Apropos of Nothing
How Title Insurance Relates to Surveys and ILCs
In my article on surveys and ILCs, I explained how buyers might think through whether to obtain a survey, an ILC, or neither. Here, we’ll look at how title insurance, Owner’s Extended Coverage (OEC), and Survey Matters fit into that same risk-management discussion....
Survey or ILC? Understanding the Trade-offs
One question that occasionally comes up in a real estate transaction is whether a buyer should obtain a survey or an Improvement Location Certificate (ILC). The problem is that most buyers have never ordered either one. Many people are not entirely sure what the...
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3732 Mead St
On a large lot full of possibility and near some of Fort Collins’ most distinctive recreational access, this unique property blends thoughtful updates and modern systems to create an efficient and truly 21st-century home. Price: $475,000 MLS #: 1059306...
What Changed in August 2024 — and What Didn’t
If you bought or sold a home before the changes took effect in August 2024, you probably experienced a familiar pattern: the seller likely paid not only the listing agent, but also the buyer's agent — *your* agent. Put simply, buyers rarely had to pay their agent’s...
A Quick Insurance Lesson Before You Close
One of the reasons we encourage buyers to ask a few direct insurance questions up front is simple: insurance policies have exceptions, and it’s easy to assume something is covered when it isn’t. A story A good friend bought his first home a while back. He and his wife...
Beyond the Superficial: The Puzzle of Enduring Home Value
Over the past few months, we've written extensively about different kinds of home improvements—particularly what we have named "superficial" and "enduring" improvements. These ideas have sparked interest and prompted thoughtful questions from many of our friends and...
Recent Real Estate Changes: Sellers Haven’t Seen Much Change Yet
If you’ve sold a home in the past 30 years, you likely paid a commission not only for the agent you hired (the listing agent) but also for the agent representing the buyer. And if you’ve purchased a home during this time, your agent’s commission was likely paid by the...




