Government Announces Short Sales Guidelines – (Realtor Magazine Online) To qualify under these new guidelines: * The property must be the home owner’s principal residence. Under the plan, borrowers will receive $1,500 from the government for selling homes for less than the amount of their mortgages. Mortgage-servicing companies will get $1,000 for each completed short sale. Second-mortgage holders can receive up to $3,000 of the sales proceeds in exchange for releasing their liens. Investors who hold the first mortgage can collect up to $1,000 from the government for allowing the payments. Borrowers who complete a short sale under the program must be “fully released” from future liability for the debt, according to the guidelines. Got something to say? |
Expected to contribute approximately $22 billion to the economy, Congress overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan measure this week extending the $8,000 home buyer tax credit to April 30, 2010. The legislation, which is part of a larger bill that also extends unemployment benefits, was signed into law by President Obama today. More people are now eligible to take advantage of the law, which includes a $6,500 tax credit for buyers who are current home owners and have lived in their home for five of the past eight years. Income limits for eligible home buyers were also expanded to $125,000 for single buyers and $225,000 for couples, up from $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples. Qualifying home prices are capped at $800,000. NAR’s Government Affairs Division has compiled facts on the changes made to the current tax credit. NAR members sent more than 500,000 letters to leaders in Congress and made nearly 13,000 telephone calls to Senate offices last weekend to encourage support. So far this year, REALTORS® have spent nearly $14 million lobbying Congress, according to federal campaign finance records compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics. Sen. Johnny Isakson, a Georgia Republican and a former member of NAR, was key in extending the credit, as well as pushing it through initially. Other prominent boosters include the National Association of Homebuilders and the Mortgage Bankers Association. Sources: NAR and The Associated Press, Julie Hirschfeld Davis (11/06/2009) SEE COMPARISON CHART TO SEE IF YOU ARE ELIGBLE Got something to say? |
This graph was just provided to me. It shows how the Pagosa Real Estate Market is shadowing the S&P Index for nearly the last 2 years. Very Interesting!
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Colorado Supreme Court rules against Pagosa Water and Sanitation District conditional water rights while holding that a 2055 planning horizon is reasonable Here’s the release from Colorado Trout Unlimited (Randy Scholfield): Colorado Supreme Court hands down anti-speculation water ruling Trout Unlimited hails decision as a “victory for reality-based water planning” (Denver)—The Colorado Supreme Court today handed down a decision that reinforced the principle that Colorado municipalities must base water projects on clearly demonstrated and credible projections of future need. In the case, Pagosa Area Water and Sanitation District and San Juan Water Conservancy District v. Trout Unlimited, the Court ruled that Pagosa area water districts had not sufficiently demonstrated a need for the amount of water they claimed for the proposed Dry Gulch Reservoir, based on projected population growth and water availability over a 50-year planning period. “The Supreme Court reaffirmed today that it will not tolerate public utilities speculating in water,” said Drew Peternell, director of TU’s Colorado Water Project, who argued the case before the state’s highest court. “This is a victory for reality-based water planning.” The ruling is the second time Trout Unlimited has challenged the district water court’s decrees in the so-called Dry Gulch case—and the second time it has won. In 2006, TU challenged a decision by Judge Gregory G. Lyman, the District Court judge who serves as the water judge in Division 7 in Colorado’s southwest. The decision would have allowed a reservoir of 35,300 acre feet two miles northeast of Pagosa Springs, using diversions from the San Juan River totaling 180 cubic feet per second. Trout Unlimited appealed that decision to the Colorado Supreme Court, which in 2007 reversed Judge Lyman’s findings and remanded the case back to him for reevaluation of the districts’ future water needs. Without examining new evidence, as the Court had suggested would be necessary, Judge Lyman issued another decree in 2008, awarding the Pagosa Springs districts enough water to build a Dry Gulch Reservoir of 25,300 acre feet in size, using diversions from the San Juan River totaling 150 cfs. Trout Unlimited appealed again, arguing that the revised figures still weren’t in line with credible future water use projections and amounted to speculation. Today, the Colorado Supreme Court unanimously agreed with TU. While the Court did allow a 50-year planning horizon (TU had argued that a 40-year timeframe was reasonable), the Court found that there wasn’t evidence to support the quantities of water the judge had awarded, either in terms of the direct flow rights or in terms of storage. The 23,500 acre feet size approved by the water court for the Dry Gulch Reservoir is based on “speculative claims, at least in part,” said