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Colorado Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Colorado on
Q: what is/how to get: Letter of successor's interest

Please help.. my family's and I home is at risk!!

This is turning out to be a mess.. I'll try to keep simple:

Jim purchased the property in 1985 and was the only name ever on the loan with US Bank. When Jim moved from the property he gifted the property to his... View More

Kenneth V Zichi
Kenneth V Zichi
answered on May 9, 2017

Are you saying that after 32 years that there is still a mortgage against this property? Absent refinancing or a 40

year loan (or worse, an interest only loan!) this would not happen. Something isn't adding up.

You REALLY need to consult with a local real estate attorney to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Colorado on
Q: We just discovered what appears to human grave sites on a piece of land we purchased. It was not disclosed to us.
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
answered on May 7, 2017

Yikes! The best approach is to contact the local police about the find (non-emergency). After the police clear the area (either by clearing a crime scene or declaring the site not part of a crime) you can consider whether or not this is something that should be disclosed. As a general rule,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Construction Law for Colorado on
Q: Realtor did not disclose the construction next door of over 200 homes shortly after we moved in, do we have recourse?

Construction started shortly after we moved in. Neighbor stated that they have known about the construction for two years. The HOA had sent a letter to everyone notifying them of the construction. I feel as though we should have been told. We are afraid that this will reduce our property value.... View More

Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
answered on Apr 29, 2017

You may have a claim, but you will need to contact a real estate attorney directly. As a general best practice, the seller should disclose things that may impact the value or desirability of a home. Colorado might require the disclosure of the construction if the circumstances are right, but nearby... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: Home owned in Colorado Springs. Husband assigned to Fort Bragg. Home is leased, current lease expires 4/30/2017.

Lease automatically changes to month-to-month at expiration.Tenant wants to renew for a year. Just found out we are being reassigned to Fort Carson in Feb, 2018 but don't have orders yet. Can we put a clause in new lease to allow us to terminate early because of our return to Colorado, so we... View More

Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
answered on Apr 29, 2017

You can ask for the early termination provision, but the landlord has to agree to the term. The landlord is not required to agree to the early termination term, but may agree.

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Land Use & Zoning for Colorado on
Q: County Planning Administrator is requiring us to meet PROPOSED floodplain codes for a garage.

Our property is not currently in a floodplain. It is in a PROPOSED FEMA floodplain. The County Planning Administrator is using the proposed map to determine our building code. We will have to elevate our garage as well as add flood vents even though our property is not currently in a floodplain.... View More

Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
answered on Apr 28, 2017

Consulting a real estate attorney is likely worth the effort. Planning commissions can have a life of their own (not always in a good way...). The proposed classifications may not be legally binding and/or you may be able to get an special exception for the garage. At minimum, you can have a lawyer... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Small Claims and Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: We moved into an apartment, it wasn't cleaned and we specifically asked for the cleaning. What can we do?

The building manager said they would send one housekeeper but she would have to clean around furniture and would not be able to clean the whole apartment. There were mouse droppings and a mouse hole in the bathroom, digesting. Also they said a construction project would be going on from 19th to... View More

Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
answered on Apr 26, 2017

You may have grounds for constructive eviction. You will need to contact a lawyer. While Colorado Legal Services and your local bar have resources for landlord-tenant issues, you may have to hire a lawyer.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: Lease stateswe will give tenants24 hours before entering, we have give them that notice, do they have the right to refu

Tenants have been absent from property for 25 consecutive days, we want to ensure there is no damage, i.e. Leaking pipe, refrigerator still working, furnace still functioning and septic still working. However they have put up a huge arrugment. Are we with in our rights to do an inspection?

Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
answered on Apr 25, 2017

Justia's Q&A section cannot sanction a contextual "inspection" due to the tenants being absent for a period of time. The tenants have a right of privacy and a property right to prevent access. With some very limited exceptions, a landlord cannot enter the leasehold without... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law for Colorado on
Q: Can a buyer get out of a sale contact due to a timing of the repair in CO?

The contract is for a house in Colorado and the seller agreed to pay for the repair.

Vincent Gallo
Vincent Gallo
answered on Apr 21, 2017

In order to determine your rights, you will need to thoroughly examine the precise language in the contract as it relates to this particular issue before making any decisions. The contract will control.

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3 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Divorce for Colorado on
Q: Can my wife claim my property?

I live in Colorado. I have been separated from my wife for 7 years. The divorce was never finalized. I would like to buy a house, but I want to make sure she can not lay claim to it. Is there any chance that she could claim it? The property I would like to buy is in a different state from... View More

Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
answered on Apr 19, 2017

If you want to remove any potential claims that your wife can make to the house purchase that your are considering, you will need to get divorced before you purchase a home. Since Colorado is a common law state, the informal separation allows you to claim that the house should not be divided with... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: What kinds of information can you're landlord ask for?

