I'm very proud of Durango's historic downtown, which continues to be vibrant and teeming with activity. In fact, in my work as a Realtor, I can't count the number of times folks have told me that our "real" downtown is one of Durango's greatest attractions!
In these times of economic downtown, the community has embraced many efforts to keep the heart of Durango, our amazing downtown, alive and well.
For instance, the City of Durango has invested in the construction of an 8000 square foot transit center - the largest in the region - to serve as a hub for all forms of public transportation. The new Transit Center is nearing completion and sits on Eighth Street between Main and Camino del Rio.
Durango has also long been involved in making its downtown pedestrian and bike friendly and a new "streetscape" program, which will begin this fall, will allow for replacement of sidewalk segments and the redesign of intersections. Also, 36 new bike racks will be added to the 70 already in place. New trees will be planted and a new energy -efficient LED (light emitting diode) streetlight program, among the first in the state, will be implemented.
Also in the works, although still in the planning stages, is "Railroad Square" which will feature a Grand Central Hotel and Conference Center to be located near the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The 26,000 square foot conference center that will be a part of this project will accommodate sit down dinners for up to 600 and the hotel will feature some 200 guest rooms.
We also contintue to see exciting live-work projects whenever historic buildings are remodelled such as in the 700 block of Main Avenue where a fire in 2008 burned three historic buildings. These structures have been rebuilt with main street facades matching the old-time Durango heritage, but with sophisticated and technologically up-to-date interiors.
Downtown business owners are now, more than ever, commited to making shopping downtown a unique and pleasurable experience. A spirit of keeping local dollars in town seems to be pervading our Durango community.
In short, I'm proud to call Durango my home and proud of all of the community efforts to keep our Historic Durango Downtown the best it has ever been.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach me, Don Ricedorff, at The Wells Group 970-375-7014, don@frontier.net, or at my website at durangorealproperty.com.
Don Ricedorff is a licensed real estate broker in the State of Colorado, with 16 years of experience, and he resides in Durango Colorado. He has numerous real estate designations, which have provided him with an unparalleled education to assist his clients. The designations include:
CRS, Certified Residential Specialist
CRB, Certified Residential Broker
CCIM, Certified Commercial Investment Member
CDPE, Certified Distressed Property Expert
ABR, Accredited Buyer Representation
GRI, Graduate of Realtor Institute
RSPS, Resort and Second Home Property Specialist
CIPS, Certified International Property Specialist
SRES,Senior Real Estate Specialist
He is also an active volunteer in the community and his church. His highest aspiration is spending time with his wife, Janet, and his three children Kelly, Katie, and Kyle. His other interests include playing tennis, fly fishing, hiking, boating, and water skiing.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Friday, July 31, 2009
Some Good News From The Durango Colorado Real Estate Market:
Sometimes the overwhelming attention to the "Bad News" overshadows some of the Good News that really is out there. For instance, did you know that the National Association of Realtors has recently announced the third straight month of pending home sale have increased nationally. Does this mean our economy is out of the woods? Probably not, but it does signal that we may be moving in the right direction.
You might also be interested in this Good News that doesn't get much press time:
*30% of American home owners have NO mortgage!
* Of the 70% who do have a mortgage, over 96% ARE NOT in foreclosure.
*It is a very small percentage of homes that are in default.
I continue to see the Good News in our Durango market for buyers:
1. We have lots of inventory for buyers to choose from.
2. Interest rates continue to be at all time lows.
3. Pricing is extremely competitive.
If you are a buyer, we suggest you take advantage of this great opportunity, and beware of the risks of trying to "time" the market. Remember, a 1% increase in interest rates is equivalent to a 10% change in value!!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach me, Don Ricedorff, at The Wells Group 970-375-7014, don@frontier.net, or at my website at durangorealproperty.com. Don Ricedorff is a licensed real estate broker in the State of Colorado, with 16 years of experience, and he resides in Durango Colorado. He has numerous real estate designations, which have provided him with an unparalleled education to assist his clients. The designations include:
CRS, Certified Residential Specialist
CRB, Certified Residential Broker
CCIM, Certified Commercial Investment Member
CDPE, Certified Distressed Property Expert
ABR, Accredited Buyer Representation
GRI, Graduate of Realtor Institute
RSPS, Resort and Second Home Property Specialist
CIPS, Certified International Property Specialist
SRES,Senior Real Estate Specialist
He is also an active volunteer in the community and his church. His highest aspiration is spending time with his wife, Janet, and his three children Kelly, Katie, and Kyle. His other interests include playing tennis, fly fishing, hiking, boating, and water skiing.
