Durango Colorado Real Estate: Comparison Of New Homes!

Skyridge Village & Estates and Three Springs are both residential communities in Durango Colorado, and they both have excellent amenities for their residents, creating a desirable community with an emphasis on outdoor activities. They both have new homes available. This comparison will depict the differences between the new "Pinnacle Collection" single family homes at Skyridge Village & Estates, as compared to the new single family homes in comparable size at Three Springs.

LOCATION:
Skyridge Village & Estates is located near Fort Lewis College and Hillcrest Golf Course, and only minutes from Historic Downtown Durango Colorado. The amenities include a trail system with connections to the Horse Gulch mountain bike trails, a wide pedestrian walkway through the development, and a family friendly park with playground, tennis courts, and activity field. The choices for activities range from golf, tennis, mountain bike riding, hiking, stolling among the shops downtown, or taking in a concert at the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.

Three Springs is located east of Durango, near the new Mercy Medical Center, with easy access to the airport, and a few miles from Historic Downtown Durango. It is a traditional neighborhood, with a neighborhood shopping district, and it is pedestrian and bicycle friendly. It is surrounded by the Telegraph Trail system for active hiking or mountain bike riding. The goal of Three Springs is to create a "friendly" self-contained community, where you can park your car and enjoy a short stroll to the neighborhood shopping on Mercado Street, or saying hello to your neighbor from your front porch. There are plans for a regional park, but it has not been funded at this time.

HOME COMPARISON:

The Pinnacle Collection at Skyridge Village & Estates:

Newer Architectural Design With Two Models:

Single Level: 1,512 Sq. Ft. $394,900 $261 Per Sq. Ft. MLS #566943
Three Bedroom/Two Bath/Two Car Garage

Two Story: 1,940 Sq. Ft. $419,900 $216 Per Sq. Ft. MLS #597431
Three Bedroom/2 1/2 Bath/Two Car Garage

High Quality Construction With Travertine Tile Floors/Alder Cabinetry/Granite Countertops/In-Floor Heat/Vaulted Ceilings/Clerestory Windows Bring In Lots of Sunlight/Landscaping With Sprinkler System Included

Quiet Cul-De-Sac Location

Lot Sizes: 5,589 sq. ft. to 6,011 sq. ft.


Selected Models at Three Spings:

Traditional Two Story Design/Selected Models

Two Story: 1,396 Sq. Ft. $373,900 $282 Per Sq. Ft. MLS #592343
Three Bedrooms/2 1/2 Bath/Two Car Garage

Two Story: 1,730 Sq. Ft. $399,900 $231 Per Sq. Ft. MLS #604182
Three Bedroom/2 1/2 Bath/Two Car Garage

High Quality Construction With Granite Countertops/Stainless Appliances/Alder Cabinetry/Tankless Hot Water Heater/Forced Air Heat/Landscaping With Included Sprinkler System

Neighborhood Street Location

Lot Sizes: 2,922 sq. ft. to 2,939 sq. ft.


PROPERTY TAXES BASED ON $400,000 HOME:

Pinnacle Collection at Skyridge Village & Estates: $900.79

Three Springs: $1,976.63

Difference: $1,075.84 Per Year

CONCLUSION:

These are both great choices for a buyer desiring a high quality of life. It is my opinion that you should see both communities, and all of the models, and you will be happy with any choice you make. If you would like to see the Pinnacle Collection or Three Springs, please contact me: Don Ricedorff at The Wells Group Real Estate Office, 970-375-7014, e-mail me at don@frontier.net, or visit me at http://www.durangorealproperty.com/.

Animas La Plata Project In Durango Colorado Will Have A Positive Affect On Real Estate!

The Animas La Plata Project is near completion! This long anticipated water project is located just south and east of Durango Colorado. The water will be pumped from the Animas River into Ridges Basin, and it will create Lake Nighthorse, with a capacity of 120,000 acre feet, and a surface area of 1,490 acres. The dam has a height of 217 feet, and a length of 1,670 feet. Construction of the project began in 2001, after a long litigation. The water stored in Lake Nighthorse will be utilized by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Ute Mountain Tribe, the State of Colorado, the Navajo Nation, the Animas-La Plata Water Conservancy District, the San Juan Water Commission, and the La Plata Conservancy District. The construction of the dam has been completed, but other construction work continues. The final completion of the project is to be finished in 2012, but filling the lake will begin much sooner.

The long anticipated project should be a huge bonus for property owners west and south of Durango. There will be easy access to the recreational uses of the lake from County Road 141, and there are a large number of homes and parcels in Shenandoah and Trappers Crossing which will have views of the lake. Many of these parcels already have views of mountain peaks, and now they may have lake views as well. It is expected that the completed project will have a positive affect on real estate appreciation and demand. This is a prime opportunity to consider an investment or home in this desirable location, and enjoy the recreation created by Lake Nighthorse, and the possible appreciation.

