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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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WHY REAL ESTATE? Every day we here about the down housing market, the slumping economy and Wall Street losses. There's no argument that housing nationwide has been going through a down cycle. But there's also little doubt about the housing market's long term prospects.

The United States is adding one person every 13 seconds. At the start of 2008, the country had surpassed 303 million residents, almost 3 million more than it had at the start of 2003, according to the Census Bureau. This strong growth is a good sign for the future of the housing market and real estate in general. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors says, " With a population increase of 3 million, household formation typically expands by up to 1.5 million."

It's easy to recognise the long term need for housing by examining these stats:

* U.S. population as of January 1 , 2008 = 303,146,284

* Percentage change from January 1, 2007 = +0.9

* Rate of U.S. births = 1 every 8 seconds

* Rate of U.S. deaths = 1 every 11 seconds

* Rate of international migration of U.S. = 1 every 30 seconds

Source: U.S. Census Bureau


WHY DURANGO REAL ESTATE?

A pristine community nestled in the beautiful San Juan Mountains with azure blue skies, crystal clear lakes and rivers, abundant wildlife, fishing, hiking, camping, golf, wilderness.....

AND WE'RE NOT ADDING A PERSON EVERY 13 SECONDS!!!!

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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.

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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.

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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/.

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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!"

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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!

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REMEMBER - KEEP YOUR CAMERA HANDY!

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One thing you learn about living in Durango --- KEEP YOUR CAMERA HANDY!

IT'S SNOWDOWN! Today begins Snowdown, Durango's crazy celebration of winter. With this years theme of "Ye Olde Snowdown" expect to see the streets and castles of Durango packed with Lords, Miladies, vassals, serfs and knaves.

The next 5 days will be filled with over 60 contests, events, gatherings and silly entertainments for everyone's merry making pleasure.

Highlights of the week include the Snowdown Follies, a very adult spoof of everything and everyone important and Friday's Snowdown Light Parade down Main Avenue.

Saturday, Mary & I together with Re/Max host the Snowdown Chili Cookoff. Contestants will vie for cash and trophies and Red, Green and Vegetarian Chili and Salsa. All four of the local micro-brewers will be there and the Hillstompers band from Alamosa with enteratain (they're a scream.)

If you're visiting town or a local, come by the Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall Saturday February 2 at noon. If you're not a local --- you should be!

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DIGGIN' OUT: Whew - what a storm. This morning the sun is bright, the sky is blue. But yesterday we spent the day clearing 17" of snow from the drive and deck.

The Durango Herald reported this morning on the depressed real estate markets across the country. Don't tell that to the three sets of buyers in town looking at our listings. One of the properties is vacant so today will be spent clearing the snow for access.

It's looking like this year will be similar to those past. We are just as busy as in the summer.

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COMMON SENSE PREVAILS (SO FAR)! The Historic Preservation Board became the latest group to weigh in on the future of Durango's sidewalks. Its decision was no different than that reflected by recent public opinion: If it's not broke, don't fix it.

The City of Durango contracted Walzak Design Resources in May to provide design options for city sidewalks. The design options created by Walzak ranged from making property owners pay for sidewalk upgrades as needed to a complete overhaul of Main Avenue that would entail reducing traffic lanes from 4 to 3 and widening the sidewalks.

It appears at this point that the movement to drastically alter the look of our historic downtown is dying a slow death. Durango is unique - let's keep it that way.

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ECONOMY: At the Southwest Business Forum, an annual event sponsored by Fort Lewis College, speakers presented summaries and projections for the national, state and local economies.



Compared to the gloomy national outlook, things are slightly better in Colorado and La Plata County in particular. Luke Miller, co-director of the Fort Lewis Office of Economic Analysis and Business Research, spoke specifically about La Plata County.



La Plata is experiencing its own housing industry crises, as the median price home price for single family and condominium homes dropped by 10 percent after double digit increases since 2003. Miller called the single family statistic a "healthy correction."



One of the most telling factors identified by Miller was a 24 percent drop in La Plata County building permits in 2007. He gave credit to local builders for their foresight in not making the situation worse. In other areas builders just kept building.



