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GOOD MOVE BAYFIELD: The Regional housing Alliance of La Plata County (RHA) announced that Bayfield has entered into the alliance. The RHA is a quasi-state governmental entity that has coordinated countywide efforts to provide affordable housing in the area since 2004.

Jennifer Lopez, RHA Executive Director said, "It's a wonderful moment for us. We have a lot of housing and economic-development issues in Bayfield, and we can play a larger role now that they'll be at the table."

Under the new agreement, Bayfield will join in ongoing efforts to develop housing projects and programs throughout the county. It will also commit to provide RHA with funding for operational expenses.

In addition, two representatives from Bayfield, one elected official and and town staff or community member, will serve on the RHA Board.

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LAKE DURANGO: La Plata County Commissioners have lifted the five year old moratorium on new subdivision development that would rely on water from Lake Durango. The ban was based on concerns about both the quantity and quality of the water.

Commissioners determined that circumstances have changed since then with improvements made to the Pine River ditch to decrease seepage, the addition of circulators to the lake and upgrades to the treatment plant. Additionally, new wells in Durango West have helped decrease the demand on the lake, which serves Durango West I and II, as well as Shenandoah, Trappers Crossing and Rafter J.

The request to lift the ban came from Trappers Crossing developer Ron Spence and Cole Eden, who has proposed a seven lot development called Ridgewood Estates. Spence is seeking to complete Trappers Crossing's fifth phase, which would add 11 lots. Both had acquired taps for their projects but were not allowed to proceed because of the moratorium.

Lake Durango Water Co., the private company that delivers Lake Durango water, is in the process of being sold to the Lake Durango Water Authority, a governmental authority created in 2007 to settle the controversy over water quality and quantity. The arrangement must be approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.

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LIVING IN DURANGO: If you think a cold 20 mph north wind coupled with a steady drizzle/rain would keep a football stadium full of Durangotangs from throwing a beach party - you would be wrong! Last night IT WAS THE BEACH BOYS!

With only a handfull of timid no-shows the party went off with a bang and, according to the Beach Boys, folks in Durango "are flipin' crazy." Rockin' and rollin', dancing in the isles and, in general, having a great time Durango turned out for the "Boys." Beach balls were flying (it's amazing how far a beach ball will fly in a 20 mph wind.)

An hour and a half program ended with Surfin' Safari and, of course, Surfin' USA while the entire stadium danced on its feet in the rain. Thanks to the Beach Boys for sticking in there and turning a miserable evening into a remarkable event. Only in Durango.

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LET'S COOPERATE: The Durango City Council is pushing a measure that would require developers help pay for required infrastructure. La Plata County Commissioners have expressed concern about the pace of the plan.

The City Council has made enacting an adequate public facilities ordinance a top priority but many feel that, without the county's cooperation, the ordinance will increase sprawl by pushing growth out into unincorporated areas. Anyone who has attempted to get county approval on new development knows this is highly unlikely.

What we have here is a case of the City of Durango planning for the future and steering growth where it is most suitable while La Plata County sits on its behind saying "future?"

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TRAPPERS CROSSING: 5 years ago La Plata County Commissioners placed a moratorium on new water taps in the Lake Durango Water System due to the severe drought in the southwest part of the state. Tuesday Ron Spence, the developer of Trappers Crossing, requested that the ban be lifted. He cited the drought is over, the lake is full and feels he's entitled to use the taps paid for.



The request comes as the private company that delivers Lake Durango water is about to be sold to the Lake Durango Water Authority, a governmental authority created in 2007 to settle years of controversy over water quality and quantity. The arrangement still must be approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. Nevertheless we feel the commissioners should approve Mr. Spence's request and lift the ban. They will address the issue again at their June 3 meeting.



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TAXES: In 2007, the Assessor's Office revalued, per state law, all 41,000 properties in La Plata County. This included all taxable vacant, residential, commercial, personal and natural resource properties.



The Assessor's Office updated the value of real estate properties from the 2004 level to the 2006 level of value. This means that they used market sales to project the increase in value, as during those years there was an overall increase. Oil and gas properties saw a drop in value in 2007 due to slightly lower production, lower prices and increased expenses.



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SLOWDOWN: The first quarter statistics are out from the Durango Area Association of Realtors and sales were down. The total number of home sales within the city limits was down 45% compared to the same period in 2007 while the number of sales of homes in the county was 24% lower. The median price of homes in Durango slipped 5%.

While the national housing slowdown is do doubt affecting our market it is important to remember that we have just come through one heck of a winter. We had several buyers wanting to come into town and just couldn't get here. We encouraged them to wait until the snow clears and now we're as busy as ever.

Anyone thinking of purchasing in the Durango area should do it now.