We have lived here for 2 years no problems. And now that we're up to renew our land lord wants all this info. She wants us to reapply and she wants pay stubs and employers numbers she wants proof of income and all kinds of things... can she ask for this stuff? She even wants to come and look... View More

Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
answered on Apr 10, 2017

Requesting financial information is allowed. If you feel the information is too invasive, you have the option to not renew the lease. Things that cannot be asked generally relate to race, gender, and/or disability (beyond discovery for reasonably accommodation for the disability).

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: Can we break the lease?

We were just told that the owner is selling the property (4/03/2017) they required a 45 day notice to not renew in June. We ask If we can break lease so we can find a place before the summer boost in rent prices. We were told by the owners middle man to go ahead and start looking and after that... View More

Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
answered on Apr 7, 2017

Based on your facts you have reasonable grounds to assert the claim of implied agency which may allow you to break the lease early. The issue is that this can only be decided by a judge. As a result, even if your understanding is correct, you may have to litigate if the current landlord refuses the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Colorado on
Q: Can I photograph and list a seller's house, and receive a flat fee payment, even if I don't have a real estate license?
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
answered on Apr 5, 2017

You will need to contact a lawyer for a full review of your specific situation.

These are the general rules. Photographs of a home do not normally require a valid Colorado real estate license. Listing on MLS, Zillow, etc. for pay does require a valid Colorado license. Note, the homeowners...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Colorado on
Q: Any laws saying you must be a resident of colorado before purchasing land?
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
answered on Apr 5, 2017

No, there are no restrictions. You don't have to be a resident of Colorado (ever). Note if you permanently reside in Colorado for 91 consecutive days you automatically become a resident.

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: If my name is misspelled on the lease and I did not sign but other roommate did, is the lease still binding to me?

Wanting to leave due to roommate disputes

Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
answered on Apr 3, 2017

The misspelling is not a material defect in the lease.

As for the lack of a signature, the issue is complicated. A signature is usually needed to create an binding agreement (esp. for real estate). However, actions can impute an agreement (esp. for leases). In other words, you are likely...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Colorado on
Q: How do I obtain a lien release for my home and submit it to FreddieMac?

Mortgage was with Wells Fargo, sold to FreddieMac. FreddieMac is requesting a release. How do I obtain and submit this release.

Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
answered on Apr 1, 2017

This should be available at your local county assessor's office. Note, the original lender (Wells Fargo), should assist (by providing a release letter) with the removal. If more information or filing is required, you may need to contact a real estate attorney.

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Small Claims and Real Estate Law for Colorado on
Q: I recently closed on a condo, which I financed with a CHFA loan. A few days ago an electrician came over and informed

me that I have a Federal Pacific circuit breaker panel with Stab-Lok circuit breakers, which are faulty and a fire hazard. FP was the subject of a class action lawsuit in NJ I discovered and are considered faulty. The electrician also informed me no homeowners insurance policy would cover damage... View More

Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
answered on Mar 30, 2017

You may, but you will need to contact a lawyer directly to see for certain. Only a lawyer (on a private basis) can evaluate the merits of your case and provide guidance.

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: Landlord filed a false claim to our renters' insurance for theft and plumbing damage. Should we inform insurance?

We have photos, texts, and documentation to prove damage was due to poor maintenance and normal wear and tear, not willful or neglectful damage on part of tenant.

Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
answered on Mar 29, 2017

As a general rule, landlords have accelerated procedures for tenants that violate some laws (usually drug related). You are welcome to contact the insurance company if you feel that fraud has or is occurring.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence, Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: My roommate was convicted of child abuse. Can he be evicted and/or lease terminated?

His girlfriend bailed him out of jail today and we don't feel comfortable with him living here anymore. We have two children and the police have basically told us we have to keep a closer watch on them and they aren't allowed on their own at the house because he may be there or come home... View More

Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
answered on Mar 25, 2017

You can try to buy-out the tenant's interest or reach a private agreement for the tenant to leave. You cannot force an eviction or termination of the lease unless you are allowed in the lease agreement. If there is violence directed towards you or the children you can proceed with either an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Colorado on
Q: Do I have to share an inspection report I have not seen from a buyer where the deal fell thru to a new seller Colorado
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
answered on Mar 21, 2017

Review your sales contract with the new buyer for details. Usually, a prior private inspection (or one done via a failed sale) does not need to be released. HOWEVER, if the inspection discovered a material defect in the home you are REQUIRED to disclose the defect (per Colorado law and most sales... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Colorado on
Q: there is a 50' easement road in front of our property, we want to increase that

there is an easement road in front of our property for assess to the people down the road. right now we have a piece of paper that says the easement is 50' wide which comes onto our land by about 10 feet. we would like to put up a fence to enclose our property which would be about 25 feet of... View More

Tristan Kenyon Schultz
Tristan Kenyon Schultz
answered on Mar 20, 2017

You will need to contact a lawyer directly for a legal opinion. What you are proposing is limiting an easement for aesthetic purposes. You can consider hostility restricting the easement, but that is something best discussed with an attorney directly (there are many negative consequences if you are... View More

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