Durango Parks Serve Durango!

Durango is well known for its unique scenery. However, in order to enjoy the scenery, one department is largely responsible for the maintenance, upkeep, and direction: the Durango Parks and Recreation Department.

The Durango Parks and recreation department is a Gold Medal Award Winner for excellence in Parks and Recreation. From the beautiful parks in town to the large expanses of open space, from the Durango Recreation Center to the multiple classes and activities offered for all ages, our town excels with activities to pursue.

The Durango Parks and Rec department offers kids’ activities such as swim lessons, kayaking, art, theater, gametime, gymnastics, and the lists goes on. Adults may play tennis, basketball, pickleball, and football. There are also dog training classes, babysitter training classes, and yoga, and more. They provide activities for all ages, skill levels, and demographics. Little known to some, they even cater to the senior population, and seniors oftentimes receive free passes to the Rec Center.

The Rec Center offers fitness equipment of all types, as well as fitness classes and an indoor gym. The Animas River Trail offers miles of paved trail along the river for runners, walkers, and bicyclists to enjoy.

The policy is to obtain a 90% cost recovery for the total recreation services, which they accomplished in 2013. Two taxes have contributed to the extensive opportunities available in Durango. In 1999, the citizens voted on a half-cent sales tax for the recreation center and development of the Animas River Trail. It is now reauthorized to continue to maintain and fund various aspects of the community. In 2005, Durango citizens voted for a quarter percent tax increase to maintain open spaces and trails in the Durango area.

The Durango Parks and Recreation department has done a phenomenal job with the upkeep of Durango’s parks and activities. According to Kelli Jaycox, the Recreation Manager, Durango’s Parks and Recreation operates more like a larger city, and offers more to its citizens than many towns of comparable size. What an incredible asset in our small town! We are so grateful for all of the work and dedication that go into the constant maintenance and improvement of Durango.

2014 La Plata County Real Estate Market

The La Plata County residential real estate market has crested in the first half of 2014 compared to last year, but it is maintaining a high level of home sales compared to previous years.  There have been 442 home sales in the first half, as compared to 471 last year, and 356 in 2012.  These numbers point to a relatively flat market, but there has been rapid growth, year over year since 2009, and it would be unrealistic to expect exponential growth indefinitely. 
 

The median price has improved significantly from $315,000 to $329,500 this year, and almost every area in the County has posted a higher median price.  The median price for Durango Single Family homes has improved from $360,500 to $400,000, and Durango rural single family homes have increased to $435,000, from $390,000.  The Durango Townhome and Condominium prices have increased to $277,000 from $255,000.  The Bayfield single family home market prices were up in rural area, but down in town. 

There is solid activity in the overall real estate market with 170 homes Under/Contract in the County. 

The number of homes active on the market (not including Under/Contracts) is 845 homes in the County, which offers a wide spectrum of choices for buyers.  The summer tends to be the peak period of homes available on the market, and we will expect that number to begin to dwindle over the next few months.  These higher inventory levels suggest a balanced market in most segments.  A balanced market is defined as being a fair market for both buyers and sellers.

The sweet spot in the La Plata County Market is $250,000 to $500,000, with 224 home sales in the first half.  There were 138 home sales below $250,000, and 80 home sales above $500,000.

Land sales (for residential use) were nearly flat, with 77 sales this year and 81 last year.  There are 582 parcels on the market, and 39 under contract.

June Real Estate Statistics

The June numbers are out!  With 90 total sales, there are 20 fewer home sales than last June, but the previous two months were up 14 home sales, so it is still pointing to a flat market compared to last year, but up significantly compared to previous years. 

Overall, 2014 is shaping up as discussed in previous communications.  We have had rapid growth, year over year. since 2009, and the market has finally crested. Last year at this time, we had a total of 471 sales year to date, and this year we have 442. We are still in the stronger part of the year, so expect a solid summer ahead.  It would be unrealistic to expect exponential growth indefinitely.

We are also noticing a higher median price, which reflects a strong real estate market. When the median price is higher, we know there is more demand for homes (as supply and demand will impact the median price).   The inventory of homes has increased in the market, and that may slow down the median price increases for future months.  The median price is affected by the price ranges, locations, and inventory, please check with us concerning your property if you would like to have an update. 

Overall, it appears that the market is stabilizing, and that will help keep the market in balance for both buyers and sellers for the near future. We look forward to the remainder of the year and a continued solid market.

Adaptive Sports Association

Most Durango locals have heard of the Adaptive Sports Association. For many, the assumption is that they work with skiers at Durango Mountain Resort throughout the winter. Yet, the ASA is much more than the winter program.