You might also be interested in this Good News that doesn't get much press time:
*30% of American home owners have NO mortgage!
* Of the 70% who do have a mortgage, over 96% ARE NOT in foreclosure.
*It is a very small percentage of homes that are in default.
I continue to see the Good News in our Durango market for buyers:
1. We have lots of inventory for buyers to choose from.
2. Interest rates continue to be at all time lows.
3. Pricing is extremely competitive.
If you are a buyer, we suggest you take advantage of this great opportunity, and beware of the risks of trying to "time" the market. Remember, a 1% increase in interest rates is equivalent to a 10% change in value!!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach me, Don Ricedorff, at The Wells Group 970-375-7014, don@frontier.net, or at my website at durangorealproperty.com. Don Ricedorff is a licensed real estate broker in the State of Colorado, with 16 years of experience, and he resides in Durango Colorado. He has numerous real estate designations, which have provided him with an unparalleled education to assist his clients. The designations include:
CRS, Certified Residential Specialist
CRB, Certified Residential Broker
CCIM, Certified Commercial Investment Member
CDPE, Certified Distressed Property Expert
ABR, Accredited Buyer Representation
GRI, Graduate of Realtor Institute
RSPS, Resort and Second Home Property Specialist
CIPS, Certified International Property Specialist
SRES,Senior Real Estate Specialist
He is also an active volunteer in the community and his church. His highest aspiration is spending time with his wife, Janet, and his three children Kelly, Katie, and Kyle. His other interests include playing tennis, fly fishing, hiking, boating, and water skiing.
Monday, June 29, 2009
$8,000 First Time Home Buyers Credit Is Awesome Opportunity For Durango Colorado Real Estate Buyers!
This is a great time to buy a home, condo or townhouse in Durango Colorado with the new $8,000 housing tax credit. This is available for first time home buyers, if you purchase by November 30, 2009. As mentioned in previous blogs, if you every wanted to buy a home, now is the time. It is like a giant sale right now in the real estate market! For the first time in the Durango Colorado market, we are seeing deep discounts on listed prices, and more negotiation from the sellers. When you couple that with the current low interest rates, you have the best deals seen in years! First time homebuyers are defined as not having owned a primary residence in the last three years, so if you question whether you are eligible, check with your accountant. Also, if you have grown children, have you thought about helping them purchase their first home. One of the key new items of the $8K tax credit is the repayment requirement has been removed. It is doubtful that we will have another time the government will see the need to stimulate the real estate market by offering an $8000 tax credit, fully refundable.
TIME IS RUNNING OUT...When this was first announced, November 30th sounded a long ways away. Buyers should plan on at least 60 days for the new and more difficult lending process, and a minimum of 30 days for any issues that may come up. For example, if there were major inspection issues, it may be necessary to choose another property, or it may require additional negotiation time. In some cases, a lender may be more constrained by lending practices, and it has not been uncommon for buyers to have to find a better lender match. If you make a change in your lender choice, it will take more time.
By subtracting 90 days from November 30th, the process should be finalized by August 31, 2009. Buyers should be looking for the opportunities right now, and throughout July and August. Don't be caught with insufficient time to make one of the most important decisions of your life, and with the short remaining time, other buyers may impact the available choices.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach me, Don Ricedorff, at The Wells Group 970-375-7014, don@frontier.net, or at my website at durangorealproperty.com.
Don Ricedorff is a licensed real estate broker in the State of Colorado, with 16 years of experience, and he resides in Durango Colorado. He has numerous real estate designations, which have provided him with an unparalleled education to assist his clients.The designations include:
CRS, Certified Residential Specialist
CRB, Certified Residential Broker
CCIM, Certified Commercial Investment Member
CDPE, Certified Distressed Property Expert
ABR, Accredited Buyer Representation
GRI, Graduate of Realtor Institute
RSPS, Resort and Second Home Property Specialist
CIPS, Certified International Property Specialist
SRES,Senior Real Estate Specialist
He is also an active volunteer in the community and his church. His highest aspiration is spending time with his wife, Janet, and his three children Kelly, Katie, and Kyle. His other interests include playing tennis, fly fishing, hiking, boating, and water skiing.
