WATER: If the sight of a lawn sprinkler dousing curbs and sidewalks on a hot summer afternoon strikes you as wasteful, you're not alone.
The City of Durango wants to reduce the amount of water wasted during the summer months by 20 percent, and an ordinance to make sure that happens is imminent. The ordinance passed the Durango Planning Commission by a 4 to 1 vote July 9 and next moves to the City Council for final approval.
The ordinance, promoting the Xeriscape method of water efficient landscaping, will only apply to new commercial and multifamily developments and not to single family residences or existing businesses.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Monday, July 30, 2007
LPEA REFUNDS: The board of directors of La Plata Electric Association, our local energy co-op, voted to refund $2 million in capital credits to customers who have maintained an account with LPEA for at least one year. The amount of the refund will depend on the amount of money each customer has paid over the duration of each account.
The refunds will be credited directly to the customer's electric bills or mailed as checks to those who no longer have an active LPEA account or are scheduled for a refund in excess of $250.
Each year, payments made by customers that exceed the cost of providing the actual electric service are placed into a patronage capital account in each customer's name proportionate to the amount paid. The capital often is used to finance improvements such as additional electrical lines, poles, transformers and substations.
When the co-op's finances are healthy, as they are this year, the capital investment often is returned to the customer-members. Since 1939, LPEA has refunded more than $25 million to members.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
The refunds will be credited directly to the customer's electric bills or mailed as checks to those who no longer have an active LPEA account or are scheduled for a refund in excess of $250.
Each year, payments made by customers that exceed the cost of providing the actual electric service are placed into a patronage capital account in each customer's name proportionate to the amount paid. The capital often is used to finance improvements such as additional electrical lines, poles, transformers and substations.
When the co-op's finances are healthy, as they are this year, the capital investment often is returned to the customer-members. Since 1939, LPEA has refunded more than $25 million to members.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
Thursday, July 26, 2007
BANKING: They say money makes the world go round. In Durango, banks - the ultimate money keepers - both reflect and help drive the local economy.
As Durango grows in population and wealth, the local banking industry is growing along with it. La Plata County has 10 banks with 19 branches. Their combined deposits topped $1 billion in 2006 for the first time.
The local banking industry is intimately tied with the housing industry. Consumer deposits fuel loans that in turn drive economic growth, including construction. The local industry is doing well, while not quite enjoying growth as strong as a year ago.
Banks are further fueled by Durango's tourist economy which attracts people with money to spend. People come into town to take advantage of the many attractions and typically they have an above average median income. Many are thinking about buying a second home or retiring to Durango. *
*source - The Durango Herald
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As Durango grows in population and wealth, the local banking industry is growing along with it. La Plata County has 10 banks with 19 branches. Their combined deposits topped $1 billion in 2006 for the first time.
The local banking industry is intimately tied with the housing industry. Consumer deposits fuel loans that in turn drive economic growth, including construction. The local industry is doing well, while not quite enjoying growth as strong as a year ago.
Banks are further fueled by Durango's tourist economy which attracts people with money to spend. People come into town to take advantage of the many attractions and typically they have an above average median income. Many are thinking about buying a second home or retiring to Durango. *
*source - The Durango Herald
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
Monday, July 23, 2007
VACATION HOMES: Last year, while investment home sales dropped nationally, vacation home sales rose nearly 5 percent at a time when real estate, in general, was experiencing a downturn.
By 2025, an estimated 35 percent of the U.S. population will be age 50 or older. That's one of the reasons why all signs point to a continued strong market for vacation homes, bolstered by Baby Boomers as prime vacation home candidates. Whether they simply want to diversify investments or want a place to get away, Baby Boomers are driving this marker growth.
This bodes well for the continued strength of the Durango market. Statistics from the National Association of Realtors show that:
** Two-thirds of of buyers desired a vacation home close to a body of water;
** Nearly 40 percent preferred to have access to recreational or sporting activities;
** More than 30 percent chose vacation or resort areas;
** And 31 percent preferred mountain retreats or natural attractions.
With our lakes, rivers, rafting, fishing, hunting, skiing, biking and unmatched beauty is it any wonder our vacation home market remains strong. Durango has it all.
http://homesindurango.com/
http://durangorealestate.biz/
By 2025, an estimated 35 percent of the U.S. population will be age 50 or older. That's one of the reasons why all signs point to a continued strong market for vacation homes, bolstered by Baby Boomers as prime vacation home candidates. Whether they simply want to diversify investments or want a place to get away, Baby Boomers are driving this marker growth.