the Court. Unless the Pagosa districts can now demonstrate a “substantial probability” that a reservoir of that size is needed to meet future needs, the water court must reduce the amount of their claimed water. “The ruling underscored that municipalities can’t justify a new water right without real evidence to support it,” said Melinda Kassen, director of TU’s Western Water Project. “This protects Coloradoans from irresponsible water grabs and speculative development.” Colorado law already has rules preventing speculation in water rights. Although there is an exception in some situations for municipalities, the Supreme Court today made clear that the public exception should be interpreted narrowly. Looking ahead, TU called this latest ruling an opportunity for all water stakeholders to sit down and craft comprehensive solutions for meeting the region’s real water needs. “We’re ready to talk with the Pagosa Springs stakeholders and craft a solution that meets a range of valid needs, including municipal growth, agriculture and recreation and wildlife,” said Peternell. “But any solution has to be based on credible, substantiated numbers about future water supply and needs.” Link to full Court ruling: http://www.courts.state.co.us/Courts/Supreme_Court/opinions/2008/08SA354.pdf. Got something to say? |
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Existing-home sales bounced back strongly in September with first-time buyers driving much of the activity, marking five gains in the past six months, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Existing-home sales—including single-family, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops—jumped 9.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.57 million units in September from a level of 5.10 million in August, and are 9.2 percent higher than the 5.10 million-unit pace in September 2008. Sales activity is at the highest level in more than two years, since it hit 5.73 million in July 2007. Got something to say? |
Pagosa Springs is one of the best and most beautiful places to live if you appreciate a small town atmosphere in a dynamic Rocky Mountain setting surrounded by Wilderness Areas and National Forests, Rivers and Lakes, Wildlife and Hot Springs. All kinds of outdoor activities will keep you busy from hiking to fishing to hunting to snowmobiling and many other sports. Pagosa Springs may be small, but we have some very nice restaurants, coffee shops, gift shops, grocery stores, Brew Pubs, bicycle shop, ski and fly fishing shops and much more including the Great Pagosa Hot Springs and the Wolf Creek Ski Area. About the Real Estate Market About Us Our Search Tools Our Information Tools Stay Informed Got something to say? |
After receiving 15 inches of snow on this week, Wolf Creek Ski Area announced it is opening for the ski season on Halloween. The conditions are powder and packed powder. The ski area which lies northeast of Pagosa Springs has received over 22 inches of snow so far this season. The snow depth at mid-mountain is reported to be about 12 inches. Two beginner runs will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. More runs will open as conditions permit. Got something to say? |
Economic forecasters predict that 2010 will be the first year since 2005 for housing to contribute to the growth of the U.S. economy, according to a survey released by the National Association for Business Economics. Home prices are expected to rise 2 percent next year, but forecasters don’t believe the increase in prices will discourage homebuyers. More than 80 percent of economists surveyed by the NABE think the recession is over and recovery has begun, but they expect the expansion to be slow because unemployment persists. Source: Associated Press, Mae Anderson (10/12/2009) Got something to say? |
Washington Report: $8,000 Home Buyer Tax Credit 200 OCT 12, 2009 Realty Times Quick passage by the House last week of a bill extending the $8,000 home buyer tax credit next year for military, diplomatic and intelligence personnel serving overseas increases the odds that Congress will agree to an extension, maybe even an expansion, of the entire credit program well into 2010. The White House is also signaling that it sees the overall tax credit program — currently set to expire November 30 — as an important element in cutting the unemployment rolls and stimulating new jobs next year. After an economic policy strategy meeting last week in the Oval Office involving President Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, congressional aides said Democrats generally support an extension of the housing credit. Reid already has made clear he wants an extension. He is co-sponsoring a Senate bill that would do so for six months. Congressman Charles Rangel, chairman of the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, sponsored the one-year extension of the credit for military and other personnel serving overseas, and is reported by aides as favoring an extension for the entire program. The White House has not publicly committed to an extension, but has confirmed that the President is seriously examining that option. An unexpected development that emerged following last week’s White House meeting was the possibility of opening up the credit to a broader group of buyers next year – people who sell their current homes and buy a replacement home. Though details were scanty, Capitol Hill sources said one option on the table would be to provide a tax credit — most likely at the $8,000 level — to replacement home buyers whose incomes do not exceed some limit. The current credit phases out for single taxpayers with incomes above $75,000, and married purchasers earning $150,000. A politically sensitive issue hovering over the entire debate on extending the housing tax credit is its cost – what it would add to the federal budgetary deficit. Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Economy.com, estimates that widening the credit to all buyers through next August could cost the government upwards of $30 billion. Rangel’s 12-month extension of the credit for service personnel is estimated to cost more than $300 million, but it’s mainly being paid for through an increase in penalties levied by the IRS on taxpayers who fail to file corporate or partnership returns. The New York Times reported that one possible solution to the cost problem would be to divert money not yet spent out of 2009’s $800 billion stimulus legislation. Copyright © 2009 Realty Times. All Rights Reserved. Got something to say? |
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I found this fascinating quote today:
You should read the whole article. Got something to say? |
Pagosa Springs Colorado is the land of adventure in every season. Find many more videos of the Pagosa Springs Area and its recreational opportunities at www.pagosa.com. Got something to say? |
If you own property in the Pagosa Springs area, I invite you to visit www.Pagosadata.com. This is one of the more popular websites for those looking for Property tax and sales information for Archuleta County properties. We want it to be much more and are planning some upgrades and addition information. So if you have an opinion as to what you would like to see available on that website, I would like to hear it. You can either comment here or email me at JimSmith@JimSmithRealty.com. For those that would like to see a visual map view of the area, go to our County Interactive Map where you can see every platted parcel in the county along with Property and Sales Data. We have also integrated the IDX Feed from the local MLS so you can see every property that is available for sale. Very cool! Local up-to-date info about Pagosa Springs can be found at www.Pagosa.com as well as many links to interesting and useful websites. A nearly complete list of our websites can be found at our PagosaCountry.com site. Our main real estate site is www.JimSmithRealty.com. |
Pushing for passage of a massive, $800 billion-plus stimulus bill, President Obama today said, “It is inexcusable and irresponsible for any of us to get bogged down in distraction, delay or politics as usual while millions of Americans are being put out of work. Now is the time for Congress to act.” A $15,000 tax credit that was added as an amendment (by U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.) to the stimulus package Wednesday is popular with homebuilders, The Wall Street Journal reports, but adds about $35 billion to the cost of the stimulus plan. The Washington Post reports that a bipartisan group of about 20 moderate senators was “trying to hammer out a compromise that would attract more Republican support by cutting roughly $100 billion from the bill.” Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid, D-Nev., has expressed optimism that a vote will be held today on the spending plan. The tax credit, as initially proposed, could be used only in the purchase of primary residences and there is no repayment requirement (unlike the $7,500 tax credit passed last year, which did have a repayment requirement), according to reports. And the actual amount of the tax credit proposal would be $15,000 or 10 percent, whichever is less. From Inman News Got something to say? |
Well, after a really intense December with lots and lots of snow, we have been enjoying a pretty mild January and now February. Sunny Skies makes the heart warm and light in the winter. There are so many recreational opportunities right now to get out and do some snow shoeing and cross country skiing. Check out www.pagosa.com for ongoing stories of folks enjoying winter sports of all kinds. Real estate in Pagosa is showing signs of life. Many are taking advantage of the low interest rates and some real good values to make offers to purchase real estate. Personally I am very optomistic about 2009. I hear all the bad news too, but people can only put their lives on hold for so long. There is a pent up demand to buy resort and retirement properties. The dam that holds that back can not hold forever or in my opinon even much longer. There are lots of people that want to retire to the Rocky Mountain Region and Pagosa Springs in particular. This is a great time for those that can make the move – to buy in at lower prices. Jim Smith Got something to say? |
Norm has been grooming the back country cross country ski trails for about 15 years. He is one of our local celebrities who has been a promoter of the Pagosa Springs area for over 20 years. He is currently also the writer/editor of the Pagosa Journal found at www.Pagosa.com. This is a story about a Full Moon Ski Party that was aborted as a result of severe weather. Interesting story. Find many more videos of the Pagosa Springs Area and its recreational opportunities at http://www.pagosa.com/pagosa_video.php.