TIME IS RUNNING OUT...When this was first announced, November 30th sounded a long ways away. Buyers should plan on at least 60 days for the new and more difficult lending process, and a minimum of 30 days for any issues that may come up. For example, if there were major inspection issues, it may be necessary to choose another property, or it may require additional negotiation time. In some cases, a lender may be more constrained by lending practices, and it has not been uncommon for buyers to have to find a better lender match. If you make a change in your lender choice, it will take more time.
By subtracting 90 days from November 30th, the process should be finalized by August 31, 2009. Buyers should be looking for the opportunities right now, and throughout July and August. Don't be caught with insufficient time to make one of the most important decisions of your life, and with the short remaining time, other buyers may impact the available choices.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can reach me, Don Ricedorff, at The Wells Group 970-375-7014, don@frontier.net, or at my website at durangorealproperty.com.
Don Ricedorff is a licensed real estate broker in the State of Colorado, with 16 years of experience, and he resides in Durango Colorado. He has numerous real estate designations, which have provided him with an unparalleled education to assist his clients.The designations include:
CRS, Certified Residential Specialist
CRB, Certified Residential Broker
CCIM, Certified Commercial Investment Member
CDPE, Certified Distressed Property Expert
ABR, Accredited Buyer Representation
GRI, Graduate of Realtor Institute
RSPS, Resort and Second Home Property Specialist
CIPS, Certified International Property Specialist
SRES,Senior Real Estate Specialist
He is also an active volunteer in the community and his church. His highest aspiration is spending time with his wife, Janet, and his three children Kelly, Katie, and Kyle. His other interests include playing tennis, fly fishing, hiking, boating, and water skiing.
Friday, June 26, 2009
SENIOR SPECIAL: NO MONTHLY PAYMENTS!!!
One of the best kept secrets of the federal Stimulas package is the opportunity for Seniors (age 62 and older) to purchase a home under a federally insured program which allows a purchase with a formulated amount of down payment and NO monthly payments thereafter. THIS IS A REVOLUTIONARY WAY FOR SENIORS TO PURCHASE REAL ESTATE! For instance, my understanding is, that subject to rates published regularly, an eligible Senior purchasing a $400,000.00 single family residence to be used as a primary residence can put an approximate $136,000 down and then make ABSOLUTELY NO MORTGAGE PAYMENTS THEREAFTER.
Mark Wherry, an Investment Advisor located in Durango, has published numerous materials on how this federal program works and has told me that he would be happy to help explain this exciting financing program to any interested persons. In fact, Mark will be offering FREE Workshops about this program on Thursday, July 7th, 2009 at the Strater Hotel here in Durango at 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm and 7 pm. Mark Wherry's number is 970-259-6788
If you are a Seller currently marketing your home for sale, or a Buyer aged 62 or older, I strongly encourage you to become familiar with this program as a possible financing option to bring your residential deal to the Closing table!!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me. You can reach me, Don Ricedorff, at The Wells Group 970-375-7014, don@frontier.net, or at my website at durangorealproperty.com.
Don Ricedorff is a licensed real estate broker in the State of Colorado, with 16 years of experience, and he resides in Durango Colorado. He has numerous real estate designations, which have provided him with an unparalleled education to assist his clients.
The designations include:
CRS, Certified Residential Specialist
CRB, Certified Residential Broker
CCIM, Certified Commercial Investment Member
CDPE, Certified Distressed Property Expert
ABR, Accredited Buyer Representation
GRI, Graduate of Realtor Institute
RSPS, Resort and Second Home Property Specialist
CIPS, Certified International Property Specialist
SRES,Senior Real Estate Specialist
He is also an active volunteer in the community and his church. His highest aspiration is spending time with his wife, Janet, and his three children Kelly, Katie, and Kyle. His other interests include playing tennis, fly fishing, hiking, boating, and water skiing.
One of the best kept secrets of the federal Stimulas package is the opportunity for Seniors (age 62 and older) to purchase a home under a federally insured program which allows a purchase with a formulated amount of down payment and NO monthly payments thereafter. THIS IS A REVOLUTIONARY WAY FOR SENIORS TO PURCHASE REAL ESTATE! For instance, my understanding is, that subject to rates published regularly, an eligible Senior purchasing a $400,000.00 single family residence to be used as a primary residence can put an approximate $136,000 down and then make ABSOLUTELY NO MORTGAGE PAYMENTS THEREAFTER.