Good news for the local La Plata economy - Miller said the tourism industry, in general, is healthy. Traffic is up 7 percent at the Durango-La Plata County Airport and up 2 percent at Mesa Verde National Park, lodgers tax revenues rose 8.9 percent, and Durango Mountain Resort reported 217,000 visits - 6000 more than in 2006. "All of this is very reflective of a healthy economy," Miller said.

Comparing industry, agriculture, employment and retail statistics for La Plata County and Colorado to the national averages Miller said the situation in Colorado is better than much of the nation.

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WHAT A START! So far January has been quite a wonderful hand full. We've had terrific snowfalls. Purgatory is up to a 76" base and the skiing is fabulous. With the construction of the new lodge and condominiums underway its a little difficult to get around but worth it. There's nothing more beautiful than the snow covered San Juans shining in brilliant sunlight backed by a pure blue sky.

We have had buyers in town nearly every day. Our Internet property inquiries and emails are surprisingly strong for this early in the year. We believe our market will continue to be vibrant and strong. People are seeking refuge from city congestion, crime and confusion.

You can be a part of our community. Give us call if we can help. We'll get back to you the minute we get off the slopes.

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WESTWARD HO': CNN.com did a piece on "Why the West is Booming" commenting on an issue we've seen first hand for several years.

Demographers say thousands of Baby Boomers are saying 'no thanks' to the warmth of Florida and Arizona and heading to the Rocky Mountain West.

They're drawn by low crime, fresh air, little traffic and abundant outdoor activities. Although people of all ages like these things, older people tend to be flexible enough in their careers, families and finances to finally kick up their boots on the porch rail.

A significant percentage of our clients are 55+. Southwest Colorado in general and Durango in particular have exactly what they are looking for. Four fantastic seasons, brilliant blue skies, clean air and lots of friendly people.

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CHRISTMAS: It's Christmas Eve. A full moon is rising over the San Juans creating almost daylight conditions reflecting off the pristine snow - a white Christmas.

Mary and I, together with Max and Maggie, wish each of you a wonderful holiday season full of joy and peace. We look forward to serving you in 2008.

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HOME SALES: According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) existing home sales are in an upward trend that should carry into 2008. Their Pending Homes Sales Index is up slightly - with two months of consecutive gains in homes under contract nationally.

Prices are also on the increase in nearly two-thirds of U.S. metro areas, and not just in certain area of the Sunbelt. Prices are up in Gary, Indiana, Binghampton, New York, and Spokane, Washington as well as Corpus Christi, Texas.

Our website activity remains strong and we are constantly receiving inquiries from individuals seeking information about Durango and our real estate. People want to live here and as home sales improve around the country our real estate economy will only get stronger.

If you are considering buying real estate in the Durango area - now is the time!

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FICO: J.R. Spies with The Mortgage Link has provided this information about FICO scoring:

It is important to note that raising your FICO credit score is a bit like losing weight. It takes time and there is no quick fix. In fact, quick fix efforts can backfire. The best advise is to manage credit responsible over time.

What's in your credit score:

35% = Payment History
30% = Amounts Owed
15% = Length of Credit
10% = New Credit
10% = Types of Credit Used

* Pay our bills on time
* Keep Credit Balances at less than 30%
* Don't Close out your accounts
* Get New Credit if you don't have any
* Don't get new credit if you are new to credit
* Keep at least 3 to 4 active accounts
* Have a good credit mix (Mortgage, Auto, Installment, Revolving)

The importance of any factor depends on the overall information in your credit report.

Note:

Pay your credit on TIME! Recent late on $200 credit card is much worse than a $3,000 collection paid 3 years ago.

It is better to have some five accounts at less than 30% balance than to have 1 account at 100% balance.

It is better to have 5 credit cards with 50% balances than to have no accounts at all.

It is better to have recent inquiries and new accounts than to have no credit at all.

It is better to keep the credit you have and slowly add new accounts than to radically add 4 or 5 new accounts. New accounts will lower your average account age.

The FICO scores read types of credit and give a higher weight to the more important type of credit - Mortgage, Auto, Installment and Revolving.

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MAGIC: Saturday a large herd of elk, I counted 80 - 90 animals, spent the day lounging in the #8 fairway along Trimble Lane. Every car slowed to view these magnificent animals but no one stopped to alarm them even though they were only 50 feet from the road.