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MELTDOWN: Downtown Durango will have a familiar sound as the 14th annual Bluegrass Meltdown kicks off today. Bluegrass music seems to be synonymous with mountain towns. We have several local groups that play bluegrass and even more that tour through the area. Blue grass music is fun, energetic and dynamic. Our annual meltdown is a celebration of the coming of spring with great music, food, beverages and good times.

This year's festival features two-time Grammy Award winner Jim Lauderdale and three-time Bluegrass Music Award winners, the Infamous Stringdusters. Scheduled performances are held at the Strater Theater, Abby Theater and the Elks Lodge.

The best part of the meltdown, however, is you never know where or when an impromptu jam session will pop up. Restaurants, street corners or parks - Durango will be alive with music. What a place to live!

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TIS' THE SEASON: As spring approaches we need to be reminded that warmer weather also brings back our old friend, the black bear. Even thought it's early in the season we had our first reported bear sighting last weekend. So, let's review living with the bear.

Black bears tend to frequent the Durango area when they come out of hibernation in the spring and in early August as they start packing on fat for their winter hibernation. Although they're here for their natural foods such as berries, oak acorns, plants, vegetation and the like, they've also found that we humans provide them with a food bounty of our own - be it bird seed, fruit, pet food, barbecue grill scraps and trash. Normally shy and secretive in the wild, bears have an amazing sense of smell and have learned to associate humans and their homes with food. Sadly, people unwittingly feeding bears NEVER ends well for the bears. Bears that pose a human safety risk or cause property damage in their attempts to get food are captured and moved away. If the same bear causes problems anywhere else after being relocated it is humanely destroyed by wildlife officers. Bumper stickers seen around town proclaiming "Garbage Kills Bears" are all too true.

Don't attract bears to your property through your carelessness with trash and other attractions. Safely store trash during the week and put it out the morning of pickup only. Take down bird feeders when bears are around or make them absolutely inaccessible to bears. Securely store or remove anything else that may attract bears to your home. The responsibility of coexisting with bears lies with all of us that have chosen to live in bear habitat. Be part of the solution and be considerate of the welfare of our bears and your neighbors.

If Mary and I can answer questions or provide more information give us a call or email. We'll be happy to assist you.

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GOOD NEIGHBORS: BP America will contribute $1.1 million to a fund to help low and moderate income families in La Plata County buy homes, the Regional Housing Alliance announced Thursday.

The money will go toward second mortgages for buyers to make up the gap between what they can afford and the cost of entry level houses in the area. The money is expected to help 20 or more families get into homes.

BP, a global energy company, is the area's leading natural gas producer. We're a good neighbor. This is one of the things you do when you operate in a community," said Curtis Thomas, director of government and public affairs in the Rockies for BP.

The mortgage program will be targeted at families that make between 80 percent and 125 percent of the area's median household income, or $49,000 to $78,000 for a family of four.

Those interested in receiving second mortgages through the Regional Housing Alliance should call (970) 259-1418

Reprinted from the Durango Herald-Katie Burford-Staff Writer

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EARTH DAY: Capping of Earth Day week, the city of Durango, in partnership with San Juan Basin Recycling Association, will offer a two -day recycle collection event for computers and additional electronics Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Durango Recycling Center, 710 Tech Center Drive.

Nominal fees are associated with some items such as televisions and computer monitors. Items such as keyboards, cables, cell phones, printer cartridges and cell phone batteries will be recycled free of charge.

For additional information, contact the recycling division at 970-375-4831

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VALUE: CNN carried an interview with a Orange County individual regarding the economic and housing problems in southern California. People are out of work, foreclosures are up in Orange County as they are in many other areas of the country. One statement in the interview stood out. He said, "I can't sell my home for what it's worth."

It's funny that homeowners have no trouble adjusting their value opinion when prices are increasing but in a declining market refuse to recognize value decreases. Market value is the price at which a seller is willing to sell and the price at which a buyer is willing to buy. While often a bitter pill, failure to recognize and accept true market is a mistake most seller's can't afford to make.

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MARY: Earlier this month at the Re/Max convention in Las Vegas Mary was presented with Re/Max's Lifetime Achievement Award. This award is one of the highest given by Re/Max and is based on career production. Only a handfull of agents reach this level. Dave Liniger, CEO of Re/Max, presented the award to Mary.

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THE CELEBRATION OF SPRING: Spring is a season of the year we look for all winter. It's a time when nature renews herself. Dry seeds shake their husks and send their green antenna into the air. Much of the poetry of spring is couched in rural settings, because that is where spring calls out on all sides. Yet the great mass of people today are living in a world of concrete jungles, smooth and twisting freeways, screeching brakes and clanging fenders. Much of what thrilled Grandfather in the spring of the year goes unnoticed today. The robin on the spring lawn, the daffodils pushing up sometimes through a crust of snow. But the spirit of spring is still alive and will ever remain as long as man is in a climate of changing seasons.