Mark Wherry, an Investment Advisor located in Durango, has published numerous materials on how this federal program works and has told me that he would be happy to help explain this exciting financing program to any interested persons. In fact, Mark will be offering FREE Workshops about this program on Thursday, July 7th, 2009 at the Strater Hotel here in Durango at 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm and 7 pm. Mark Wherry's number is 970-259-6788
If you are a Seller currently marketing your home for sale, or a Buyer aged 62 or older, I strongly encourage you to become familiar with this program as a possible financing option to bring your residential deal to the Closing table!!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me. You can reach me, Don Ricedorff, at The Wells Group 970-375-7014, don@frontier.net, or at my website at durangorealproperty.com.
Don Ricedorff is a licensed real estate broker in the State of Colorado, with 16 years of experience, and he resides in Durango Colorado. He has numerous real estate designations, which have provided him with an unparalleled education to assist his clients.
The designations include:
CRS, Certified Residential Specialist
CRB, Certified Residential Broker
CCIM, Certified Commercial Investment Member
CDPE, Certified Distressed Property Expert
ABR, Accredited Buyer Representation
GRI, Graduate of Realtor Institute
RSPS, Resort and Second Home Property Specialist
CIPS, Certified International Property Specialist
SRES,Senior Real Estate Specialist
He is also an active volunteer in the community and his church. His highest aspiration is spending time with his wife, Janet, and his three children Kelly, Katie, and Kyle. His other interests include playing tennis, fly fishing, hiking, boating, and water skiing.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Durango Colorado Real Estate Update
The Durango Colorado real estate market has continued to fall on hard times. The residential inventory is high, and the demand in the first half of the year has been low. The impact of the national economy, consumer confidence, and the inability for sellers to sell their homes in the gateway markets for Durango, have all combined to make this one of the slowest markets in decades, and it has made it the best time to buy real estate.
Here are some statistics through May 2009, for the residential real estate market in La Plata County.
Total Active Residential Listings: 1,264
Compared to last year, May: 1,181
Average Days On Market: 209
Compared to last year, May: 191
Total Number of sales: 171
Compared to last year, thru May: 268
Median sales price: $325,000
Compared to last year, thru May: $292,500
Difference in price: -10%
Why is this a buyers market opportunity?
Savvy homeowners or potential homeowners recognize that the total cost of housing is impacted by the initial cost of the home, mortgage & interest costs, and tax benefits. When buyers are able to beat the market by purchasing at costs similar to 4-5 years ago, and to take advantage of historically low interest rates, they will eventually reap the rewards of pent up inflation, while maintaining low mortgage payments. In addition, buyers have the home interest write off on their taxes making it much more appealing than renting, and the 1st time homebuyers incentive of $8,000 is a huge advantage.
Buy now and reap the future rewards!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me. You can reach me, Don Ricedorff, at The Wells Group 970-375-7014, don@frontier.net, or at my website at durangorealproperty.com.
Don Ricedorff is a licensed real estate broker in the State of Colorado, with 16 years of experience, and he resides in Durango Colorado. He has numerous real estate designations, which have provided him with an unparalleled education to assist his clients. The designations include:
CRS, Certified Residential Specialist
CRB, Certified Residential Broker
CCIM, Certified Commercial Investment Member
CDPE, Certified Distressed Property Expert
ABR, Accredited Buyer Representation
GRI, Graduate of Realtor Institute
RSPS, Resort and Second Home Property Specialist
CIPS, Certified International Property Specialist
SRES,Senior Real Estate Specialist
He is also an active volunteer in the community and his church. His highest aspiration is spending time with his wife, Janet, and his three children Kelly, Katie, and Kyle. His other interests include playing tennis, fly fishing, hiking, boating, and water skiing.
Here are some statistics through May 2009, for the residential real estate market in La Plata County.
Total Active Residential Listings: 1,264
Compared to last year, May: 1,181
Average Days On Market: 209
Compared to last year, May: 191
Total Number of sales: 171
Compared to last year, thru May: 268
Median sales price: $325,000
Compared to last year, thru May: $292,500
Difference in price: -10%
Why is this a buyers market opportunity?
