Monday, August 10, 2009
One of the most important things to families relocating to an area are the schools. Data released last Friday shows fairly strong academic performance in both Durango and Bayfield while Ignacio lagged behind. The Colorado Student Assessment Program, a series of tests given to children in grades three through 10 each fall, form the backbone of how the state measures public schools performance. In both the Durango School District and the Bayfield School District 97 percent of 10th graders kept up with reading standards. The statewide average was 93 percent. Our schools measure up.
While important, school statistics are not the only measurement of the suitability of a community for raising a family. In small towns it seems that youth programs are a larger part of the overall lifestyle. Young people and their achievements are recognized. Last week, for example, the La Plata County Fair featured 4-H and FFA exhibitors. The Durango Herald's Friday front page was a photo and article of the sheep competition. Saturday's front page was a photo and article on the market swine grand champion and Sunday's front page was the market beef grand champion. We're talking FRONT PAGE. Our youth are important.
In a small community the kids get coverage. When the Durango swim team competes, it's news. Football, basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer - girls and boys, its all supported by the community. Whatever the activity, from sports to high school theater and musicals, our kids are recognized and supported. A "good education" is more than just school stats.
http://HomesInDurango.com
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The median sale price of Durango homes dropped 12 percent from $405,000 to 355,000. The number of sales fell by half, from 70 to 35. Homes in the La Plata county also saw declines. The median price of sold properties dropped 16 percent, from $344,975 to $288,300. The number of sales fell from 127 to 102.
With prices declining and favorable interest rates it appears some buyers are coming back into the market. We have been busy. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 expanded the first-time homebuyer credit to $8,000, providing some incentive to stimulate real estate sales.
http://HomesInDurango.com
Tuesday, July 07, 2009

4TH OF JULY in a small town - there's nothing like it. An outdoor breakfast in Rotary Park, arts and crafts in Buckley Park, patriotic readings on Main Avenue, and a KCBS sanctioned BBQ Cookoff; downtown was packed.
The BBQ cookoff, sponsored by the Kiwanis as a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs, drew 29 cooking teams from as far away as Florida. These were some of the guys you see on the Food Network specials. We spent 2 days preparing and serving chicken, ribs, pork shoulder and brisket to the public and judges. Our team raised over $3,200 for the area clubs.
The celebration was completed by a terrific parade lead by the Westwind Piper Band. Uncle Sam, Clydedales, Freemasons, Harleys and the Ladies and Gents of the Historical Society rounded out the spectacle that ended with a brilliant fireworks display.
Oh, by the way - we placed 6th in Pork Shoulder and 2nd in Brisket. Now THAT'S COOL!
http://HomesInDurango.com
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
After more than five years of having the new land use code shoved down our throats by the County Planners and Commissioners we're now told that the code is not "the best path to the community we want to see," by Planning Director Erick Aune.
Under previous planning director Nancy Lauro the planning department told us the new land use policies would control and limit urban sprawl. Now under planning director Erick Aune the planning department tells us the new code would actually increase sprawl rather than combat it. Aune says the county should focus on a comprehensive plan - "a central guiding document that would inform all functions of county government" - and from that a land use code would flow relatively easily. What a bunch of *#@^(*.
We have spent untold hours of effort and only God knows how much money to develop a land use plan for the county and now we're going to start over? These people need to take their educated rear ends and head back to Boulder or wherever it is they came from. ( And take the Commissioners with them.)
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://RealEstate-Durango.com
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
No one disagrees that the Durango area is in need of more housing that is affordable for our citizens. But who is going to pick up the tab for the price reduction on the units or the fees in lieu. Simply put - the buyers of the other units in the development. Builders will pass on the costs and prices will escalate.
The solution to affordable housing does not lie within the city limits of Durango. Land is too expensive. Affordable development must happen in non-incorporated areas of the county. But that would be "urban sprawl" and good luck with county planners.