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Norm has been grooming the back country cross country ski trails for about 15 years. He is one of our local celebrities who has been a promoter of the Pagosa Springs area for over 20 years. He is currently also the writer/editor of the Pagosa Journal found at www.Pagosa.com. Got something to say? |
VISITOR COMMENT: I hunted every year from 1975 to 1993 just south of Pagosa, camping near Buckle’s Lake above Chromo. Sometimes staying in Harvey’s Motel. My intention was to come to Pagosa Springs upon retiring, buy a cabin, & live out my days. I came to town last summer to look for a place & was quite surprised! I’m sure the land speculators & Real Estaters have done well, but the charm is gone. Sorry, too crowded & I’ll look to spend my days elsewhere. Not for me anymore. ANSWER: I can relate to Joe’s frustration a little. Joe evidently had not visited Pagosa Springs in about 15 years. While the rest of the country was growing and expanding, Joe must have thought that Pagosa would just stay the way he remembered it. Small, quaint, funky, etc. But while the rest of the country was growing, more and more retirees like Joe began to settle in the Pagosa area. They bought property and built their dream homes. Along with the incoming retirees, came the builders and sub contractors to build those dream homes. Our population grew from about 5,000 population in 1977 (when I moved here) to about 12,000 today (county wide). Along with the people came a bigger grocery store, more really nice restaurants, and a lot of other shops and stores. Back in the “Good Old Days” Pagosa’s residents had to drive to Durango or Farmington for almost everything. We usually made a monthly trip to stock up on groceries and everything else we needed. Now, most of what our residents need is available locally. I remember when there was only one really “nice” evening restaurant (Old Miners Steak House) to go to for a fine dining experience. Now there are a number of really nice restaurants for fine dining – either for breakfast, lunch or diner. So is the charm gone? Pagosa Springs may used to have been “charming” – but it was also pretty boring and very hard to make a living in. Now it is more prosperous and fun and convenient – maybe a little less charming and quaint. But I have lived here for over 31 years. There is still a lot of charm I think and it is not quite so boring as 30 years ago. Progress is happening everywhere and the sometimes the unrealistic expectations of would be “settlers” of the Pagosa Springs area clash with that progress. However, I would like to remind the critics of progress that we are still a very small town and sparsely populated county surrounded by some of the most beautiful country anywhere. 2.5 million acres of National Forest surround us and a quarter million acre Wilderness Area is right out our back door full of adventure. I remember telling many of my customers that this is Huckleberry Finn country. You can do just about anything here from back packing to day hiking, from driving the many forest roads to 4 wheeling the back country, from fishing to hunting, from skiing to relaxing in the elegant Pagosa hot springs. Adventure! That’s still Pagosa. It is easy to leave the crowded highway and find solitude and adventure just 15 minutes from downtown Pagosa Springs. What more could you want? I guess that is why people moved here. Have a Great New Year, Jim Smith Owner Jim Smith Realty – Pagosa’s Oldest and Largest Real Estate Firm Got something to say? |
The Pagosa Springs Visitor Center actively solicits feedback from those that visit our area. Here are a few unedited comments from our visitors. This is the 6th and last installment of visitor comments. Pagosa Springs may be a little out of the way and “funky” for some. We are a small resort and retirement community with a lot for the adventurer. Pagosa Springs really is not an Aspen, Telluride, or Vail. But we love visitors and tourists all the same. The Town Tourism Committee and the Chamber of Commerce are actively trying to make your next visit to Pagosa Springs more interesting and pleasant.
