Within just the last few weeks I've been in some REO houses showing buyers around. And in both houses you could not help but notice the black shadows on the walls. One house had the marks in just a few places, near doorways, in the bathroom and kitchen. The other house was covered in the black marks. It took a minute to figure out what the marks were - smoke from oil lamps.

I recently heard someone say "the utilities are the first to go" meaning when people are behind in the bills the utilities are usually turned off. There is no jeanie in the lamp - ask for help!

If you need assistance :  

LEAP:  http://www.cdhs.state.co.us/leap/ Low income energy assistance program

Colorado Foreclosure HOTLINE (877)601-HOPE or (877) 601-4673

http://www.hud.gov/local/co/homeownership/foreclosure.cfmForclosure help