Later in the day, about 7:00, I was on the deck grilling hamburgers. A light snow was falling, mulit-colored Christmas lights lined the deck railing and ice cycles hung from the roof. In the distance you could hear the elk moving. Cooing, chirping and squealing (elk are very vocal) the entire herd slowly meandered closely past. In the dark their eyes sparkled, reflecting the Christmas lights like fireflies in a eerie procession. Then they were gone and left was the muffled silence of a snow fall.

Special animals, special times, magical memories- why we live in the beautiful San Juans.

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A $3 MILLION CONDO? In Breckenridge One Ski Hill Place, a 90 unit development at the base of Peak 8, is about to raise the bar for luxury.

The first 15 of the 90 units will be released December 8 with the asking price of the first four penthouses of $2.67 million. The price per square foot will range from $963 to $1,385.

We were in Breckenridge last August and with all due respect to the fine citizens of Breckenridge - ARE YOU NUTS?

Breckenridge is crowded, over built and bumper to bumper traffic. Plus, the Ski Area Citizen's Coalition in its annual environmental scorecard gave the ski area an "F."

Our little corner of Colorado may not have the glitz of the Aspens, Steamboats, Snowmasses and Breckenridges but we wouldn't trade our little western town and open spaces for any of them.

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HEY DUDE! Thanks to a prolonged snowstorm that dumped almost 3 feet of wonderful white powder Purgatory at Durango Mountain Resort was able to open Sunday with its annual benefit day. Upwards of 3,000 skiers and snowboarders packed the area with this year's proceeds going to the Durango Winter Sports Foundation and Durango Nature Studies.

Lifts 1 and 2 are running and most of the front side is open, nearly 100 acres. Purgatory hopes the back side will be open next week. We love the back side and can't wait until its open.

Meanwhile, here in the valley, the sun is shining, the sky is brilliant blue, temps in the low 40's. Life is good in the beautiful San Juans.

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SNOW REPORT FROM DMR!!! If you haven't heard, Purgatory is about to get a ton of snow! The forecast is calling for 19-33 inches before the weekend is done. We are anxiously awaiting the storm and will determine opening day based on the accumulation today and tomorrow. If the snow piles up, as it is predicted to, we are hoping to get the lifts turning on Sunday, December 2nd with the 15th annual Benefit Day. Please keep checking our website or call our Snow Report at 970-247-9000 ext 1 for daily updates. The storm is moving into the area right now and light snowflakes have begun to fall at the resort. Today we are expecting 3-5 inches of accumulation. The bulk of the storm is expected to land tonight and tomorrow with 10-15 inches possible tonight and another 6-12 inches predicted through Saturday night. There is also a slight chance of snow on Sunday. Keep doing your snow dance and watch the accumulation pile up!

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BUILT GREEN: The Durango area's biggest development received one of Colorado's top honors recently.

Tierra Vision Homes was presented with the "Built Green Builder of the Year" award at the annual Home Builders Meeting in Denver for its work at the Three Springs Development. Tierra Vision Homes is a subsidiary of the Tierra Group, a Southern Ute company, which is behind the 2000-plus unit development east of Durango in Grandview.

When complete, Three Springs will be comprised of five neighborhoods networked into each other and will contain upwards of 2,000 homes and a mix of commercial development. The project is centered around the new Mercy Regional Medical Center.

Congratulations guys!

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PURGATORY: Durango Mountain Resort got some big press this month. Ski Magazine selected Purgatory as one of the "Seven Great Mountains to Ski With Your Kids" in the November 2007 issue. One of only two resorts selected from Colorado, Purgatory was hailed for its "rolling steps that are roller coaster fun, but never intimidating."

The resort was pinpointed as being a great location for kids because of the family-friendly atmosphere of both the resort and the town of Durango. "With the one-two combo of town and resort, families find great skiing, comfortable digs ans an authentically Western experience," wrote the magazine. Ski also cited Mesa Verde and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad as excellent side vacations for families.

Purgatory is scheduled to begin the 2007-08 winter season December 1 with the 15th annual Benefit Day. The day features $15 lift tickets with all proceeds going to Durango Nature Studies and the Durango Winter Sports Foundation.