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The Pagosa Springs Visitor Center actively solicits feedback from those that visit our area. Here are a few unedited comments from our visitors. This is the 5th installment of visitor comments. Pagosa Springs may be a little out of the way and “funky” for some. We are a small resort and retirement community with a lot for the adventurer. Pagosa Springs really is not an Aspen, Telluride, or Vail. But we love visitors and tourists all the same. The Town Tourism Committee and the Chamber of Commerce are actively trying to make your next visit to Pagosa Springs more interesting and pleasant.
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The Pagosa Springs Visitor Center actively solicits feedback from those that visit our area. Here are a few unedited comments from our visitors. This is the 4th installment of visitor comments. Pagosa Springs may be a little out of the way and “funky” for some. We are a small resort and retirement community with a lot for the adventurer. Pagosa Springs really is not an Aspen, Telluride, or Vail. But we love visitors and tourists all the same. The Town Tourism Committee and the Chamber of Commerce are actively trying to make your next visit to Pagosa Springs more interesting and pleasant.
Got something to say? |
The Pagosa Springs Visitor Center actively solicits comments from those that visit our area. Here are a few unedited comments from our visitors. Here is the 3rd installment of their comments. Pagosa Springs may be a little out of the way and “funky” for some. We are a small resort and retirement community with a lot for the adventurer. Pagosa Springs really is not an Aspen, Telluride, or Vail. But we love visitors and tourists all the same.
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The Pagosa Springs Visitor Center actively solicits comments from those that visit our area. Here are a few unedited comments from our visitors. Here is the 2nd installment of their comments. Pagosa Springs may be a little out of the way and “funky” for some. We are a small resort and retirement community with a lot for the adventurer. Pagosa Springs really is not an Aspen, Telluride, or Vail. But we love visitors and tourists all the same.
Got something to say? |
The Pagosa Springs Visitor Center actively solicits comments from those that visit our area. Here are a few unedited comments from our visitors. This may give you a feel for how people respond to our area.
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For those avid hunters out there, don’t miss checking out our sister site at http://pagosa.com/artman/publish/article_4188.shtml for photos of the second season’s hunting successes. There are numerous other articles on this Number 1 most visited Pagosa Springs web site. Pagosa real estate is continuing to putt along. Hopefully, things will pickup by summer, 2009. That is what some are predicting. With the election behind us and the Federal Government stimulating the economy, it would seem that things have to get better. But consumer confidence seems to drive our nation’s economy. So folks have to feel comfortable about the future before they spend their money. Many also have to sell their existing home before moving to Pagosa and buying a new one. And that is difficult for some. I understand that Houston and other parts of Texas are actually doing quite well. It used to be that our local economy was almost totally based on Texas and Oklahoma dollars. That doesn’t seem to be as true as it once was. Regardless, for those that can, Pagosa Springs Colorado real estate is ripe and ready for smart buyers to come along and pick up some bargains. Many sellers are holding the line on their price, but there are others that are ready to deal. Check out our listings at www.JimSmithRealty.com. Have a nice weekend! Don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour on Saturday night. Got something to say? |
 This is hunting season in Pagosa Country Hunters have invaded Pagosa Country by the hundreds and will do so for the next few weeks. This is one to the best elk hunting areas in the state or nation for that matter. Check out all the news and photos on www.Pagosa.com Got something to say? |