Savvy homeowners or potential homeowners recognize that the total cost of housing is impacted by the initial cost of the home, mortgage & interest costs, and tax benefits. When buyers are able to beat the market by purchasing at costs similar to 4-5 years ago, and to take advantage of historically low interest rates, they will eventually reap the rewards of pent up inflation, while maintaining low mortgage payments. In addition, buyers have the home interest write off on their taxes making it much more appealing than renting, and the 1st time homebuyers incentive of $8,000 is a huge advantage.
Buy now and reap the future rewards!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me. You can reach me, Don Ricedorff, at The Wells Group 970-375-7014, don@frontier.net, or at my website at durangorealproperty.com.
Don Ricedorff is a licensed real estate broker in the State of Colorado, with 16 years of experience, and he resides in Durango Colorado. He has numerous real estate designations, which have provided him with an unparalleled education to assist his clients. The designations include:
CRS, Certified Residential Specialist
CRB, Certified Residential Broker
CCIM, Certified Commercial Investment Member
CDPE, Certified Distressed Property Expert
ABR, Accredited Buyer Representation
GRI, Graduate of Realtor Institute
RSPS, Resort and Second Home Property Specialist
CIPS, Certified International Property Specialist
SRES,Senior Real Estate Specialist
He is also an active volunteer in the community and his church. His highest aspiration is spending time with his wife, Janet, and his three children Kelly, Katie, and Kyle. His other interests include playing tennis, fly fishing, hiking, boating, and water skiing.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Artistic Homes In Durango Colorado!
Artistic Homes has selected Durango Colorado as their newest location to offer their popular and award winning homes. Artistic Homes is a regional home builder located in Albuquerque New Mexico, and they are the largest homebuilder in the state. Since 1966, they have built over 13,000 homes.
These new homes are offered in Sky Ridge, one of the finest neighborhoods in Durango. It is a convenient location to Fort Lewis College, five minutes to Hillcrest Golf course, and close to all K-12 schools, and shopping. Residents enjoy the many outdoor activities offered in Durango, and hiking and mountain biking trails are accessed from the subdivision. In addition, a City Park with tennis courts, playground, and activities field is only a block away.
Artistic Homes is dedicated to the science of home building, and they utilize the latest and best techniques and materials for building high efficient, high perfomance, and safe & healthy homes. Justin Erickson from E3 Energy, a rater and provider for home science and energy, has been quoted to say: "There is no better site built home in this price range in the United States".
The energy efficiency of the Artistic Homes is way beyond the average code built home. Homes are rated with the Home Energy Rating System (HERS), and a typical code built home scores approximately 100 on the scale, and many older homes are much higher. The HERS Index is a scoring system in which each 1 point decrease in the HERS Index corresponds to a 1% reduction in energy consumption, so a home with an Index of 85 is 15% more efficient than a home rated at 100 on the HERS Index. Builders desiring to participate in energy efficient homes can advertise an Energy Star Rating if the home scores at least 85 in this climate zone, and the Builders Challenge from the Department of Energy has places 70 on the HERS Index to meet that certification. The average Artistic Home is 55 on the HERS Index, 45% more energy efficient than an average code built home! Every Artistic Home is 100% documented for the homeowner. This is the new neighborhood bragging right, as energy usage of an average home is equivalent to operating 5 automobiles, and homeowners should be proud of owning a more environmentally friendly home, with a lower carbon footprint. These homes are built green and they meet the standards to be LEED certified. (LEED certification is the recognized standard for measuring building sustainability, and achieving LEED certification is the best way for you to demonstrate that a home is truly "green")
A solar option is available in some markets, and it may be offered in Durango. Depending on the climate zone, the solar option (a $40,000-$50,000 upgrade) can provide a Net Zero on the HERS Index, which means the total energy consumption is replaced by the solar. How would you like to compare your utility bills with your neighbor if you had the Net Zero home?
How is Artistic Homes able to build to these higher standards? The choices for materials and building practices must work together, and these homes are engineered from top to bottom. The key is building tighter homes, utilizing the best materials and techniques. Artistic Homes are built with 2" x 6" construction, R 23 insulation in the walls, R50 insulation in the ceiling, and they have replaced headers over windows, and instead, they use engineered mini-trusses which can be insulated. They build with an advanced engineered framing system, three stud corners, which allows the corners of the home to be insulated, and they utilize slab insulation. The choice for windows are Andersen Windows. They are beautiful, high quality windows, Low E, very durable, and Andersen is a leader in the window industry. The 95% efficient furnaces, and the tankless water heaters are more efficient. The ducts are sealed and tested for air loss, and every penetration is foamed and caulked.