Purgatory's Benefit Day as raised more than $200,000 for local non-profit organizations in La Plata County since 1993. Previous benefactors include Trails 2000, Durango Discovery Museum and the Durango Arts Center.

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AFFORDABLE HOUSING: The Regional Housing Alliance of La Plata County has renewed its intergovernmental agreement it the Durango City Council, but the accord did not come without controversy.

Three years ago, the RHA signed agreements with La Plata County, Durango and Ignacio. Beginning in 2008, the agreements must be renewed annually. At Tuesday's council meeting the RHA asked councilors to renew the agreement as the Board of County Commissioners and Ignacio Town Board had done in recent weeks.

The City Council's vote, however, was not unanimous. Councilor Leigh Meigs voted against renewal of the agreement. She said she is disappointed in the progress of affordable housing efforts and the lack of guidance in creating a policy and an ordinance for affordable housing in the community.

Let's see -- we have an anti-growth Board of County Commissioners with its new land use code and plus an anti-growth City Council both extolling the need for affordable housing. It all sounds like political bull-hockey to me.

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EMPLOYMENT: The national unemployment rate for the month of September 2007 was 4.7 percent, which is up .1 percent from the month of August.

The State unemployment for the month of August, 2007 was 3.6 percent, which is down .2 percent from the month of July. This rate is 1.1 percent lower than the national average.

La Plata County boasts an unemployment rate for the month of August 2007 of 2.6 percent, which is down .1 percent from the month of July. This rate is 2.1 percent lower than the national average and 1 percent lower than the state average.

Our economy is strong, the real estate market remains good. If your thinking about a move to Durango, now is a terrific time. Give us call!

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AFFORDABLE HOUSING: City councilors and developers hope the Three Springs development in Grandview will be a model for a future affordable housing policy in Durango.

To comply with the original agreement, Three Springs must provide 52 attainable units for the first two phases. The developers fulfilled the requirement for affordable units for at least the first two phases by donating land for the 63 unit Mercy Housing PinonTerrace development adjacent to Mercy Regional Medical Hospital.

"Affordable" unites are defined as being affordable for households earning as much as 80 percent of the area median income or AMI. "Attainable" unites are those which are affordable to households earning between 80 and 125 percent of AMI.

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ROOF HEALTH: Winter weather can be harsh on roof systems. Making sure the roof drainage system is in good shape now will help minimize problems in a winter storm and prevent leaks.

In most cases, metal or plastic gutters are hung along the eave of the roof and carry the water to downspouts, which discharge the water at ground level. The downspouts must be large enough to handle all the water collected by the gutters in a reasonable time period. At least one downspout is usually needed for each 25-30 feet of gutter length.

Gutters must be sloped toward the downspouts for proper flow. The downspouts should be piped away from the house foundation to prevent water accumulation and eventual seepage into the foundation. If underground lines are present, be certain to keep them unclogged and flowing. Gutters and downspouts also help reduce erosion along the foundation and protect steps and walkways from unwanted water (and ice) buildup.

Regular cleaning of gutters and downspouts, especially after the fall, is essential. A major cause of roof drainage failure is blockage due to leaves, twigs and sediment buildup. Also, coating of gutter interiors and sealing of seams may be needed in some cases to prolong their useful life and prevent leakage.

Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue.

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STATISTICS: The Durango Area Association of Realtors just completed its statistics for the 3rd quarter of 2007.

The total number of residential home sales for In-Town Durango increased slightly by 1%
compared to the same period in 2006, while In-Town Bayfield saw a decrease in units sold of 20%.

Average days on market for In-Town Durango increased by 1% to 133 days as compared to the
same period in 2006 and In-Town Bayfield decreased 17% to 115 days.

The condo/town home market experienced a 30% decrease in the number of units sold in both the Durango and Resort markets over the same period last year. The median price decreased for Durango units to $230,000 with average days on market of 90 days down from 239 same quarter last year.

The Resort market experienced a 30% decrease in the median price to $177,750 with
average days on market increase of 85% to 283 days.

