Narrow Gauge Days

For the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, this weekend opens the summer season. Narrow Gauge Days will begin this celebration on Friday at the train depot in Durango.

With a free hot dog picnic on the lawn and the opportunity to tour premium cars (including the remodeled “Yankee Girl” car), the day will be an excellent start to the summer train season.

The Bar D Wranglers will be providing the musical entertainment, and Snoopy and Victorian characters will wander around.

The D & S will also be giving out tree seedlings to reduce the carbon footprint on earth.

On Saturday, a complimentary continental breakfast will be hosted in Silverton at 10^th and Cement streets between 10 and 11:30. The train ride will also feature bits of Durango history.

The train is such a connection to Durango’s history. Since its beginnings in 1882, the train has run continuously between Durango and Silverton. It is steam-run and heated by coal. It originally operated to haul gold and silver from the San Juan Mountains. As mining declined in the area, the train held various roles. In WWI, the government took over railroad operations. In WWII, Smelter started producing uranium, and parts of the train were used in Alaska. With such history, it makes us appreciate the train’s heritage in town even more.

The locomotives are maintained in their original condition. Now people from all over the world come to Durango to ride the train. We are looking forward to another summer of visitors experiencing the history and unique experience of the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. We hope you enjoy the Narrow Gauge Days celebration this weekend!

See the below link for more information on Narrow Gauge Days and history of the train:

http://www.durangotrain.com/events/narrow-gauge-days#.U18nHGBOV7g

A Very Special Thank You To Dr. Duane Smith

Tonight marks the end to a symbolic legacy. Dr. Duane Smith at Fort Lewis College will give his last lecture. He is an icon at FLC, a legend, and with almost 50 years of teaching, someone with more perspective than even imaginable. Tonight will be his last lecture, and Max and I look forward to attending.

Dr. Smith is well known at FLC for his knowledge of Colorado and Durango history and authoring a number of books. He came to Fort Lewis in 1964, after receiving degrees from the University of Colorado.  He has authored books on western history, mining in the early days of Colorado, Mesa Verde National Park History, Fort Lewis College history, and a book on early baseball in Colorado, probably stemming from his love of the Cubs.

I first met Dr. Smith when I was at Fort Lewis College. In fact, my older sister, Lindy, had him as a professor prior to me for class. She was about five years older, and I took my first classes from him in the early 70’s.  I always loved his classes, and admired that he did not take shortcuts and always seemed to genuinely care about his students and the content he taught. I remember him giving us essay tests—a more thorough way to test our knowledge, even though it created more work for him to grade those exams.

I’ll never forget seeing him at a Fort Lewis event after I returned to Durango (I was away for eighteen years). Dr. Smith said, “I remember you.” After giving me a perplexed look, he said, “I remember your sister too, and I remember that she was a better student.”  I hate to admit it, but he was right! Over 20 years have passed since that interchange.  Since then, he often states that he has all of the grade books, and he is not bashful about threatening to bring them out as proof.

Another fun moment was when I was teasing Dr. Smith about FLC salaries in front of the college president, and I mentioned that based on the grades he gave me, I am not certain he deserved a raise.  He then explained to me how his good students always took pride in the grades they “earned”, and his poorer students discussed the grade he gave them!   I don’t think I will try to match wits with him again.

The last story involves Dr. Smith and the historic preservation board in conflict with our church, First Baptist on 3^rd Avenue.  The issue was our new front doors which were not approved.  Eventually, the issue was mediated, but his comment later was, “It just shows you that it only takes one Methodist to bring down the whole Baptist Church. “

I still love running into Dr. Smith around town or at Skyhawks games. He has impacted many, and taught hundreds of students about Durango and Colorado history, as well as the benefits of hard work and avoiding shortcuts.

We wish Dr. Smith the best as he enters the next chapter of his life, and we are grateful for the hard work and example he has set.

Dr. Smith will give his last lecture tonight at the FLC Concert Hall at 7 pm. See the link for details.

http://durangoconcerts.tix.com/Event.aspx?EventCode=640037

First Quarter Real Estate Statistics

This week, Colorado Association of Realtors and Durango Area Association of Realtors have released the first quarter real estate statistics, and we definitely have some things to discuss!  In a nutshell, the number of properties sold in the State of Colorado and in our local area have dropped in the first quarter compared to last year, but the median price is up for the State and for most of the areas in La Plata County.