The challenge of building tight homes is air quality. The EPA estimates the inside of homes may be 20 times less healthy than outside the home. The key is "Build it tight, and ventilate it right". Artistic Homes uses the Venmar Heat Recovery and Ventilation System, which replaces the inside air of the home with outside air. This system replaces 30% of the air every hour, so the total air is replaced in just a few hours. In addition, they have a garage air ventilation system to remove the toxic air from the garage, and a passive radon mitigation system is also included. This makes the Artistic Homes the safest and healthiest choices for new homes.
Artistic Homes have one of the best warranties in the industry. Each home receives the 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty. It basically provides a "bumper to bumper" warranty for the first year, covers all of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for the second year, and it has 10 years of structural coverage.
Here is a list of certificates each home will receive:
HERS Rating
Energy Star Certification
EPA IAQ Air Quality Certification
E-Scale Dept of Energy Certificate
LEED-H Green Certification
Did I mention they are also AFFORDABLE? Most of these homes are offered with a final cost of $309,900 to $349,900 with the $30,000 pre-construction discount. How can this be? These are the best quality home at affordable prices. Currently, we have five models available, and only 12 potential homes to be built in Sky Ridge. If you are interested, don't wait, choose the model and your lot now.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me.
You can reach me, Don Ricedorff, at The Wells Group 970-375-7014, don@frontier.net, or at my website at durangorealproperty.com.
Don Ricedorff is a licensed real estate broker in the State of Colorado, with 16 years of experience, and he resides in Durango Colorado. He has numerous real estate designations, which have provided him with an unparalleled education to assist his clients. The designations include:
CRS, Certified Residential Specialist
CRB, Certified Residential Broker
CCIM, Certified Commercial Investment Member
CDPE, Certified Distressed Property Expert
ABR, Accredited Buyer Representation
GRI, Graduate of Realtor Institute
RSPS, Resort and Second Home Property Specialist
CIPS, Certified International Property Specialist
SRES,Senior Real Estate Specialist
He is also an active volunteer in the community and his church. His highest aspiration is spending time with his wife, Janet, and his three children Kelly, Katie, and Kyle. His other interests include playing tennis, fly fishing, hiking, boating, and water skiing.
These new homes are offered in Sky Ridge, one of the finest neighborhoods in Durango. It is a convenient location to Fort Lewis College, five minutes to Hillcrest Golf course, and close to all K-12 schools, and shopping. Residents enjoy the many outdoor activities offered in Durango, and hiking and mountain biking trails are accessed from the subdivision. In addition, a City Park with tennis courts, playground, and activities field is only a block away.
Artistic Homes is dedicated to the science of home building, and they utilize the latest and best techniques and materials for building high efficient, high perfomance, and safe & healthy homes. Justin Erickson from E3 Energy, a rater and provider for home science and energy, has been quoted to say: "There is no better site built home in this price range in the United States".
The energy efficiency of the Artistic Homes is way beyond the average code built home. Homes are rated with the Home Energy Rating System (HERS), and a typical code built home scores approximately 100 on the scale, and many older homes are much higher. The HERS Index is a scoring system in which each 1 point decrease in the HERS Index corresponds to a 1% reduction in energy consumption, so a home with an Index of 85 is 15% more efficient than a home rated at 100 on the HERS Index. Builders desiring to participate in energy efficient homes can advertise an Energy Star Rating if the home scores at least 85 in this climate zone, and the Builders Challenge from the Department of Energy has places 70 on the HERS Index to meet that certification. The average Artistic Home is 55 on the HERS Index, 45% more energy efficient than an average code built home! Every Artistic Home is 100% documented for the homeowner. This is the new neighborhood bragging right, as energy usage of an average home is equivalent to operating 5 automobiles, and homeowners should be proud of owning a more environmentally friendly home, with a lower carbon footprint. These homes are built green and they meet the standards to be LEED certified. (LEED certification is the recognized standard for measuring building sustainability, and achieving LEED certification is the best way for you to demonstrate that a home is truly "green")
A solar option is available in some markets, and it may be offered in Durango. Depending on the climate zone, the solar option (a $40,000-$50,000 upgrade) can provide a Net Zero on the HERS Index, which means the total energy consumption is replaced by the solar. How would you like to compare your utility bills with your neighbor if you had the Net Zero home?
