu of foreclosure given under duress
Marital rights of spouse purportedly, but not legally, divorced.
Impersonation of the true owner of the land.
Deeds by minors.
Deeds by persons of unsound mind.
Deeds to or from defunct corporations.
Defective acknowledgments by notaries.
Duress in execution of instruments.
Erroneous reports furnished by tax officials.
Forged deeds, releases, etc.
Mistakes in recording legal documents.
Surviving children omitted from will.
Administration of estate of persons absent but not deceased.
Birth or adoption of children after date of will.
Claims of creditors against real property sold by heirs or devisees.
Deed of community property recited to be separate property.
Deeds by foreign parties.
Seller’s Checklist
Prior to Closing:
Provide title company with current loan information so a payoff statement can be ordered from your lender. You will need to provide your Social Security Number and you may be required to sign a form authorizing your lender to provide the payoff to First American Title.
Complete a Confidential Information Statement if you have a common surname. Provide documentation of any change in marital status (divorce, marriage, death) during current ownership. If the property is inherited we will need a copy of the probated will.
Have your Power of Attorney approved prior to closing in the event you will not be present to sign documents.
Required at Closing:
Driver’s License Social Security Number
Bring extra house keys, garage door openers, warranties or operational manuals for appliances (heating, AC, stove, etc.) or let your real estate professional know where in the house they are located.
Avoiding Closing Delays:
Lenders and title insurers may require single owners who have married to have their spouse sign paperwork or a deed at closing. Discuss this with your escrow officer early in the transaction. The Confidential Information Statement should be completed and returned promptly. It will help clarify the identity of the actual person or persons named on judgments in the title search.
After Closing:
Cancel your homeowner’s insurance if you are moving from the property at closing. If you are remaining at the property after closing, you should notify your agent of this change.
Make sure your lender has your forwarding address. The lender will refund monies left in your escrow/impound account and send final paperwork regarding the paid loan.
Keep your final settlement statement with tax documents. You will need it when filing taxes.
Moving Address Change Checklist
Here’s a list of people, businesses and organizations who will need to know you’ve moved to a new location.
The Essentials:
Request a “Change of Address” form at a USPS post office
Friends and family
Financial Institutions:
Banks and credit unions
Credit card companies (including department store cards)
Lenders (mortgage, home equity, auto, student loan)