This bodes well for the continued strength of the Durango market. Statistics from the National Association of Realtors show that:
** Two-thirds of of buyers desired a vacation home close to a body of water;
** Nearly 40 percent preferred to have access to recreational or sporting activities;
** More than 30 percent chose vacation or resort areas;
** And 31 percent preferred mountain retreats or natural attractions.
With our lakes, rivers, rafting, fishing, hunting, skiing, biking and unmatched beauty is it any wonder our vacation home market remains strong. Durango has it all.
http://homesindurango.com/
http://durangorealestate.biz/
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
LAKE DURANGO: A settlement reached Tuesday in the long-standing Lake Durango water dispute call for the creation of a new water authority to take over operations of the private company that supplies water to Durango West and other nearby subdivisions. For years, the company has been plagued with complaints of inadequate supply and poor quality. Other subdivisions served by the company include Shenandoah, Trappers Crossing and Rafter J.
The new authority, as a non-profit governmental entity, will be in better position to complete a pending arrangement to secure water from Lightner Creek.
It is expected that the water authority will be formed by December 2007.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
The new authority, as a non-profit governmental entity, will be in better position to complete a pending arrangement to secure water from Lightner Creek.
It is expected that the water authority will be formed by December 2007.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
CHIPMUNK HILL: A popular sledding and tubing hill on Highway 550 south of Durango Mountain Resort will soon be history. A conceptual plan to develop this 160 acre parcel has been submitted to the La Plata County Planning Department for review.
The plan calls for 16 homes plus a trail easement that would allow the public to cross the property to access public land to the east.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
The plan calls for 16 homes plus a trail easement that would allow the public to cross the property to access public land to the east.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
Monday, July 16, 2007
GROWTH: At last Tuesday's city council meeting city planning director Greg Hoch presented councilors with statistics that confirm what we have know for some time - that Durango is growing and growing quickly - but the latest numbers indicate that the number of homes in the city could more than double based on numbers of the 2000 census. In that year, Durango's 13,922 residents lived in 5,813 homes, apartments and condominiums. Seven years later, there are now more than 16,000 people and 7,660 housing units, representing an overall housing increase of 32 percent an an annual growth rate of 6.4 percent.
The growth rate is a serious concern to Durango's three newest council members, Leigh Meigs, Michael Rendon and Scott Graham, all of whom ran on strong managed growth platforms before their April elections. Rendon believes the development approval process needs to change to give elected officials more of a say in long-term planning decisions. "We were elected not because people are anti-growth, but because they want managed growth, and that's the way we can do it," he said.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
The growth rate is a serious concern to Durango's three newest council members, Leigh Meigs, Michael Rendon and Scott Graham, all of whom ran on strong managed growth platforms before their April elections. Rendon believes the development approval process needs to change to give elected officials more of a say in long-term planning decisions. "We were elected not because people are anti-growth, but because they want managed growth, and that's the way we can do it," he said.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
Saturday, July 14, 2007
HOUSING HELP: The first use of financial assistance in La Plata County to help low and moderate income families get into their own home is virtually assured, Jennifer Lopez, executive director of the La Plata County Regional Housing Authority, said Friday.
The agency has received a $256,800 grant from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development through the state Division of Local Affairs to create a revolving loan fund to assist with down payments and closing costs.
A family of four with an income of $48,500 or less annually could qualify for financial aid. This is the first down payment assistance program in Durango or La Plata County where appreciation of real estate prices has impacted the purchasing ability of low and moderate income buyers.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
The agency has received a $256,800 grant from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development through the state Division of Local Affairs to create a revolving loan fund to assist with down payments and closing costs.
A family of four with an income of $48,500 or less annually could qualify for financial aid. This is the first down payment assistance program in Durango or La Plata County where appreciation of real estate prices has impacted the purchasing ability of low and moderate income buyers.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
Friday, July 13, 2007
WATER: Fish in the Pine River below Vallecito Reservoir would get some extra protection under an agreement approved by a state water board Thursday.