Some years ago, the Boston Globe wrote a little story related to the philosopher George Santayanna. He chose an April day in 1912 to bring to a close his professional career as a teacher at Harvard University. While he was engaged in his last lecture at University Hall a robin landed on the window sill. He looked at it for a moment, then sighed softly, "Gentlemen, I have a date with spring." With that he went out the door and closed his career.

Reprinted from Cheer

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LIFE IN DURANGO: Enough about real estate - THE BEACH BOYS ARE COMING!

June 4, The Beach Boys show will conclude a full day festival in Fort Lewis College's Ray Dennision Field. Festivities kick off at noon with a preshow tailgate "beach party," featuring food, a classic car show and live music. Gates to the big show open at 4 p.m. with none other than Durango's own beach blanket bimbo, Ralph Dinosaur, taking the stage at 5 p.m., followed by other performers. The Beach Boys will take the stage at 8 p.m.

Tickets went on sale this morning at 9:00. Viewing the Concert Hall's on-line seating chart, tickets to this spectacular event are going fast. We've got ours!

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HOME SALES: Existing home sales, including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 2.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.03 million units according to the National Association of Realtors.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the gain is encouraging. "We're not expecting a notable gain in existing home sales until the second half of this year, but the improvement is another sign that the market is stabilizing." he said. "Buyers taking advantage of higher loan limits for both FHA and conventional mortgages will unleash pent-up demand. As inventories are drawn down, prices in many markets should go positive later this year."

The Mortgage Bankers Association, which produces mortgage application trends on a weekly basis reported a surge in applications in the latest week. Mortgage applications for home purchases rose 11 percent. This rise in mortgage applications for home purchases further hints at a possible end to the housing downward cycle.

If you are considering a purchase of Durango real estate, now is the time.

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GOOD NEWS FOR BUYERS: Both conforming loan limits and FHA loan limits have been raised in La Plata County to $443,750. This is in effect until December 31, 2008. These higher limits will enable buyers to obtain a higher loan amount without having to pay the increased interest rate that a non-conforming loan commands. Today the interest rate rate for both conforming and FHA loans is under 6%, a historically low rate of interest. Buyers can obtain conventional loans with as little as 5% down and a FHA loan with just 3% down. This low interest rate, coupled with the rise in the conforming loan amount, should set the stage for a return of consumer confidence and put a buyer in an excellent position to be buying a home.

It is virtually impossible to time a real estate market; to know when the "bottom" has happened. In many areas this has already happened and the markets are showing signs of improvement with the number of pending contracts on the rise. Individuals thinking of buying a home should view this as the perfect time to act while they can take advantage of favorable financing.

The increased conforming loan limit should open up desirable inventory for both first time and move-up buyers as attractive financing puts more homes within reach. It is important to note, we believe now is the time to buy. Our local real estate market, while slowed, is still vibrant. As the rest of the country's markets rebound our prices will escalate.

Please feel free to contact us regarding your Durango real estate needs.

FUND RAISER: The weather was terrific and roughly 1,000 people turned out for our Fire Disaster Fund benefit. With the help of local restaurants, merchants and businesses we smoked and served about 50 briskets. Local fire fighters and Mercy Hospital nurses pitched in. It was a fun, yet very moving, afternoon and reminded us of what makes Durango such a special place to live. Over $4,000 was added to the Disaster Relief Fund.

Thank you Durango!

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MELTDOWN: The record snowfalls we've experienced this winter have produced super-sized snowpacks of up to 151% above average in some parts of the state. As spring approaches and the days warm the snowpack will begin to melt.

Butch Knowlton, Director of Emergency Preparedness for La Plata County, said that given the high levels of snowpack at or below 8,500 foot elevations, he's watching every single storm coming into the area. "It takes very few hours of moderate rain to make a very significant change in snowmelt runoff," he said. "You're essentially pouring warm water on a frozen depth of snow."

Knowlton said his greatest concern at the present is drainage from the Upper Rio Grande Basin into the Vallecito area northeast of Durango. "A heavy rainstorm could change that river flow within hours." he said. "We got hundreds of homes sitting in the valley floor."

Colorado's mountain snows, even in deep years, tend to melt in an orderly fashion, but if high runoffs combine with intense spring rainstorms, flooding is likely. Flood danger is likely to be the highest beginning in late April and continuing through June as the mountain snows melt.

We recall the spring of 2005 when much of the Animas Valley was under water. Fortunately it involved only undeveloped lands and no structures were lost. Still, we encourage valley homeowners to check on flood insurance and to purchase coverage if none is in place.

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BENEFIT: We have been approved by the city to hold a benefit for the victims of the Main Avenue fire. Friday, March 21st, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm the 700 block of Main avenue will be closed.

Local merchants and restaurants have donated cash and food for the event. Jim McVean & I will have our smokers going (we've got 60 briskets to cook and serve.) Ralph Dinosaur and his band will entertain.

Lots of food - lots of fun! All donations and proceeds will go the the Fire Relief Fund. Come support us.

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