I hadn’t run any stats lately so I was pleasantly surprised by what I found this week when I went to our Year-to-Date Comparison Report in our CREN MLS. With all the doom and gloom in the local real estate markets, I found some interesting numbers for Pagosa area Residential Properties. Below you will see how our housing market is doing in relation to this time last year – and how we are doing compared to our CREN (Colorado Real Estate Network) Regional MLS which covers a huge area from Grand Junction to Cortez/Durango to the San Luis Valley (East of Pagosa Springs). Actually, Pagosa Springs is doing very well compared with our neighboring communities. Sure, everyone is down from last year, but surprisingly Pagosa Springs is down the least of all. Where the number of Residential Units sold is concerned, the whole of the CREN MLS is down by 26% (many communities were down by over 30%) the Pagosa Springs MLS is down only 10% from this time last year. Pagosa Spring’s total Residential Volume was down only 6% from last year while CREN was down 25%. Now, our average sales price for Residential Property was actually up by 5% while CREN was up only 1%. However, our median sales price was down by 8% (CREN did not have figures for this). Here is the raw data for those that are interested: TOTAL – RESIDENTIAL - Pagosa Springs TOTAL – RESIDENTIAL – CREN (Grand Junction,Delta,Durango,Cortez,Montrose,Pagosa Springs,San Luis Valley) So, yes we are down in the number of residential sales and residential volume for the 3rd year in a row. But being the optomist that I am, I am beginning to see a floor for the Pagosa Springs real estate market. The downward sprial is slowing and compared to many of our neighboring communities, we aren’t doing so bad. Got something to say? |
Here is an interesting article just in from Realtor.org. I thought I would pass it on. Hit the link to read the entire article. Walter Molony – www.Realtor.org Pending home sales activity surged as buyers took advantage of low home prices and affordable interest rates, according to the latest report. The Pending Home Sales Index jumped 7.4 percent to 93.4 from an upwardly revised reading of 87.0 in July, and is 8.8 percent higher than August 2007 when it stood at 85.8. The index is at the highest level since June 2007 when it stood at 101.4. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said home buyers were responding to improved affordability. “What we’re seeing is the momentum of people taking advantage of low home prices, with pending home sales up strongly in California, Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Rhode Island and the Washington, D.C. region,” he said. “It’s unclear how much contract activity may be impacted by the credit disruptions on Wall Street, but we’re hopeful most of the increase will translate into closed existing-home sales.” Got something to say? |
Here are some very interesting Fall Foliage Maps that can keep you up to date. I found them to be very interesting. I borrowed them from our sister site at www.Pagosa.com
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Here is a great value on a 4 Bedroom, 4 Bathroom home with 2350 Square Feet in the Pagosa Lakes Resort Area. While most homes have not seen significant price drops – this motivated seller just dropped the price another $5,000 after other recent drops totaling $65,000.
This charming home was designed for family and entertainment. Enjoy the warmth and personality of this very special retreat. Nestled in groves of mature aspen trees and fully landscaped, this get away is the place to make years of great memories. Features abound, with four terrific decks, automatic sprinkler system, granite counter tops, slate tile, new upgraded carpeting, upgraded windows and near new roof, heating system and black appliances amidst beautiful rustic hickory cabinets. Move in ready. Broker Associate Owned. See all the details HERE! Got something to say? |
QUESTION: I have a lot in the Hatcher lake area. Are the properties selling at all, or is the market still dead…I bought at 48 thousand and its .30 acre. Good unblockable view of the mountains, no lake view, on Monte Vista and North Pagosa Blvd. Answer: The property you own is in Pagosa Highlands Estates which is a subdivision within the Pagosa Lakes Resort Area. It appears you purchased the property for $48,000 in August of 2005. The year 2005 was the peak of the real estate boom. Unfortunately, property values on small homesites within the Pagosa Lakes Area have stagnated and even declined as a result of a significant increase in inventory and fewer buyers. My records show that only 11 properties within Pagosa Highlands have sold this year through the MLS while 81 are currently listed. Of those sold, the lowest price was $12,500 and the highest was $79,900. This is a fairly large subdivision with 688 lots total. The terrain varies from hilly to flat meadows. This subdivision also boarders the National Forest. Those properties that border the National Forest still receive high prices. Yours is a nice property on the meadow with some mountain views. My estimate would be that your property would bring between $20,000 to $30,000 in this current market climate. My suggestion is for you to hold for the long term if you can comfortably do so. If not, you will certainly take a loss, but if you need to sell quickly, you will need to be priced toward the bottom of that price range I gave you. Thank you for your question. I hope this real estate market perks up for everyone in the near future. Got something to say? |