The Colorado Water Conservation Board voted to accept a donation of water from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Pine River Irrigation District. The deal will put varying amounts of water into the river for a stretch ending 12 miles downstream from the reservoir, home to brown and rainbow trout.
In exchange for the donation, the water board agreed not to file for an in-stream flow right, a water right that could force water to stay in the stream.
Under the agreement, the reservoir will release 136 cubic feet per second during the summer to supply a 12 mile stretch down to U.S. Highway 160. During the winter, the reservoir would release less - up to 50 cfs.
The agreement will take effect once it is signed by Pine River and Southern Ute officials.
http://homesindurango.com/
http://durangorealestate.biz/
The Colorado Water Conservation Board voted to accept a donation of water from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Pine River Irrigation District. The deal will put varying amounts of water into the river for a stretch ending 12 miles downstream from the reservoir, home to brown and rainbow trout.
In exchange for the donation, the water board agreed not to file for an in-stream flow right, a water right that could force water to stay in the stream.
Under the agreement, the reservoir will release 136 cubic feet per second during the summer to supply a 12 mile stretch down to U.S. Highway 160. During the winter, the reservoir would release less - up to 50 cfs.
The agreement will take effect once it is signed by Pine River and Southern Ute officials.
http://homesindurango.com/
http://durangorealestate.biz/
Monday, July 09, 2007
$$$$$$ : And you thought Durango real estate is getting expensive. A 56,000 square-foot house near Aspen owned by Prince Bandar bin Sultan is still waiting for a buyer. The mansion, which is named "Hala" and includes 95 acres, went on the market last summer for $135,000 million, the highest price ever asked for a home in the United States.
The main residence has 15 bedrooms and 16 bathrooms and features its own hair and beauty salon, an indoor swimming pool, steam room, gym and heated stables. The estate also has its own water treatment plant, garage facilities including gas pumps and a car wash and extensive security facilities.
Prince Bandar is the former Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States.
If you're homeless and have an extra $135,000 million, give us a call.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
The main residence has 15 bedrooms and 16 bathrooms and features its own hair and beauty salon, an indoor swimming pool, steam room, gym and heated stables. The estate also has its own water treatment plant, garage facilities including gas pumps and a car wash and extensive security facilities.
Prince Bandar is the former Saudi Arabian ambassador to the United States.
If you're homeless and have an extra $135,000 million, give us a call.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
Sunday, July 08, 2007
LAND-USE CODE: After years of public debate and scrutiny, the new La Plata County Land-Use Code is nearing completion. It will be the subject of a public hearing Tuesday and could go to county commissioners for approval as early as August 14.
The new code clearly tells property owners what they can and can't do with their land. That's what people love about the code. It's also what people hate about it. At a voluminous 446 pages, it promises a dramatic shift in how development happens in La Plata County.
Currently, the only way property owners know what they can build on their land is to go through the lengthy permitting process. Under the new code, most landowners would need only to look at a map and see what zone they are in.
It will be interesting to see how implementation of the new code plays out. Hopefully, the days of trying to catch a county planner in a good mood are over.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
The new code clearly tells property owners what they can and can't do with their land. That's what people love about the code. It's also what people hate about it. At a voluminous 446 pages, it promises a dramatic shift in how development happens in La Plata County.
Currently, the only way property owners know what they can build on their land is to go through the lengthy permitting process. Under the new code, most landowners would need only to look at a map and see what zone they are in.
It will be interesting to see how implementation of the new code plays out. Hopefully, the days of trying to catch a county planner in a good mood are over.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
Saturday, July 07, 2007
WATER: A stalled plan to form a potable-water district in southeast La Plata County where residents rely on wells or truck-in their water, is ready to move ahead.
Proponents filed a service plan with the county Monday. But nothing will happen immediately. Supporters are aiming at a mail in formation election-creation of the district and election of a board of directors-after the first of the year and a revenue election sometime thereafter.
State law says revenue elections must be held in May of even years or in November of any year. In this case voters would be asked to approve $25 million bonded indebtedness, a 5 mill tax levy and remove the district from state spending limits.
