Durango is TOPS!!

And I'm not the only who thinks so! Check out all the awards Durango has received:

Durango Area Awards
2009 “The West’s 20 Best Small Towns”, Sunset Magazine

2009 “Top 20 Romantic Getaways”, Sunset Magazine

2009 “America’s 200 best Hunting and Fishing Towns”, Outdoor Life

2008 “Top Ten Western Towns”, True West Magazine

2008 “7 Great Mountains to Ski with Your Kids”, Ski Magazine

2008 “Governor’s Award for Historic Preservation”, Colorado Historical Society

2008 “Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community”, The League of American Bicyclists

2008 “Colorful Colorado Award”, Governor’s Award for Downtown Excellence

2008 “Top 10 Christmas Towns”, HGTV

2008 “Top 20 Resorts”, Conde Nast Traveler

2007 “America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations”, National Trust for Historic Preservation

2007 “Next Best Places to Ski, Live, Invest and Retire”, Ski Magazine


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.

Silent Killer - Carbon Monoxide Gas

Did you know that approximately 20,000 people visit the emergency room each year for carbon monoxide poisoning? Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can produce illness or even death and is particularly a problem in the winter when homes are less well-ventilated and when the use of CO producing heat sources increases. Symptoms of such poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea and confusion. Inhalation of high levels of the gas can lead to loss of consciousness and even death.


The prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning begins with the purchase of appropriate gas appliances (as certified by the American Gas Association or the Underwriter's Laboratory) and by regular servicing of appliances and ventilation systems (including chimneys). If you smell gas from an appliance, discontinue its use and have an expert service it. Stoves and fireplaces should be used only when well-ventilated.


Also, homes should be equipped with carbon-monoxide detectors. Colorado passed a law effective July, 2009 mandating that homes that are leased or are for sale must have these detectors in place.


I hope you find this information helpful. If you have questions, you can reach me, Don Ricedorff, at The Wells Group, Durango, Colorado, 970-375-7014 or don@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.

When Is It The Right Time To Buy A Home?

There are two major considerations in the timing of buying a home, your personal needs and desires, and the market conditions.

Personal Considerations:

Stability: Do you have job, income and financial stability? Given the financial issues of the last few years, job and income stability will be mandatory with lenders.

Will you be planning on staying in the general area for at least 3 to 5 years? The risk of market timing is diminished if this is a long-term commitment and investment.

Are your personal circumstances likely to change? This is a key consideration, as family size and needs are one of the biggest reasons for moving. Will you be adding to your family size or perhaps transitioning to empty nesters?

Can you afford a home that meets your current and projected needs? If you can not find one in the location you desire, are you flexible in your commuting distances to find a home that meets your needs?

Market Conditions:

Market Timing: This is a difficult determination to make. What is the projection for the cycle to be--upward or downward?

Mortgages: The lower the interest rates, the more affordable the home. A 30-year fixed mortgage is a wonderful thing! The basic payment does not change with inflation, so as home prices increase, the payment is locked in. The second question is “Are there safe mortgages available for my needs?”

Inventory: Is there an adequate inventory of homes available to make a selection?

Special Considerations: Are there opportunities for special mortgages or programs for which you can qualify? As an example, there are first-time homebuyer mortgage programs, restricted-income mortgage programs, and special tax credits available for some buyers.

The Current Market Considerations:

This is a great time to buy from a market perspective. Prices have fallen, and they are now in line with historic average appreciation. The market transactions have bottomed, and prices are probably near the bottom of the market. Most real estate and economic experts believe the housing market will recover with the economy, and that the recession is, technically, over. There is still an adequate inventory of homes that are listed, left over from the housing recession, and interest rates continue to be at the lowest levels in four decades. There are tax credits for first time homebuyers, and for home sellers that have lived in their home for more than five years.

Consider this information: (From National Association of Realtors®)

Most Americans still believe buying a home is a good investment. Nine out of ten consumers consider homeownership to be a sound decision.

Given the leverage in purchasing a home, the average return on a 5 percent down payment over 10 years is usually three to five times greater than stock market returns.