Thirty years ago, the Durango Adaptive Sports Association began when Dave Spencer began skiing after losing a leg to cancer. Today, the ASA supports any disability, and offers a variety of activities throughout the year. Of course, wintertime skiing and snowboarding remain a large focus of the ASA, but the summertime activities also fill the calendar.

Activities such as rafting, cycling, camping, canoeing, and skiing allow many participants the ability to overcome challenges. According to Timothy Kroes, the Executive Director, they use these activities to impact other areas of lives that seem difficult. The accomplishment that comes from these activities equips the participants to tackle other life challenges. Tim says the “adaptive” in the name is a key focus: they are able to adjust the activity and equipment to the end user to find the best fit for each person.

All ages participate in the ASA, and they have had people come from all over the country. The majority of the participants are in the local region (Durango and surrounding towns, as well as the Farmington area), which is part of their mission. However, sometimes the ASA offers family activities when a member of the family has a disability, so the whole family can participate together. Visitors to Durango often utilize this feature. The ASA also works with veterans who have disabilities.

In many ways, volunteers comprise a large part of this non-profit organization. Tim says there are over 250 volunteers at any time, and they donate approximately 15,000 hours of time. In general, the ASA pairs one staff/volunteer to every student during activities. In general, the volunteers assist the person with the disability throughout the activity. Tim says the volunteers are community members, and the ASA can train them for the activities in the summer months.

The ASA provides an incomparable experience to many people. We are so glad to see the continued benefits it provides. This is a great way for locals to get involved and connected in the community—especially if you are new to Durango! Tim said he first got involved in the organization through volunteering. They have no minimum time commitment—anything from once a month to a few times per week is appreciated. Of course, donations are always welcome as they are nonprofit. They also have some upcoming events/fundraisers. The Harvest Gala at the Mahogany Grille is open to the general public, and will be held on October 23. Tim also encourages locals to remember what the ASA does, in case friends and family visit Durango and could use their services.

Check out their website and the attached video for further information. http://asadurango.com/

Freedom and the American Dream

As we celebrate our freedom this weekend, we think about the benefits of living in this country. Freedom is such a privilege, and it has such implications in our daily lives.

We are so grateful for those who have fought for our freedom. While people say that all the time, when we stop to truly think about the commitments and sacrifices made, we are sincerely grateful. 

The “American dream” is one of those notions we have all heard for most of our lives. Of course, it has had different meanings throughout history, and different Americans have different goals. However, the overarching point is that we are able to achieve our goals through hard work. In many countries, citizens do not have that ability, and in America we are able to pursue our dreams.

One of the longstanding facets of the American Dream is to own a home. Although not all Americans desire this, it is still a goal and desire for many Americans. Owning a home, aside from the potential financial benefits, brings a sense of belonging and community to many people. It allows Americans to establish roots, and feel that they contribute to their neighborhood.

As we approach the weekend that commemorates our freedoms, we are grateful to live in a country with the freedom to choose to purchase a home. Our team loves to help potential buyers and sellers in making those decisions, and we view this as a privilege that comes with living in our country. We see our jobs as more than just selling homes—we see it as a part of fulfilling a person’s American dream.

We hope you and your friends and family appreciate the freedoms we have as we celebrate the Fourth of July this week.

Durango and Silverton Fourth of July Fun

With the Fourth of July weekend around the corner, we have several great options in the Durango area to celebrate the nation’s independence.

Durango events kick off with a 5k run beginning at Rotary Park. We then have a parade on Main Street, and a street dance later in the evening. It’s the perfect set of events to enjoy the holiday—have a BBQ during the day and go downtown in the evening.

Historically, our family has watched the fireworks from the riverbank right behind the DoubleTree. The view is awesome, and it’s so fun to be on the river. We have also gone up to Fort Lewis for a different view, which is fun as well.

Lots of Durango locals make their way to Silverton to celebrate the Fourth of July. The small town is packed with activities for the holiday. The mountains surrounding the town make a unique experience for fireworks—the sounds echo off the mountain walls, and it is one spectacular firework show.

Many people love to spend the day picnicking and enjoying the multiple events in Silverton. They have a run, picnic, ice cream social, music, and ducky derby. Camping is a great option in Silverton to avoid the drive back to Durango after the fireworks.

Either choice will give you a fantastic day with family and friends.  Durango and Silverton are some of the most beautiful places in the world, so spending a holiday weekend in our mountains will be amazing.