The proposed La Plata Archuleta Water District first bogged down in late 2003 when shareholders in the Pine River Irrigation District rejected the leasing of as much as 2,000 acre feet of water for a 400 square mile service area.
A recent court ruling said that individual shareholders could pool water to lease giving district backers new hope.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
Proponents filed a service plan with the county Monday. But nothing will happen immediately. Supporters are aiming at a mail in formation election-creation of the district and election of a board of directors-after the first of the year and a revenue election sometime thereafter.
State law says revenue elections must be held in May of even years or in November of any year. In this case voters would be asked to approve $25 million bonded indebtedness, a 5 mill tax levy and remove the district from state spending limits.
The proposed La Plata Archuleta Water District first bogged down in late 2003 when shareholders in the Pine River Irrigation District rejected the leasing of as much as 2,000 acre feet of water for a 400 square mile service area.
A recent court ruling said that individual shareholders could pool water to lease giving district backers new hope.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
Thursday, July 05, 2007
GOING GREEN: Most folks associate "green" and "bank" with greenback dollars. At Alpine Bank Durango, however, "going green" means purchasing 100 percent of its electric power from renewable resources through La Plata Electric Association.
Though not the first bank to purchase Green Power from LPEA (First National Bank of Durango stepped up early in the offing), Alpine is the first to commit to 100 percent GP. Thanks Alpine!
http://homesindurango.com/
http://durangorealestate.biz/
Though not the first bank to purchase Green Power from LPEA (First National Bank of Durango stepped up early in the offing), Alpine is the first to commit to 100 percent GP. Thanks Alpine!
http://homesindurango.com/
http://durangorealestate.biz/
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
NEW PARK: Dallabetta Park opened Monday with a ribbon cutting ceremony, giving rafters a place to rest and preserving the legacy of a long time Durango family.
The park, located behind Home Depot on the west bank of the Animas River, offers two river take-outs and two picnic shelters. It covers 6.8 acres, with 800 feet of shoreline for angles to cast for trout, adding to Durango's much cherished reputation as a mecca for outdoor activities.
Angie Dallabetta and her family donated 3 acres in 1996 to the city of Durango to create the park. The city acquired the rest of the land from La Plata County.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
The park, located behind Home Depot on the west bank of the Animas River, offers two river take-outs and two picnic shelters. It covers 6.8 acres, with 800 feet of shoreline for angles to cast for trout, adding to Durango's much cherished reputation as a mecca for outdoor activities.
Angie Dallabetta and her family donated 3 acres in 1996 to the city of Durango to create the park. The city acquired the rest of the land from La Plata County.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
Monday, June 25, 2007
TRIMBLE CROSSING: Construction has resumed on Trimble Crossing, the mixed use development on the corner of U.S. Highway 550 and Trimble Lane. When completed the development will consist of single family residences with varied densities and local office/retail.
As a part of the development, a traffic signal will be installed at the 550/Trimble intersection. The $1 million development paid project is currently underway and is expected to be complete in September.
The railroad crossing surface at Trimble Lane was replaced last year as the first step in the signal project. The project will include the installation of new railroad crossing signals with gates, widening Trimble Lane to provide turn lanes and a raised center median; providing corner islands on U.S. Highway 550; resurfacing and re-striping the intersection; and installing traffic signals at the intersection. The traffic signals and railroad signals will be interconnected and synchronized to function together.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
As a part of the development, a traffic signal will be installed at the 550/Trimble intersection. The $1 million development paid project is currently underway and is expected to be complete in September.
The railroad crossing surface at Trimble Lane was replaced last year as the first step in the signal project. The project will include the installation of new railroad crossing signals with gates, widening Trimble Lane to provide turn lanes and a raised center median; providing corner islands on U.S. Highway 550; resurfacing and re-striping the intersection; and installing traffic signals at the intersection. The traffic signals and railroad signals will be interconnected and synchronized to function together.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
SUMMER: If the last few weeks are any indication, this is going to be a busy summer season. The town is packed with people and all four trains to Silverton are full of tourists.
Our real estate market continues to be strong. Properties are selling and we are as busy as we have ever been. As markets in other parts of the country improve our market will only get stronger. If you are planning a move to Durango now is the time.
