COLORADO ESSENTIAL / 01Radon: test the property, not the neighborhood
Colorado homes can have elevated radon even when nearby homes test low. Buyers should request a professional test within the applicable inspection period and review any prior test reports or mitigation systems. Sellers should disclose known results and supply available records. A system can reduce levels, but test results and mitigation claims should be verified.
For buyers: schedule testing early and consider a post-mitigation retest.
For sellers: locate previous reports, system permits and service records.
COLORADO ESSENTIAL / 02Hail, wildfire and the real cost of insurance
A beautiful home is not necessarily inexpensive to insure. Obtain an actual property-specific insurance quote before removing contingencies. Compare deductibles, roof coverage, replacement-cost limits, and any wildfire-related exclusions, conditions or underwriting requirements. In mountain-edge areas, ask about wildfire mitigation; in hail-prone areas, review roof age, material and prior claims.
For buyers: confirm insurability with your lender and insurer before deadlines.
For sellers: organize roof, claim, mitigation and repair documentation.
COLORADO ESSENTIAL / 03Property taxes, reassessments and cash flow
Colorado property taxes are generally collected in arrears and allocated at closing through contractual prorations. The prior owner's bill is a starting point, not a guarantee of future taxes. Confirm assessed value, local mill levies, exemptions, supplemental assessments and expected escrow requirements with the county assessor/treasurer and lender.
For buyers: budget using a reasonable estimate of future taxes, not just last year's bill.
For sellers: check tax statements, exemptions and potential closing prorations.
COLORADO ESSENTIAL / 04Metro districts and special assessments
A metropolitan district is a local governmental taxing entity, not the same thing as an HOA. It may finance infrastructure through property taxes and other fees. Check whether the address lies in one or more special districts; review mill levies, outstanding debt, notices and district budgets. Public mapping tools are useful for initial discovery but boundaries should be verified with local records.
For buyers: ask for district disclosures and a current tax certificate.
For sellers: assemble district notices and accurately disclose known obligations.
COLORADO ESSENTIAL / 05HOAs, condominium rules and reserve health
Review declarations, bylaws, rules, current dues, reserves, insurance, special assessments, pending litigation and owner responsibilities. Pay particular attention to pet, rental, remodeling, parking and exterior-maintenance restrictions. Condo insurance may require separate coverage for improvements and loss assessments. Due dates for document delivery and review are contract-specific.
For buyers: read both governing documents and financial statements, not just dues.
For sellers: request current association documents before listing where feasible.
COLORADO ESSENTIAL / 06Sewer laterals, water service and hidden infrastructure
Older neighborhoods and mature trees can mean roots, offsets or deteriorating private sewer laterals. A camera scope can reveal defects a standard home inspection may not find. Confirm who owns the sewer lateral and water service line, what inspections local rules require, and whether insurance or service-line protection is available. A sewer scope is recommended due diligence, not automatically mandated for every Colorado sale.
For buyers: discuss a sewer scope, cleanout access and repair estimates with inspectors.
For sellers: keep past scope reports, permits and repair invoices available.