The median price for a La Plata County country home stayed consistent at $379,450 in comparison to the previous quarter. This is an increase of 11% from the same period in 2006. The number of units sold is down slightly while total volume increased 3%.

While our market has slowed, it is important to note that only the condominium market has experienced a draw-back in prices; understandable due to the rapid price appreciation over the last two years and the number of units available.

Compared to the major real estate markets across the country our little piece of the world 1s doing quiet well.

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2008 BUDGET: Here is a summary of major capital improvement projects included in the city of Durango's 200 budget:

Streets and associated improvements - $1,507,500 for alley repaving, road construction, walk ramps, etc.

Parks and Recreation Department - $6,642,800 for parks, open space and trails and greenway acquisition.

Facility and system improvements - $1,003,00 for radio and computer upgrades for the police department, for the City Hall heating, air-conditioning upgrade and for the affordable housing fund.

Water and sewer systems - $2,116,750

Parking improvements - $1,653,750 for paving, vehicle washer, bus-stop shelters and signs.

Airport - $283,000 to replace the terminal's roof, to renovate the restrooms and to build an employee parking lot.

Total for Capital Improvements Program = $13,216.800

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WATER STANDARDS: Strict, new water standards approved by the La Plata County commissioners aim to curtail growth where the water supply is inadequate but make a concession to very small subdivisions by permitting them to rely on water being trucked in.

The standards apply only to new developments; existing subdivisions are not affected. Only two lot subdivisions, or in some cases, agricultural lands being subdivided into three lots, can rely on trucked in water. Land owners must prove no well water in available and sign a waiver saying La Plata Count cannot be held responsible in the case that they cannot find a water supplier.

The standards require subdivisions with five or more lots to do a comprehensive groundwater study, which can cost between $25,000 and $30,000. The amount of water required for each household would still be 350 gallons a day, but the new standards would allow developers to use a lower estimate if the could prove it was adequate.

The rules now become part of the county's new land-use code.

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WATER: Southwestern Water Conservation District board members have approved a $100,000 grant to further a long standing project to bring drinking water to the Dryside, as southwestern La Plata County is known.

The grant, which was approved Monday, will pay for the pursuit of permits, environmental studies and money to build the backbone of a potable water system.

The La Plata West Water Co. has been supported by small grants for several years while it looked for ways to give residents of southwest La Plata County a reliable source of water. Many southwest county residents now must truck water from a spring in Marvel or rely on a well.

The cost of the backbone of the system, engineering and construction of an intake structure, water treatment plant and a trunk line to carry Animas La Plata Project (A-LP) water to the New Mexico line is estimated at $49 million.

The Animas-La Plata Project is a negotiated settlement of Indian water rights claims. The Upper La Plata Water Conservancy District and others are entitled to water from the project. The La Plata Water Conservancy District owns 700 acre feet of A-LP water, which has been made available to La Plata West for nontribal water users. The city of Durango is purchasing 1,900 acre feet of water from A-LP.

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IGNACIO: Ignacio is experiencing a period of economic growth unlike anything in recent memory. Revenue from local sales tax soared 26 percent from 1995 to 2005 and property tax revenue rose 26 percent as well. A variety of new businesses have opened their doors on Ignacio's main Goddard Avenue, and others are expanding. Several factors are contributing to the upturn.

First there was the natural gas boom. Gas well pads form a patchwork on the lands surrounding the town. Much of that land is owned by the Southern Ute Indian tribe. Thanks to high gas prices and wise investments, the tribe has seen its worth mushroom to about $4 billion. It is said the tribe controls the distribution of about 1 percent of the nation's natural gas supply. Much of the traffic generated by this production funnels through Ignacio. Many workers stop for lunch and take advantage of other services in the town.

Also boosting traffic is construction of the new Sky Ute Casino Resort just north of the town. The new resort, schedules for completion in December 2008, is expected to provide between 400 and 600 jobs.

Another draw was Ignacio Bike Week, which filled the void left by the storied Iron Horse Motorcycle Rally and brought about 20,000 people to town this last Labor Day weekend.

One thing Ignacio doesn't have is the sky-high prices for property that Durango has. We have numerous 35 acres parcels on the market beginning at $140,000. Try to find that in the Durango marketplace.

