Friday, February 29, 2008

THE SPIRIT OF DURANGO! A week ago, a huge fire erupted in the 700 block of downtown completely destroying Season's Grill, Le Rendezvous Swiss Bakery and 1/2 Price Tees. Nine firefighters were injured in the fight and the community, of course, has supported and applauded their efforts.

One fact that would have been overlooked in most places (but not in Durango) is that, with the loss of three very successful businesses, roughly 70 employees of these establishments are out of work. Several area restaurants have added staff to help out but the most impressive action has come from the Durango Business Improvement District. The embers were still smouldering when this organization of business leaders established a fund to assist those left unemployed by the fire. In just a week the fund has grown to $30,000 and is expected to grow to $100,000.

We are going to approach the city Monday seeking approval to hold a BBQ benefit downtown with all proceeds going to the fund. If approved, the plans are to pull our pits curbside and serve the public for contributions.

In spite of the tragedy it is heartening to see the Spirit of Durango soar. Thank you Durango - what a place to live.

http://HomesInDurango.com
http://RealEstate-Durango.com

Thursday, February 21, 2008

http://realestate-durango.com

FORECLOSURES: If you pay attention to the broad picture painted by the media it is easy to conclude that every housing community in the nation is struggling under the weight of staggering numbers of foreclosures.

While it's obvious foreclosures are at record levels nationally, it is important to note that Colorado is farring better than other states. In 2007 there were a record 39,915 forelcosures in the state, or one for every 45 households. This was up from 1 in every 58 households in 2006.

During 2007, the highest foreclosure rates were logged in the metropolitan Denver counties of Adams, Denver and Arapaho and in Weld and Pueblo counties. These densely populated areas mirror other sections of the country with tract builders, dubious lending practices and questionable consumer decisions.

The mountain counties of western Colorado reported the lowest foreclosure rates. La Plata County, for example, expreienced one forecloure for every 234 households; a substantial difference from the national norm. Our local real estate economy remains firm. Prices are stable, properties are selling. The market outlook is not as broadly bleak as the media would have you believe.

http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

FIREWOOD TIPS : “Wood warms you thrice--when you chop it, when you stack it, when you burn it.” Farmer’s Almanac.

To help avoid insect pests, never store firewood on the ground or touching your house.

Burn only seasoned wood (seasoned logs seem light in weight and have dark ends with cracks or splits).

The best trees to burn (most heat value) are American beech, apple, ironwood, red oak, shagbark hickory, sugar maple, white ash, white oak, and yellow birch.

Wood is often sold by the cord or ½ cord. A cord of wood is a pile of logs 4 feet wide by 4 feet high by 8 feet long and weighs about 2 tons.

Don’t buy more than you can store for a season.

Make sure the damper is open before lighting a fire.

If a fresh air vent is present, clear away any ash or logs that may obstruct airflow.

Only burn wood with a safety screen present to prevent the spread of burning ashes.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at http://www.housemaster.com/.

http://homesindurango.com/
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
realestate-durango.com

Friday, February 15, 2008

WINGS OVER DURANGO! Frontier Airlines announced Thursday it will expand service to eight cities across the Rockies - including Durango!

The flights will start in April and May using turboprop aircraft from its Lynx Aviation subsidiary and regional jets operated by Republic Air, both of which are more efficient and economical on shorter trips.

Ron Dent, aviation director of the Durango-La Plata County Airport, said Frontier's arrival could spur a 50 percent reduction in fares. "Sometimes, we do not have enough seats to Denver," Dent said. "Frontier's arrival will generate a lot of new traffic and will cement Durango as the air transporation hub of the Four Corners."

Frontier's goal is to drive more traffic to its hub at Denver International Airport, which we Durangoans currently access through United. On May 15, Frontier will have 74 seat turboprops available for service from Durango with three daily round trip flights.

We extend our best wishes to FrontIer and say, "WELCOME TO DURANGO!"

http://HomesInDurango.com
http://realestate-durango.com

Monday, February 11, 2008

http://RealEstate-Durango.com



WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM YOUR AGENT? In a recent interview with Anne Randolph of Murray Consulting Anne was asked, "What is the number one thing consumers want from their transactions with real estate agents?"

If you think that getting the highest possible price for their home would be consumers' top desire or maybe moving their property quickly would number one, you would be wrong on both counts. According to Anne's research, 89 percent of people surveyed since 2000 say the most important thing for them is "to feel like the real estate agent completely represents their interest," adding that they need to feel their agent is trustworthy.

On the heels of representing their interest and being trustworthy, good communication was consumer's third strongest desire. Getting the highest price for their home and selling it quickly were still further down the list.

The comment that we hear the most from potential clients is, "Once we signed the listing contract, we never heard from our agent again." Our clients will never be able to say that.

Every client, whether a Buyer or Seller, that closes a real estate transaction with us will be able to say that we are trustworthy professionals with superb communication skills and that we worked hard to protect their interest.

If we can assist you with your real estate needs, give us a call!

http://HomesInDurango.com
http://realestate-durango.com


REMEMBER - KEEP YOUR CAMERA HANDY!

Saturday, February 09, 2008