How is Artistic Homes able to build to these higher standards? The choices for materials and building practices must work together, and these homes are engineered from top to bottom. The key is building tighter homes, utilizing the best materials and techniques. Artistic Homes are built with 2" x 6" construction, R 23 insulation in the walls, R50 insulation in the ceiling, and they have replaced headers over windows, and instead, they use engineered mini-trusses which can be insulated. They build with an advanced engineered framing system, three stud corners, which allows the corners of the home to be insulated, and they utilize slab insulation. The choice for windows are Andersen Windows. They are beautiful, high quality windows, Low E, very durable, and Andersen is a leader in the window industry. The 95% efficient furnaces, and the tankless water heaters are more efficient. The ducts are sealed and tested for air loss, and every penetration is foamed and caulked.
The challenge of building tight homes is air quality. The EPA estimates the inside of homes may be 20 times less healthy than outside the home. The key is "Build it tight, and ventilate it right". Artistic Homes uses the Venmar Heat Recovery and Ventilation System, which replaces the inside air of the home with outside air. This system replaces 30% of the air every hour, so the total air is replaced in just a few hours. In addition, they have a garage air ventilation system to remove the toxic air from the garage, and a passive radon mitigation system is also included. This makes the Artistic Homes the safest and healthiest choices for new homes.
Artistic Homes have one of the best warranties in the industry. Each home receives the 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty. It basically provides a "bumper to bumper" warranty for the first year, covers all of the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for the second year, and it has 10 years of structural coverage.
Here is a list of certificates each home will receive:
HERS Rating
Energy Star Certification
EPA IAQ Air Quality Certification
E-Scale Dept of Energy Certificate
LEED-H Green Certification
Did I mention they are also AFFORDABLE? Most of these homes are offered with a final cost of $309,900 to $349,900 with the $30,000 pre-construction discount. How can this be? These are the best quality home at affordable prices. Currently, we have five models available, and only 12 potential homes to be built in Sky Ridge. If you are interested, don't wait, choose the model and your lot now.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me.
You can reach me, Don Ricedorff, at The Wells Group 970-375-7014, don@frontier.net, or at my website at durangorealproperty.com.
Don Ricedorff is a licensed real estate broker in the State of Colorado, with 16 years of experience, and he resides in Durango Colorado. He has numerous real estate designations, which have provided him with an unparalleled education to assist his clients. The designations include:
CRS, Certified Residential Specialist
CRB, Certified Residential Broker
CCIM, Certified Commercial Investment Member
CDPE, Certified Distressed Property Expert
ABR, Accredited Buyer Representation
GRI, Graduate of Realtor Institute
RSPS, Resort and Second Home Property Specialist
CIPS, Certified International Property Specialist
SRES,Senior Real Estate Specialist
He is also an active volunteer in the community and his church. His highest aspiration is spending time with his wife, Janet, and his three children Kelly, Katie, and Kyle. His other interests include playing tennis, fly fishing, hiking, boating, and water skiing.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
A Letter To The Owners Of The Wells Group
Dear John, Jim & Mike,
In these tough and difficult economic times, and with the stress of owning the largest real estate brokerage company in Durango Colorado, I thought it was appropriate to tell you what I appreciate about The Wells Group…
I appreciate that the owners of this company have had foresight and the commitment to make the best real estate company that Durango has ever seen.
I appreciate that the owners have take very little return on their investment, and they have utilized those savings to provide us the very best tools to be successful.
I appreciate that our weekly meetings are meaningful, and that we receive high quality instruction, market information, and positive marketing practices.
I appreciate that I have been mentored by the best.
I appreciate that we have an attractive Main Avenue office in a historic building, and I don’t have to write a check for the rent!
I appreciate the team of real estate brokers and assistants is of the highest caliber, and that we have a group of people who like each other, treat each other with respect, and honor each other.
I appreciate that we have a fun working environment with no shortage of laughter.
I appreciate that service, commitment, honesty and integrity are not just words at The Wells Group.
I appreciate that we have a second location in Bayfield, with experts in the area, to better provide for our clients.