Let’s look at the bigger picture first, with the combined numbers for the entire state.  Homes sold in Colorado for the first quarter 2014 were -.5% versus 2013, but the median price for the State was +4.4%.  For single family homes, the number of sales were down 4.4% and median price was up 5.8%.  Since 2011, the median price on single family homes has been increasing for Colorado, and the median price is now $253,925 compared to $218,500 back in 2011.  Foreclosures and bank owned properties are now only 8.6% of the market, down from almost 40% in the first quarter 2011, and approximately 20% of the market in the first quarter last year.  This shows the market is becoming healthier.

La Plata County home sales show a significant decline in the first quarter of 2014 versus the same quarter last year.  The two months affecting those declines were January and February, while March posted the same number of sales as last year.  In La Plata County, total home sales were down 12.2%, and the median price dropped slightly by -.6%.  In the entire Durango Market (All Durango Residential), the sales were down 19.7%, but the median price increased from $318,860 last year to $338,037 this year, + 6.0%.  The Bayfield Market (Both In-Town & Rural) were up 10 home sales and the median price was virtually unchanged from $245,250 last year and $245,000 this year.

During the first quarter of 2014, we have heard continually about the lack of inventory of homes on the market, and that is particularly true for In-Town Durango homes, and for a number of neighborhoods close to Durango.  This is definitely impacting the price of homes, and the median price In-Town Durango is up 10.6%.  This lack of inventory is perhaps some explanation for the lower sales numbers.

Other reasons for the decline in home sales for January and February is the impact of interest rates increasing last year, and the government shutdown last fall, which slowed the closing during the first months of this year.

Regardless, the rationale, home sales have declined in the first quarter, but they appear to be stabilizing with last year.  Home sales are exactly the same for La Plata County residential in March this year versus last year.  The other thing to consider is we are comparing to a quarter last year that was up in number of sales over the prior year by 17.4%, so they were tough numbers to match.  Last, we have looked at the actual sales for the first half of April 2014 and the pending contracts, and it appears to be comparable with April & May of last year.  We think we are matching closely to 2013 for residential sales from March forward.

It is very important to understand the market forces that affect the individual segments of the market.  We have a shortage of residential inventory in many neighborhoods and price ranges, and an abundance of inventory in others.  It would be wise to contact your Realtor for input on your market segment, and you may also want assistance with market pricing in this rapidly changing real estate environment.

Sources:  Colorado Association of Realtors Housing Report, Durango Area Association of Realtors, Colorado Real Estate Network

Below is an additional article concerning the Real Estate market that was published in The Durango Herald this morning:

http://durangoherald.com/article/20140420/NEWS01/140429981/How-is-La-Plata-doing-for-home-sales-this-quarter?-

Durango Area Association of REALTORS® - 2014 MLS Data 1st Quarter Statistical Release

La Plata County home sales show a significant decline in the first quarter of 2014 versus the same quarter last year. The two months affecting those declines were January and February, while March posted the same number of sales as last year. 
There are several opinions regarding the decline in sales, & they are: 

1. There is not sufficient inventory of homes on the market to meet the demand. 
2. The rise in interest rates last year affected the ability for home buyers to complete loans
3. The government shut down in the fall affected home purchasing into January & February.

The other major item in these statistics is the median price decline in La Plata County in the first quarter, showing a .6% decline. It is very surprising given the increases in median price in all of the major areas of the County. The median price was up in Durango In-Town Homes by 10.6%, Durango Country Homes by .73%, Durango Condos by 17.0%, Bayfield Country Homes by 4.2%, Durango Mountain Homes by 5.1%, and Durango Mountain Condos by 75.6%. The only area in decline was the Bayfield In Town Homes by -8.1%.
A quick look at March 2014 vs March 2013:
La Plata County Sales:  70 this year vs. 70 last year. 
La Plata County Median Price: Up 4.3% this year to $335, 250
April & May Projections: 
La Plata County Sales-April & May 2013:  172 Homes Sold 
La Plata County Sales & Under Contract / April & May: 187 Homes (As of 4/15/14)

DISCLAIMER: This information is provided by the Multiple Listing Service of the Durango Area Association of REALTORS®, Inc. and is based on MLS statistics only. Data maintained is deemed reliable but not guaranteed, and may not reflect all real estate activity.