 First Snow in the High Country of Pagosa Springs So winter is quickly on it’s way to Pagosa Country. I borrowed this photo from our sister site at www.pagosa.com. We have been busy getting in our firewood as many other local have been doing. We had our first hard freeze last night at my house so the garden is mostly done for this year. As noted before, there is still real estate activity. Many are visiting Pagosa County to enjoy the Fall Colors. And now with snow on the peaks – well that just sets off the Colors even more. Wow – very pretty. Check out our Weminuche Wilderness Webcam. Here is an interesting mapping program sent to me this morning. You can get the exact coordinates of any property. It has some other interesting features as well. Just type in your address then double space and enter the zip code like this – 445 San Juan Street 81147 (Jim Smith Realty Office). Go to http://mapper.acme.com/. Have a nice day. Got something to say? |
I took a drive on Wednesday over to Silverton with some friends. We went to 4-wheel Cork Screw Pass. The fall colors between Durango and Silverton had not yet peaked. They should do so within the next 10 days in case any of you are planning a trip to see the colors. I was at Lake City and Creed over a week ago and the colors were almost peaking then. I would think they are currently at their peak or post peak beauty. The drive over Cork Screw Pass was fantastic with panoramic views. Red Mountain was indeed red and gorgous. We dropped down into Ouray after hitting HWY 550 and drove up the road to Imagene Pass for about 5 miles just to explore the area. The colors there were absolutely fantastic.  Red Mountain from Cork Screw Pass  Fall Colors in Ouray - Imagene Pass Hope you are able to get out and see this beautiful area this Fall. Real Estate is plodding along. We had our best week in some time. Maybe this is an indication of an improving market. With the 700 Billon Dollar Bailout approved today by the House and signed by the President , maybe the economy will at least begin to rebound. Have a nice Week End! Got something to say? |
Jim Smith Realty is #1 in Internet Marketing for the Pagosa Springs Area. Jim Smith Realty Currently has eight websites offering a wide range of resources including Real Estate and Visitor Information, Property Tax and Sales Information, Interactive Maps, Business Directory, and a lot more! Our Combined Visitors per month runs in the Tens of Thousands. Here is a list of our current inventory of valuable websites. You can reach most from our Portal Website located at www.PagosaCountry.com. www.Pagosa.com www.JimSmithRealty.com www.PagosaSpringsRealEstate.com www.PagosaSprings.com www.ThePagosaMagazine.com www.PagosaData.com www.PagosaWiki.com www.PagosaFSBO.com Got something to say? |
In the past several weeks, we have noticed a marked increase in sales activity in the Pagosa Springs Market. No, we are not experiencing any kind of return to real normalcy yet, but we are experiencing a small “surge” in offers. Of course, we normally get an up tick this time of year, but we are nevertheless very happy for this small revival of real estate sales. Many of the properties being placed under contract are upper end properties above $600,000 reaffirming our assumptions that the upper middle class is flush and can make a move if they want without the help of a great deal of financing. Many of these are cash buyers. So far all the flak in Washington and the big bailout is not dampening the enthusiasm of our buyers. So if you are a Seller, you may want to consult with your real estate agent and examine your asking price. One thing is still certain – it is a Buyer’s market and Sellers need to be very aggressive in attracting a Buyer for their property. Everything from enhancing curb appeal to reducing the price needs to be considered. With the Election coming ever closer, I think many are experiencing Election Fatigue. Most voters have already decided which side they will take – so the war if for the undecided vote with ever increasing intensity. I think we will all sigh a sigh of relief on Election Day – I hope. The Fall Colors are rapidly progressing. I am told that as of the last weekend Monark Pass and the road between Lake City and South Fork have great colors at there peak. Our colors around Pagosa Springs will most likely peak this coming weekend or shortly there after. Have a nice day! Got something to say? |
Welcome to the most beautiful place on earth, where the natural beauty of Pagosa Country is growing, and we have grown too! We have established two This Blog is an effort to inform our sellers and buyers and the community at Got something to say? |