The bright side is maybe the situation will solve itself. The way the national economy is looking, we're likely to have plenty of cheap housing.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://RealEstate-Durango.com
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
THE DRYSIDE??? The arid western portion of La Plata County, where residents draw drinking water from wells or truck it home in tanks, appears ready to shed the "Dryside" label hung by old-timers.
Next week, ground will be broken on a $6 million intake at Lake Nighthorse southwest of Durango. Treated reservoir water then would be available for residents in a 250 square mile area on Fort Lewis Mesa. The reservoir, part of the Animas-La Plata Project, which is nearly complete, is to start filling in early 2009.
Critical funding for the intake project came from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.
It's estimated that the 700 acre feet of water in Lake Nighthorse that is available to the project is enough to serve 3,600 homes on the Dryside.
http://www.homesindurango.com/
http://www.durangorealestate.biz/
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The median price is the midpoint of all homes sold - where half of the homes cost more and half cost less. As sales of higher priced homes have slowed, the resulting "median price" has come down. Overall the value of real estate in our area has remained remarkably stable when compared to other markets throughout the nation.
We are hearing reports from Arizona, southern California and Las Vegas that these markets have bottomed out and are beginning to mend. If true, it bodes well for our Durango markets. Hopefully by the spring we'll see a return to normalcy.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://RealEstate-Durango.com
Sunday, September 21, 2008
MORE FROM THE BLOTTER:
Monday:
11:05 p.m. A caller from the 5800 block of Main Avenue said her boyfriend was drunk and
belligerent. He was to spend the night in another room.
11:54 p.m. A caller from the 5800 block of Main Avenue said here boyfriend was passed out in
front of her room.
Tuesday:
11:49 a.m. A man sitting in a red van in the parking lot of Pueblo Community College, 701
Camino Del Rio, had been there since 9 a.m. watching people come and go.
Saturday:
2:00 a.m. A man was in the street screaming and hitting cars in the 2900 block of Richard
Drive. He had been kicked out of his house.
3:45 a.m. A neighbor reported a woman screaming in the 3600 block of 502. A deputy reported
finding a lot of cat hair in the road.
To Be Continued.....
http://homesindurango.com/
http://durangorealestate.biz/
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://realestate-durango.com
Friday, September 12, 2008
Guess what? Durango was number one on the list.
Durango's name originates from the Basque word for "water town," thanks to the mighty Animas River, which flows almost parallel to our Main Avenue. CNN pointed out vacationers flock here to kayak, fly-fish or enjoy the water views from our many hiking, biking trails or from the network of shady parks along the river.
The Durango lifestyle with our arts community, quality restaurants, farmer's market and the surrounding San Juan National Forest together with our stable real estate economy is a major calling card for individuals seeking the ultimate in retirement location.
If we can assist you in gathering information about Durango give us a call or email. We'll be glad to help.
http://homesindurango.com/
http://durangorealestate.biz/
Thursday, September 11, 2008
MORE FROM THE POLICE BLOTTER:
Monday 7:38 p.m.
A woman accidentally called 911 while programming the emergency number into her telephone.
Tuesday 12.15 p.m.
A woman's neighbor was standing at a window making derogatory statements in the 300 block of 23rd Street.
Friday 3:00 p.m.
A brand inspector needed assistance with a large number of goats on a road near U.S. Highway 160B and County Road 509.
Friday 5:35 p.m.
No one was inside an open store in the 1100 block of South Camino del Rio for 20 minutes. An employee forgot to lock up at closing.
Saturday 12.59 p.m.
Several mules and horses were in the road in the 8000 block of County Road 501, north of Bayfield.
To be continued.....
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
Friday, September 05, 2008
The Regional Housing Alliance board of directors approved an agreement with La Plata Homes Fund Inc. on Wednesday, during its first meeting with new members from Bayfield. The approval allows the alliance to begin certifying the new fund as a non-profit organization.
The alliance works with families to make down payments on a home, and provides assistance and home-buyer classes in Bayfield, Ignacio and Durango.
Creating the fund as a tax-exempt nonprofit entity qualifies the alliance for federal money provided through the Department of Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. The federal money would have to be matched dollar for dollar to be received locally.