More to Durango than Outdoor Adventures

So often, Durango gets focus and a reputation for outdoor adventures and enthusiasts. With the mountains and river, we have easy access to hiking, biking, skiing, cross country skiing, kayaking, tubing, canoeing, and more. Our various seasons cater to so many adventures. Yet, so much more awaits in our small town. Durango is truly set apart from other areas in its diversity in activities that suit all ages and walks of life.

As many Baby Boomers consider retirement and potentially relocating, it is helpful to consider other benefits aside from those available to outdoor enthusiasts.

First and foremost, we have a regional airport that makes traveling to and from Durango reasonable. With direct flights from Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas-Fort Worth, access becomes easy from many parts of the country. For those who live here and have family and friends elsewhere, these direct flights make visiting other places easier.

We also have a fantastic hospital. In fact, Mercy Regional Medical Center is the largest in the Four Corners area. The hospital has received multiple acknowledgements. It is a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures by the Joint Commission (only 1,099 hospitals in the United States earn this distinction). It has also received the Outstanding Patient Experience award in 2012 and 2013 and Patient Safety Excellence Award 2012 by Healthgrades. The awards speak for themselves, but we are fortunate to have such high levels of care in our area. Even on a personal level, our family has been blessed by the level of care through Mercy Regional Medical Center.

Our restaurants are delicious—both locals and tourists are able to enjoy the variety in cuisine. From high end to casual, we have a little bit of everything. The majority of restaurants are not chain restaurants, ensuring unique foods and experiences. The ambiance, especially down Main Street, makes dining out in Durango an unforgettable adventure. Any palate may be satisfied. Durango offers steakhouses, Italian food, sushi, diners, fast food, and everything in between.

These are just some of the benefits of living in Durango outside of the outdoor options. Our town features unique characteristics that make life here more versatile than just living in a tourist town. This list barely scratches the surface at some of the conveniences in our area. With additional shopping in Farmington, a reasonable drive to Albuquerque, Fort Lewis College, movie theaters, and several churches, life in Durango can appeal to anyone.

Spring Showing Tips For Your Home

With spring here, we are entering the busier time of the year for real estate. This is the time most sellers decide to list their homes. As the trees and flowers bloom and the days are longer, it is the best time of the year for homes to show well. Many of our sellers ask for tips to stage their homes for showings to potential buyers.

 While experts have many opinions on this topic, we believe a few points are crucial for showing homes. Primarily, lots of light makes a substantial difference in the viewing of a home. By both turning on lights for showings, as well as ensuring that windows have every opportunity to shed light, a seller may immediately enhance a home’s interior. Additional wattage and lights in a room make a difference.  Be sure to clean windows to truly show the light potential.

Additionally, reducing clutter inside the house will go a long ways towards the overall image. Remove unnecessary items that line the counters, fridge, and shelves. Along with that, touching up paint will make the home feel cleaner and more presentable. The outside curb appeal will immediately welcome potential buyers. The trim and front door are the first images to greet visitors, so make them stand out well. Power wash the house and front area, and be sure the lawn is mowed and fertilized. Also be sure to clean plants and bushes, and plant flowers to add visual appeal.

Although basic, remember to deep clean areas around the house that will draw negative attention. Fireplaces, bathrooms, floors, and ovens should all be free of grime and mold. Pet odors tend to negatively affect a buyer, as well, so be sure to clean carpets and rid the home of any pet odors.

In general, remember that neutral touches make a larger impact for the broad number of buyers. Paint colors and closet styles should appeal to the majority of people, not be so specified that a small number of people will appreciate them. By utilizing the available space in a home, creating a conversational atmosphere, and keeping the home clean, buyers will see the its potential.

Most importantly, we suggest viewing your home as a buyer would see it, as opposed to a seller. Imagine walking into your home for the first time—what do you think, and what would your red flags be? Also imagine someone in a different stage of life looking at your home. You may have kids who play throughout the house, but what would a person whose kids are grown think of the home? How would they utilize the rooms and space? By doing this, you will be able to stage the home to appeal to all types of buyers, not just those who are like you.