Another advantage of owning a home is the ability to “write off” the mortgage interest on your taxes, thus reducing your federal income tax bill, and thus saving additional dollars.

If you bought a home 10 years ago, it would be worth almost 27 percent more today.

Real estate has delivered the best return of any investment over the last 40 years.

The typical homeowner’s net worth ($205,200) was 49 times that of the typical renter ($4,200) in 2009, according to NAR calculations using statistics from the Federal Reserve Board.

You can reach me, Don Ricedorff, at The Wells Group, Durango, Colorado, 970-375-7014 or don@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.

$6500 for Non-First Time Home Buyers

I have found that most folks know and understand that the $8000 credit for first time homeowners was extended by Congress in early November through April 30, 2010. But, less well understood is the new $6500 credit passed in that same legislation available to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010. Perhaps you have no immediate plans to purchase another home, but I hope this information will be helpful to you or to someone you know.

Who Qualifies for the $6500 Credit?

Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight potentially qualify for the $6500 credit.

The Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much is Available?

The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.

How is a Buyer's Credit Determined?

Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by two additional factors:

1. The price of the home.
2. The buyer's income.

Price

The $6500 credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.

Buyer Income

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000—may receive the maximum tax credit.

If a Buyer's Income Exceeds these thresholds, can that Buyer still receive a Credit?

Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Can a Buyer Still Qualify if a Closing doesn't occur until after April 30, 2010?

Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.

Will the $6500 tax credit need to be repaid?

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be recouped on the sale.

You can reach me, Don Ricedorff, at The Wells Group, Durango, Colorado, 970-375-7014 or at
don@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.

HOLiDAZZLE comes to Durango for the 6th year!

What is Holidazzle you might be asking? Our great little town really gets into the holiday spirit by bringing 36 days (Thanksgiving to New Years) of holiday good times to the downtown area. At least 100 bright-red posters hang in store windows, and other holiday decorations and many lights abound. There are 45 family-friendly events to enjoy, and a total of $4000 in give-aways will be awarded by participating merchants. In short, the 200 individual shops, galleries and restaurants stand ready to welcome you to downtown Durango during this exciting season. An especially festive evening is "Noel Night,"on December 10, when more than 80 shops are open until 9:00 pm, in-store refreshments are available and various entertainment is available up and down Main Street.

As I've said many times, I'm proud to be from Durango, Colorado and I feel lucky that my job allows me to help others make this their home too. The Holidazzle promotion in our fabulous Durango downtown is just one more of the many benefits of special community.

You can reach me, Don Ricedorff, at The Wells Group, Durango, Colorado, 970-375-7014 or at
don@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.

8 Easy Ways to Seal Air Leaks Around Your House

Take a look at this great article on 8 Easy Ways to Seal Air Leaks Around Your House. You can contact me, Don Ricedorff, at The Wells Group, Durango, Colorado, 970-375-7014 or by visiting my website at durangorealproperty.com

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  8 Easy Ways to Seal Air Leaks Around the House

  
  

  For what the typical family wastes every year on air leaks—about $350—you can plug energy-robbing gaps, start saving money, and enjoy a more comfortable home. Read

  
  
  
  

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

© Copyright 2009 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Market Statistics for October look Good!

October sales of La Plata County residential properties showed a significant change in the market. The 2009 October residential sales showed an increase in market volume of 2.6% versus October 2008, and the average price increased 5.7% versus last year. The transactions were nearly even with 67 transactions this year and 69 transactions last year. The median price was down 13.8% compared to last year, which suggests greater affordability now, and perhaps explains the increase in market volume and the improvement in transactions.

These October results reverse the trends compiled through September 2009. In the first nine months of 2009, the market has been trending -36% in volume and –30.5% in transactions. The October results may be indicating the bottom of the market in September, as buyers have returned to the market. The inventory levels of residential homes throughout most of La Plata County remains high, which offers buyers greater selection.

The good news in the last week with the expansion and continuation of the first time homebuyers credit should assist in a market turnaround for the remainder of 2009 and the beginning of 2010.

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.