The alliance has 100 families in home buyer classes and counseling.
*From the Durango Herald 09/05/08
http://RealEstate-Durango.com
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
Friday, August 29, 2008
VALLECITO: Residents of Vallecito recently celebrated the opening of a new park that features a picnic pavilion overlooking Vallecito Reservoir.
The ceremony featured several nods to Southern Ute Indian Tribe members. Seven dancers performed to song, and other tribal members spoke about the land.
"This used to be Ute country here," said James Jefferson, a Durango area resident.
"This used to be Ute country".....that started me thinking.
Through the years the Utes have seen lots of changes. The area has grown. The population has exploded and we're still growing and changing. Yet we seem to have a core of individuals who are 100% anti-growth, anti-change. Every development, every expansion sees the same opposition.
Increased traffic, too many people coming to area, loss of wildlife habitat - the list goes on. We need to realize that change is going to happen. We are going to have more people coming to this beautiful area. We need to smartly prepare for the future.
I can just visualize the Ute elders sitting in their lodges discussing: too many people, too much congestion, loss of wildlife habitat. The Utes were smart, we should be also.
http://homesindurango.com/
http://durangorealestate.biz/
Monday, August 25, 2008
Visitors to Durango often find a world quite different from the place they call "home." Its not just the beauty of the mountain or the blueness of the sky, the real difference is the people and the laid back lifestyle of Durango. One comment we hear most is how fun it is to read the excerpts from the Durango Police Blotter published daily in the Durango Herald. As special ones appear, we'll share them with you. For instance:
Friday - 11 a.m.
A man wearing army fatigues on the bike path near the 300 block of West College Drive was carrying what appeared to be a gun in his pants, but it turned out to be a black electronic device.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
http://RealEstate-Durango.com
RAILFEST: The 10th annual Durango Railfest that started last Thursday attacted large crowd of railroad buffs including visitiors from Germany, Italy and England.
Two historic engines were here for the celebration. The restored Durango & Rio Grande Western engine No. 315 and the Galloping Goose No. 5, a GMC gasoline powered engine put in service during the Great Depression by the Rio Grande Southern Railroad when operating steam engines became too expensive. Engine No. 315 could be seen hauling passengers to Cascade. The restored engine appeared brand new.
In addition to Railfest, Saturday brought the Brewfest to Buckley Park in downtown Durango. Eleven breweries from all over Colorado were on hand dispersing their hand crafted products. What a weekend!
What's next? Can you feel the distant rumble? As Labor Day approaches the rumble will grow. The earth will vibrate as thousands, yes thousands, of Harley bikers converge on the Durango area for the rally. There's never a dull moment in this quiet mountain town.
http://homesindurango.com/
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
Friday, August 15, 2008
http://RealEstate-Durango.com
WATER: The rural water system that would serve the southern portion of La Plata County and the southwestern area of Archuleta County that has been discussed for 20 years took a step closer to realization this week when voters, by a slim margin, approved the creation of the La Plata Archuleta Water District. The district aims to establish a rural water system where residents currently depend on water wells or have water trucked in.
In addition to creating the district voters selected five members to serve as the district's board of directors. District officials will have to go back to voters to fund the system. The date for that election has not been set.
While this is a long term project it is badly needed and will open up a huge part of the county for residential use.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
Friday, July 11, 2008

July 4th was competition day and we began serving BBQ at 11:00. When all was said and done, our team sold over $4,000 of BBQ for the Kiwanis fundraiser. At the same time, an Arts & Crafts Show was happening in Buckley Park. The crowds were fabulous.
Celebrating July 4, the Declaration of Independence was read for the public, a fantastic patriotic parade proceeded down Main (we have a parade for nearly every occasion) and the day ended with a spectacular fireworks display.
Durango, small town - big people. The only thing missing was Andy Taylor and Barney Fife weren't leading the parade.
http://homesindurango.com/
http://realEstate-Durango.com/
Thursday, June 26, 2008
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.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
Friday, June 06, 2008
http://realestate-durango.com
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.
http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz
Thursday, June 05, 2008

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