See the below for some of the above tips expanded:

http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/2011/06/20/prepping-a-home-for-sale-simple-staging-tips-for-inside-and-out/

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/07/29/21-staging-tips-for-selling-your-home-fast/

http://www.hgtv.com/real-estate/30-cant-miss-staging-tips/index.html

http://www.frontdoor.com/real-estate/staging-secrets-how-to-dress-your-house-for-sale-success

Durango Scuba Diving Shop Makes a Splash

Splash Down Diving is making a splash in the Four Corners. Little-known to many locals, we have a substantial scuba diving community in our town. Since it opened around 10 years ago, over 700 divers have been certified through Splash Down Diving.

Terry and Kim Tucker own and operate Splash Down Diving, which they bought from Zane Bilgrav in 2007. (Kim also works with us on the Durango Team!). Terry is a long-time scuba lover, and one of their first dates was scuba diving. It was such a large part of his life, they wanted to be able to share it together. In 2005 Kim received her certification and her instructor certification in 2009.  Terry and Kim lived and taught in Fiji, the Virgin Islands, and Vanautu. They then returned to Durango to run Splash Down Diving.

Splash Down Diving does PADI certifications and structures the courses on evenings and weekends to make a diving certification an achievable dream. After four classroom sessions, three pool sessions, and an open water weekend, a person becomes certified and may then scuba dive anywhere in the world. In total, this is about a three week process. Splash Down has also done 49 professional certifications (instructor training).

So just how do these open water trips work when we live in a snowy winter climate? The team takes divers to Homestead Resort near Park City, Utah, which has a 96 degree temperature and a 60 foot crater. During the summer they visit Santa Rosa, New Mexico, which offers clear water, an 80 foot depth and 62 degree temperature, along with local lakes, Lake Powell or Lake Mohave. For those who want a vacation along with a dive trip, Splash Down takes groups on Trips to many tropical locations, offering between 4 and 6 trips per year.

In addition to the trips, Splash Down has been able to enhance involvement in the local schools. They have done programs with Animas High and taken the marine biology class in Ignacio to Hawaii. Durango High School just started a dive club, so they will also have some involvement with DHS.

So what if a person is scared of the technical aspects involved with scuba diving—the deep water and gradual ascent back up? According to Kim, Splash Down Diving prides themselves in producing confident divers. They will take time to get divers comfortable and be sure to work with anyone who is uncomfortable with any portion of the dive.

Although Splash Down Diving requires a person to be at least 10 years old, this is an excellent opportunity for a family activity, a vacation, or a new challenge. With that in mind, the options are endless.

See their website for additional information: http://www.splashdowndiving.com/

March Trends Support Strong Spring

This week we received the month-end numbers for total March sales in La Plata County. As expected, March shows substantially more activity than the previous months of this year. As is typical in our market, the spring months outshine winter for real estate transactions. Based on these numbers, it is clear spring is here!

A few notable points may be seen from these numbers. First, the total number of sales is 68—this is very close to the 70 sales in 2013. We are glad to see the consistency year over year. Since the year started with lower numbers than 2013, it is a positive sign that March is relatively flat. Furthermore, there are currently a lot of properties under contract.  We are continuing to see market activity for contracts being completed for April closings, and we are seeing good activity for May closings, too.

The median price is also up this year from last year. At $325,000, this is approximately a 5% increase from $310,000 in 2013. This lends support to the commentary we have made in recent months that inventory is low in some areas of the county, thus driving the prices up.  This is especially true in the low and mid price ranges in Durango, and neighborhoods close to Durango.

Additionally, we will see several closings on new home builds that were under construction during the winter months. There are 22 homes listed in our MLS in La Plata County that are new construction, and that are under/contract.  The locations are Crimson Cliffs Townhomes (4), Three Springs (6), Skyridge (2), Edgemont Highlands (3),  Bayfield (3), Crossing Condominiums (3), and Trimble Crossing (1) and these are all due to close in the next few months.

The market activity is strong. We have seen the start of a promising spring. The momentum in the market will likely continue as we approach our strong summer months.

Source:  CREN Real Estate Network