I appreciate that I have quality systems in place including the phone system, the Z Drive, conference rooms with smart boards & projectors, and copy & fax machines.
I appreciate that The Wells Group stays at the forefront of technology, providing us with those exceptional tools.
I appreciate the work of The Wells Group in providing high quality customer oriented seminars, open house tours, client parties, and the annual forecast.
I appreciate that The Wells Group honors the agents with recognition of their successes.
I appreciate The Wells Group philosophy regarding community service, striving to make our community a better place to live.
I appreciate The Wells Group philosophy regarding education, and providing national level real estate speakers, and on-going education to sharpen our skill levels.
I appreciate that The Wells Group has never been satisfied with the status quo, and is always looking for opportunities to provide a point of difference for our clients.
I appreciate that our sales manager has a legal and financial background, and that he has provided professional guidance to us, and solid sales leadership.
I appreciate that our accounting office gets it right, makes it fun, and they have an agent first mentality.
I appreciate that Shannon greets our customers, and she is a great reflection on all of us.
I appreciate that we have the best advertising program in the area, that we have an expert in advertising on staff, and that Jonathan coordinates all of the advertising, and it does not require any additonal effort on my part.
I appreciate that we have one of the most searched websites for marketing our properties..
I appreciate our other support personnel who provide high customer service with statistics, and all of the “extra” projects that are constantly being conducted, and for Frank, who keeps this place looking good.
I appreciate the ability to offer beverages to our clients, and that there is always caffeine available!
In conclusion, I appreciate that The Wells Group has provided an outstanding place for me to spend the majority of hours that I am awake, and has given me the opportunity to be successful in my profession.
Sincerely,
Don Ricedorff
In these tough and difficult economic times, and with the stress of owning the largest real estate brokerage company in Durango Colorado, I thought it was appropriate to tell you what I appreciate about The Wells Group…
I appreciate that the owners of this company have had foresight and the commitment to make the best real estate company that Durango has ever seen.
I appreciate that the owners have take very little return on their investment, and they have utilized those savings to provide us the very best tools to be successful.
I appreciate that our weekly meetings are meaningful, and that we receive high quality instruction, market information, and positive marketing practices.
I appreciate that I have been mentored by the best.
I appreciate that we have an attractive Main Avenue office in a historic building, and I don’t have to write a check for the rent!
I appreciate the team of real estate brokers and assistants is of the highest caliber, and that we have a group of people who like each other, treat each other with respect, and honor each other.
I appreciate that we have a fun working environment with no shortage of laughter.
I appreciate that service, commitment, honesty and integrity are not just words at The Wells Group.
I appreciate that we have a second location in Bayfield, with experts in the area, to better provide for our clients.
I appreciate that I have quality systems in place including the phone system, the Z Drive, conference rooms with smart boards & projectors, and copy & fax machines.
I appreciate that The Wells Group stays at the forefront of technology, providing us with those exceptional tools.
I appreciate the work of The Wells Group in providing high quality customer oriented seminars, open house tours, client parties, and the annual forecast.
I appreciate that The Wells Group honors the agents with recognition of their successes.
I appreciate The Wells Group philosophy regarding community service, striving to make our community a better place to live.
I appreciate The Wells Group philosophy regarding education, and providing national level real estate speakers, and on-going education to sharpen our skill levels.
I appreciate that The Wells Group has never been satisfied with the status quo, and is always looking for opportunities to provide a point of difference for our clients.
I appreciate that our sales manager has a legal and financial background, and that he has provided professional guidance to us, and solid sales leadership.
I appreciate that our accounting office gets it right, makes it fun, and they have an agent first mentality.
I appreciate that Shannon greets our customers, and she is a great reflection on all of us.
I appreciate that we have the best advertising program in the area, that we have an expert in advertising on staff, and that Jonathan coordinates all of the advertising, and it does not require any additonal effort on my part.
I appreciate that we have one of the most searched websites for marketing our properties..
I appreciate our other support personnel who provide high customer service with statistics, and all of the “extra” projects that are constantly being conducted, and for Frank, who keeps this place looking good.
I appreciate the ability to offer beverages to our clients, and that there is always caffeine available!
In conclusion, I appreciate that The Wells Group has provided an outstanding place for me to spend the majority of hours that I am awake, and has given me the opportunity to be successful in my profession.
Sincerely,
Don Ricedorff
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