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DIVERSE DURANGO: This past weekend the Durango Cowboy Gathering filled the Diamond Circle Theater and the Abby Theater with cowboy poetry and songs. Highlighting the event was a motorless parade and a Horse Exposition. Cowboys and cowgirls were everywhere.

At the same time, Saturday night Durango went Mo-Town. The Community Concert Hall played host to the Coasters, Marvelettes and, best of all, the Platters. This talent packed show presented most of each group's number 1's, including "The Great Pretender", "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes" and "Twilight Time."

Western swing, campfire music and Mo-Town - only in Durango! If you're not living here - we can help.

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Does lowering the thermostat at night mean that it takes more energy to reheat the house each morning?

According to the La Plata Electric Association, it is a myth that it takes as much energy to reheat a house in the morning as was saved during the temperature setback period overnight. The amount of heat a house loses through its walls, ceilings and floors is directly proportional to the difference between the indoor and the outdoor temperatures. Air leakage into and out of your house also increases with larger temperature differences.

When the indoor temperature is set lower, the indoor to outdoor temperature difference is smaller, so less heat is lost from your house. If less heat is lost, your furnace has to use less electricity to create the heat to replace it. The amount of heat used to reheat the house, therefore, is less than the amount saved over the temperature setback period.

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ECONOMY: Deborah Walker, Associate Professsor of Economics and co-director of the Office of Economic Analysis and Business Research at Fort Lewis College, says our local economy continues to look good despite what we hear from some economists regarding the national credit crunch caused by problems in the mortgage lending market.

Even thought we might eventually feel some of the fall out, as of now most local indicators are still positive. We are lucky to live in a fairly diverse seconomy and do not have to rely on one sector to keep jobs and income growing.

In looking at the local labor market, for example, the average number of people in the labor force in the second quarter of 2006 in La Plata County was 91,627. In 2007 the average increased to 93,800. The number of people in the county who want jobs is growing and our economy is accommodating them with new jobs. Most business people we talk to are looking for people to work.

The average unemployment rate in the second quarter of 2006 was 3.4 percent. In 2007 the rate was down to 2.6 percent.

The trend in Tourism is upward with with more passengers using the Durango-LaPlata County Airport and an increase in riders on The Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.
Agriculture dollars, an important sector in our economy, increased 16 percent in second quarter of 207 over the same period in 2006.

Median home prices increased 3.9 percent in Durango, 30.8 percent in Bayfield and 34.5 percent at the resort areas. The number of sales has slowed but values remain strong.

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OPEN SPACE: The dedication of a portion of Durango's sales tax to preserve open space was cited as a bright spot in the 2007 Colorado Conservation Trust report on land conservation statewide.

In 2006, Colorado land trusts and local government programs placed 167,500 acres of farm, ranches, wildlife habitat and scenic areas out of reach of development, according to the Trust's report. The total acreage protected statewide to date stands at 1,950, 693 acres, 2.9 percent of the state's total land mass.

In 2005, Durango voters approved a half-cent sales tax increase with the stipulation that half of the increase was to be used for capital projects (such as the new library) and the other half be spent on open space, parks and trails. Durango's land preservation program contributes to making Colorado a national leader in land conservation.

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REFINANCE: If you're struggling with a mortgage that has become hard to pay, due perhaps to an adjustable rate that adjusted itself upward more that you expected, you may want to refinance into a different, more stable loan. After all, interest rates are still on the low side, historically speaking. You may want to consider refinancing just because current rates are lower than what you're paying.

Refinancing involves taking out a new mortgage on your home; usually at a lower interest rate, decreasing the amount of your monthly payment. If you can get a new loan at a rate 1 or 1/2 of a percentage point lower than your current mortgage you can reap sizable interest savings over 15 to 30 years.

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SOLAR: For the seventh consecutive year, energy efficient homes in La Plata County will be open to the public through a self-guided tour. Each year the La Plata County Solar Tour offers innovative homes that feature passive solar design, active solar hot water and photovoltaic arrays for independent and grid tied systems. Homes selected for the tour also offer a variety of energy efficient building, lighting and appliance choices.