Let us know if we can help.
http://homesindurango.com/
http://durangorealestate.biz/
Our real estate market continues to be strong. Properties are selling and we are as busy as we have ever been. As markets in other parts of the country improve our market will only get stronger. If you are planning a move to Durango now is the time.
Let us know if we can help.
http://homesindurango.com/
http://durangorealestate.biz/
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
PINON TERRACE: With construction well underway on Pinon Terrace, Durango's newest affordable housing property, Mercy Housing Colorado will begin accepting applications immediately and opened its waiting list June 1.
Pinon Terrace, northwest of Mercy Regional Medical Center's new facility, will be home to 66 families who need quality, sage, affordable housing in Durango. Mercy Housing Colorado plans to open the property to residents in October 2007. Pinon Terrace will include one-, two-, and three- bedroom townhouses within walking distance of Three Spring's parks, schools and retail.
Amenities will include washer/dryer hook-ups, ceiling fans, exterior storage, a dishwasher, refrigerator, clubhouse, on-site management office, community room, computer lab and laundry room. All residents will have access to the parks and recreational facilities that are a part of the Three Springs master development.
To apply to live at Pinon Terrace, call (970) 385-8618 and leave the following information: name, address, phone number, size of unit needed, number of people and gross annual income. A Mecry Housing Colorado staff member will contact applicants for an initial pre-qualification consultation.
If we can assist you with your Durango real estate needs, please give us a call or an email. We're here to help.
http://homesindurango.com/ / http://durangorealestate.biz/
Pinon Terrace, northwest of Mercy Regional Medical Center's new facility, will be home to 66 families who need quality, sage, affordable housing in Durango. Mercy Housing Colorado plans to open the property to residents in October 2007. Pinon Terrace will include one-, two-, and three- bedroom townhouses within walking distance of Three Spring's parks, schools and retail.
Amenities will include washer/dryer hook-ups, ceiling fans, exterior storage, a dishwasher, refrigerator, clubhouse, on-site management office, community room, computer lab and laundry room. All residents will have access to the parks and recreational facilities that are a part of the Three Springs master development.
To apply to live at Pinon Terrace, call (970) 385-8618 and leave the following information: name, address, phone number, size of unit needed, number of people and gross annual income. A Mecry Housing Colorado staff member will contact applicants for an initial pre-qualification consultation.
If we can assist you with your Durango real estate needs, please give us a call or an email. We're here to help.
http://homesindurango.com/ / http://durangorealestate.biz/
Monday, June 18, 2007
AIR CONDITIONING: Summer is here and while most homes in our area do not have central air conditioning and increasing number do. A few simple homeowner checks and maintenance will increase both the life of and the efficiency of your system.
Homeowner Checklist:
The amount of do-it-yourself air conditioning maintenance a homeowner can do is limited. However, there are a few steps that can help the system operate trouble-free and minimize the potential for consequential damage. Ensuring adequate airflow is perhaps the most important homeowner responsibility. Homeowners can (following manufacturer instructions):
* Clean or replace the filter(s) regularly.
* Keep leaves and other debris off the condensing unit.
* Keep the condensing coils clean by carefully brushing and hosing them.
* Keep shrubs and other plant growth that might obstruct airflow at least 18 inches away from the condenser.
* Maintain insulation on ductwork in attics and other unconditioned areas.
* Check the condensate drain for any sign of blockage or leakage. Water should be dripping from this drainline when the unit is running.
* Keep room input and return registers clear of furniture or other obstructions.
Selecting Trained Professionals:
If your air conditioner needs more than the regular maintenance described here, consult a qualified air conditioning technician. A well-trained professional can provide a thorough pre-season or maintenance evaluation and servicing as needed. Insufficiently trained service technicians forsake proper diagnostic procedures and often only perform stop-gap measures to keep a unit going. Such short-sightedness can have a drastic effect on other components leading to consequential failure of the entire system. At a minimum, a technician should:
* Check that the system contains the correct amount of refrigerant.
* Test for refrigerant leaks.
* Check for and seal duct leakage.
* Clean the blower components.
* Measure airflow through the evaporator coil.
* Verify the correct electric control sequence.
* Inspect electric terminals, clean and tighten connections.
* Oil motors and check belts for tightness and wear.
* Check the condensate system for backup or leakage.
* Check operating temperatures and pressures.
