When the real estate market is half-full, you need a high octane realtor!

These are difficult times in the real estate business. Durango Colorado has not been as deeply affected by the severe real estate market, as compared to many of the overheated markets like Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, and Florida. The Durango market is affected by the inability of buyers to sell their home in other markets, as there are many buyers that have a desire to purchase a home in Southwest Colorado, yet, they need to sell their home in another market first. We have also been affected by the economic downturn, and as most of you know, consumer confidence is at a multi-year low.

If you are a buyer or seller in this more difficult market, you need the help of a seasoned professional. We are way beyond the easy days of selling real estate, and when the worth of a Realtor was being questioned. It is quite obvious that the number of FSBO's (For Sale By Owners) has dwindled in the last 18 months. Those owners realize the importance of marketing a home for sale, and the days of a sign in the yard selling the home is in the past. Sellers need the attention of the fewer buyers in the market, and they have a difficult time reaching those buyers, without the use of a Realtor, and a strong marketing program. They also need professional help in pricing their home in an everchanging environment; it is absolutely critical to be competitive when there are numerous choices for the buyer. Besides making a decision to use a Realtor, a seller needs to be convinced in the choice of a Realtor. Obviously, Realtors are not all created equal. There is great differentiation in experience, marketing budget, negotiation skills, and education. This is the time to make a smart choice, selecting the Realtor that has the tools and skills to help you be successful.

In addition, the choice of the real estate company is equally important. A small real estate company may not have the marketing punch that you need in this market, and there are other impressive differences in selecting the best fit for you. For instance, The Wells Group (the company that I am associated) has a very strong internet presence to help reach those hard to find buyers.

If you are a buyer, the choice of a Realtor is equally as important. Strong negotiation skills and market knowledge can and will make a big difference in this market. The Realtor needs to have advanced knowledge and skills to help you find the right property, and to help you strike the best deal. You need a "connected" Realtor, that stays tuned into the changes and opportunities. This is the time when you will create future appreciation by purchasing when the market is at its weakest. You do not want to leave this to chance, find and utilize a top professional Realtor.

If you are looking in the Durango & Bayfield areas, and would like further information about this market or on my experience, please contact me. You can reach me, Don Ricedorff, at 970-375-7014, or e-mail me at don@frontier.net, or visit me on the web at durangorealproperty.com.