This local educational opportunity is sponsored by the National Solar Tour, an annual event held in communities across the county on the first Saturday of October., National Energy Awareness month and throughout the autumn months. Home and building owners demonstrate solar and other installed renewable energy and energy efficient features. Tour guests learn how they can reduce energy demand through energy efficiency and how to supply energy from clean renewable energy sources.

For more information on national solar tours and activities please visit the American Energy Solar Energy Society at http://www.ases.org/

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THE IRON HORSE INN: Owners of the Iron Horse Inn have received preliminary approval to demolish the 157 unit motel and build 203 condominiums and townhomes in a new development to be called North Animas Village. Long considered by locals to be the northern boundary of Durango it will be sad to see it go. The Iron Horse was the first place we stayed when Mary and I were considering a move to Durango 17 years ago.

The plans for North Animas Village include a unique approach to the affordable housing crisis in Durango. The developer has introduced the idea of a Transfer Fee Covenants as part of the preliminary application that was approved by the Citry Council.

The covenant would require developers , and later homeowners reselling the properties, to give 1 percent of the sale price of a home to the La PLata County Regional Housing Authority to go toward the agency's land-trust and down payment assistance programs. It will be interesting to follow this innovative concept as it develops.

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WATER: The public packed a hearing Tuesday on a plan that would pipe drinkable water to a 400 square mill area where many residents rely on wells or trucked-in water.

The proposal which voters would have to approve, is to create the La Plata Archuleta Water District. Residents of the district would pay a special tax to fund the construction of water treatment facilities and pipelines that would supply dependable water to rural southeast La Plata County. The project, at an estimated cost of $85 million, also would cover a corner of southwest Archuleta County.

Inclusion in the district would be voluntary. So far almost 670 residents have asked to be excluded.

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CONDOS: The Durango City Council voted 4 - 1 Tuesday to approve the preliminary plan for North Animas Village, which would replace the existing Iron Horse Inn with 203 residential condominiums.

The council approved the preliminary plan with the condition that developers I.H. Management negotiate with the city and the Regional Housing Authority to provide money for affordable housing by charging developers and future sellers a percentage of each unit's sale price. The developer's attorney estimated that the transfer fees would raise $300,000 in the initial construction phase and as much as $1 million in the future from the resale of units. Of course, the actual amount of revenue raised would depend on market conditions.

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HILLSIDE/RIDGELINE: Durango city planners are working out the kinks in an interim ordinance aimed at protecting the city's hillsides from future development.

A hillside and ridgeline ordinance was one of the first goals of a new Council that changed dramatically in April's election. The council expressed concern about the growing number of residential and commercial projects being built on higher ground throughout the city which critics say negatively affect Durango's scenic beauty.

The interim hillside ordinance prohibits new construction on slopes of 30 percent or greater and addresses sightlines for structures built at the top of a slope. For existing lots on slopes between 20 and 30 percent that are not yet developed, the ordinance does not prohibit development, but it does require a separate review by city planning staff before construction can begin.

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MEDIAN DURANGO HOME PRICES

1995: $145,000

1996: $160,000

1997: $150,000

1998: $163,500

1999: $170,438

2000: $199,250

2001: $230,000

2002: $252,000

2003: $275,503

2004: $300,000

2005: $357,700

2006: $422,982

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DURANGO: We just returned from a brief holiday to Orange County, CA (Newport Beach to be exact.) Newport Beach is a beautiful area but the exact opposite of Durango. Money and wealth were on display.

For example, automobile dealerships noted were Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, Ferrari and Bentley; no Ford or General Motors. The vehicle of choice, hands down, is Mercedes or BMW. Every vehicle was sparkling clean. We now refer to Newport Beach as "the land of the spotless automobile."

The median price of housing in Orange County is $653,000; twice that of La Plata County.

People were everywhere; thousands and thousands of people. They were not unfriendly but certainly were not as open and down to earth friendly as Durango. Perhaps that is a result of living shoulder to shoulder and being crowded together.

A tour of the Balboa Island harbour was an eye-opener. Huge yachts and sailboats lined the docks. More than just a few were obviously in the million dollar plus category.

We returned even more appreciative of our Durango lifestyle. Pickups with dogs in the back, friendly people in blue jeans, and most of all the beautiful green and majestic mountains.

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