* Check the accuracy of the thermostat.
http://homesindurango.com/ / http://durangorealestate.biz/
Homeowner Checklist:
The amount of do-it-yourself air conditioning maintenance a homeowner can do is limited. However, there are a few steps that can help the system operate trouble-free and minimize the potential for consequential damage. Ensuring adequate airflow is perhaps the most important homeowner responsibility. Homeowners can (following manufacturer instructions):
* Clean or replace the filter(s) regularly.
* Keep leaves and other debris off the condensing unit.
* Keep the condensing coils clean by carefully brushing and hosing them.
* Keep shrubs and other plant growth that might obstruct airflow at least 18 inches away from the condenser.
* Maintain insulation on ductwork in attics and other unconditioned areas.
* Check the condensate drain for any sign of blockage or leakage. Water should be dripping from this drainline when the unit is running.
* Keep room input and return registers clear of furniture or other obstructions.
Selecting Trained Professionals:
If your air conditioner needs more than the regular maintenance described here, consult a qualified air conditioning technician. A well-trained professional can provide a thorough pre-season or maintenance evaluation and servicing as needed. Insufficiently trained service technicians forsake proper diagnostic procedures and often only perform stop-gap measures to keep a unit going. Such short-sightedness can have a drastic effect on other components leading to consequential failure of the entire system. At a minimum, a technician should:
* Check that the system contains the correct amount of refrigerant.
* Test for refrigerant leaks.
* Check for and seal duct leakage.
* Clean the blower components.
* Measure airflow through the evaporator coil.
* Verify the correct electric control sequence.
* Inspect electric terminals, clean and tighten connections.
* Oil motors and check belts for tightness and wear.
* Check the condensate system for backup or leakage.
* Check operating temperatures and pressures.
* Check the accuracy of the thermostat.
http://homesindurango.com/ / http://durangorealestate.biz/
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
ECONOMICS: Economic opportunities are increasingly coming at altitude. Six of the nations 10 fastest growing state economies last year were located in the Mountain West, including Colorado's, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The Rocky Mountain region has been leading the nation for about three years in overall performance. Strong economic growth is translated into respectable job gains, falling unemployment and rising wages in the region.
Locally, our economy remains strong with unemployment rates below the state average. Its early in the season but it appears we're in for a great tourist season.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
The Rocky Mountain region has been leading the nation for about three years in overall performance. Strong economic growth is translated into respectable job gains, falling unemployment and rising wages in the region.
Locally, our economy remains strong with unemployment rates below the state average. Its early in the season but it appears we're in for a great tourist season.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
Monday, June 11, 2007
HOUSING: A five point plan to help more La Plata County residents crack the tough housing market was unveiled Friday to local and state officials, developers, nonprofit agencies and curious individuals.
The Regional Housing Authority, created in 2004 to help La Plata County turn residents into homeowners, has led the preparation of strategic housing solutions. The plan would:
* Help communities develop policies leading to smart growth;
* Establish city and county ordinances requiring developers provide a percentage of below market rate housing. There are 190 such programs in the United States;
* Create a $10 million trust fund for second mortgage and down payment assistance.
* Establish a land bank through purchase or donations. Tamarron has contributed 6 acres and Three Springs could provide land for rental units.
* Educate and counsel potential home buyers to create a pool of people ready to take on home ownership.
The housing authority wants to help at least 500 families over a five year period. It's aiming its efforts at home ownership for families earning from $25,000 to $75,000 annually.
http://HomesInDurango.com / http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
The Regional Housing Authority, created in 2004 to help La Plata County turn residents into homeowners, has led the preparation of strategic housing solutions. The plan would:
* Help communities develop policies leading to smart growth;
* Establish city and county ordinances requiring developers provide a percentage of below market rate housing. There are 190 such programs in the United States;
* Create a $10 million trust fund for second mortgage and down payment assistance.
* Establish a land bank through purchase or donations. Tamarron has contributed 6 acres and Three Springs could provide land for rental units.
* Educate and counsel potential home buyers to create a pool of people ready to take on home ownership.
The housing authority wants to help at least 500 families over a five year period. It's aiming its efforts at home ownership for families earning from $25,000 to $75,000 annually.
http://HomesInDurango.com / http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
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