If you would like further information on real estate west of Durango, please contact me, Don Ricedorff at don@frontier.net, visit my website at durangorealestate.com, or call me at 970-375-7014.

HUD lending limits increase in La Plata County, Durango Colorado

Flash!!! The new HUD lending limits have just been increased in La Plata County, Durango Colorado which will have a positive impact on real estate!

These increased lending limits are going to help a large percentage of borrowers, who qualify for the maximum limits. This is a huge savings for borrowers as any loan amount above the conforming lending rate is considered a Jumbo loan, and the Jumbo loan rates are significantly higher. As an example, one interest rate quoted to me today was 6.12% for the conforming rate under the HUD limits for a 30 year fixed mortgage, while the Jumbo rate for a 30 year fixed mortgage was 7.09%. With these new limits, a borrower who has the ability to have the maximum loan amount, and who has a 20% down payment can purchase a home in Durango Colorado with a price of up to approximately $555,000.

Even more impactful is the change in the FHA limits from $337,250 to $443,750. Many more borrowers may qualify with the FHA loans. These loans have some additional flexibility, which allows the borrowers to put a minimum of 3% down, and the down payment may be a gift! FHA does have a 1 1/2 % Mortgage Insurance Premium, which means that there is an additional cost of 1 1/2% of the loan amount, yet this charge may be financed. Many borrowers would choose to use an FHA loan if they are limited in their down payment or if their down payment is coming from family or friends. The new limits are particularly important as most of our housing was more expensive than the limits would allow. Now, a borrower who can qualify for the maximum loan, and that has a 3% down payment can purchase a home with a price up to approximately $457,500.

This should have a major impact on real estate in Durango, and throughout La Plata County, offering buyers many more choices and amenities.

It is another reason to begin your buying process. As we all know, the real estate market here is stronger than most other locations in the country. Never the less, there is not a better time to buy real estate than right now! Take advantage of the opportunities to buy, and start now. Some people are going to wait until everyone else is buying, and then it will be more competitive, and probably, more expensive.

If you would like help in the real estate process, please contact me: Don Ricedorff at The Wells Group Real Estate office, 970-375-7014, e-mail me at don@frontier.net, or visit me on the web at durangorealproperty.com.

THE BEACH BOYS ARE COMING TO TOWN!

"ROUND, ROUND, GET AROUND, I GET AROUND, YEA, GET AROUND, I GET AROUND". YES! SEE THEM LIVE IN DURANGO COLORADO!

THIS MAY BE THE BIGGEST CONCERT EVENT EVER HELD IN DURANGO, PROBABLY SURPASSING THE WILLIE NELSON CONCERT. THE INFORMATION IS STILL A BIT PRELIMINARY, BUT THE ESTIMATE FOR AVAILABLE TICKETS IS APPROXIMATELY 4,000. THE GATES ARE TO OPEN AT 4:OO P.M., AND AT 5:00 P.M., RALPH DINOSAUR WILL PROVIDE THE OPENING PERFORMANCE, AND AT 8:00 P.M., THE BEACH BOYS BEGIN!

THE CONTRIBUTIONS TO MUSIC FROM THE BEACH BOYS ARE LEGENDARY, AS THEY INTRODUCED HARMONIES WHICH HAD A MAJOR INFLUENCE ON POP AND ROCK. THEY BROUGHT THE SURF CRAZE INTO NATIONAL PROMINENCE, AND THEY CREATED A ROCK SOUNDTRACK FOR SUMMER FUN.

THEIR TOP TEN HITS ARE: "BE TRUE TO YOUR SCHOOL", "LITTLE SAINT NICK", "SURFER GIRL", "SURFIN' U.S.A.", "DANCE, DANCE, DANCE", "FUN,FUN,FUN", "WHEN I GROW UP (TO BE A MAN)", "CALIFORNIA GIRLS", "BARBARA ANN", "SLOOP JOHN B", "WOULDN'T IT BE NICE", AND "ROCK AND ROLL MUSIC".

THEIR NUMBER 1 ALBUMS WERE "BEACH BOYS CONCERT" AND "ENDLESS SUMMER".

THIS IS A PROUD MOMENT FOR OUR COMMUNITY. VERY FEW SMALLER, RURAL COMMUNITIES CAN PROVIDE THE ENTERTAINMENT AND MUSIC THAT IS OFFERED IN DURANGO COLORADO. TWO WEEKS AGO, I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO TO THE SAN JUAN SYMPHONY, IT WAS MARVELOUS! THESE ARE INTANGIBLE BENEFITS TO LIVING IN DURANGO COLORADO.

PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR INFORMATION ON DURANGO COLORADO REAL ESTATE, AND INFORMATION ON OUR COMMUNITY. YOU MAY REACH ME, DON RICEDORFF, AT: don@frontier.net, don@durangorealproperty.com, my website, durangorealproperty.com, or call me at 970-375-7014.

FLY FRONTIER AIRLINES TO DURANGO!

FLY FRONTIER AIRLINES TO DURANGO! THIS EXPANDED AIR SERVICE WILL BENEFIT DURANGO COLORADO RESIDENTS, TOURISM, AND PROVIDE MORE FUEL TO OUR ECONOMY AND TO REAL ESTATE.

THE DECISION FOR FRONTIER AIRLINES TO INCLUDE DURANGO COLORADO IN THEIR EXPANSION IS A GREAT BENEFIT TO ALL OF US. IT PROVIDES ADDITIONAL CONNECTIONS THROUGH DENVER, AND THE COMPETITION WITH UNITED AIRLINES WILL HELP PROVIDE MORE REASONABLE FARES.

FEW RURAL COMMUNITIES HAVE MORE ACCESS TO MAJOR HUBS THAN DURANGO. CURRENTLY, U.S. AIRWAYS SERVICES FLIGHTS TO AND FROM DURANGO THROUGH PHOENIX. DELTA AIRLINES CONNECTS WITH THEIR MAJOR HUB IN SALT LAKE CITY, AND OF COURSE, UNITED AIRLINES HAS DIRECT FLIGHT TO AND FROM THEIR DENVER HUB. THIS FLEXIBILITY OFFERS EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR RESIDENTS AND GUESTS TO QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY CONNECT TO ALL PARTS OF THE UNITED STATES AND BEYOND.

FRONTIER AIRLINES HAS ANNOUNCED THAT BEGINNING ON MAY 15, 2008, THEY WILL HAVE 74 SEAT TURBOPROPS PROVIDING SERVICE WITH THREE DAILY ROUND-TRIP FLIGHTS. THIS ADDITIONAL SERVICE WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BENEFIT DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT, THE LOCAL HOTELS, RESTAURANTS, AND SPECIALTY RETAIL SHOPS, AND IT MAKES DURANGO AN EASIER "DESTINATION" CHOICE.

THE AVIATION DIRECTOR FOR THE DURANGO-LA PLATA AIRPORT HAS STATED THAT THE EXPANDED SERVICE TO DURANGO WILL PROVIDE UP TO 20 NEW JOBS, AND THE SERVICE HELPS TO "CEMENT DURANGO AS THE AIR-TRANSPORTATION HUB FOR THE FOUR CORNERS" AS REPORTED IN THE DURANGO HERALD.

FRONTIER AIRLINES HAS ANNOUNCED FARE STRUCTURES TO OTHER CITIES IN THE UNITED STATES STARTING AT $119 EACH WAY. FOR THIS LOW RATE YOU COULD TRAVEL TO KANSAS CITY, OMAHA, OR OKLAHOMA CITY. HOW ABOUT CHICAGO OR LOS ANGELES FOR $139, AND COSTA RICA FOR $214 EACH WAY? CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITE FOR OTHER DESTINATIONS AND PRICING AT: FRONTIERAIRLINES.COM.

PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT DURANGO COLORADO REAL ESTATE. YOU MAY REACH ME AT durangorealproperty.com, don@frontier.net, or call me at 970-375-7014.

DON RICEDORFF IS A REAL ESTATE BROKER AT THE WELL GROUP REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE IN DURANGO COLORADO.

NEW SKY UTE CASINO RESORT

THE NEW SKY UTE CASINO RESORT WILL ADD JOBS AND IMPROVE THE DURANGO AREA ECONOMY AND THE REAL ESTATE MARKET!

UPON COMPLETION, THE SKY UTE CASINO RESORT WILL HAVE 100 TO 150 HOTEL ROOMS, A 45,000 SQUARE FOOT CASINO WITH 700 SLOT MACHINES, TWENTY TABLE GAMES, 200 SEAT BINGO HALL, AND 18,000 SQUARE FEET OF EVENT AND BANQUET SPACE.

THE RESTAURANTS INCLUDE A 10,000 SQUARE FOOT BUFFET WITH 50' VIEW WINDOWS, AND THERE WILL ALSO BE A CAFE OPEN 24 HOURS, AN ELEGANT FINE DINING RESTAURANT, A COFFEE SHOP, AND A SPORTS LOUNGE.

THE RESORT HOTEL WILL OFFER 100 PLUS GUEST ROOMS, 24 HOUR ROOM SERVICE, CONCIERGE SERVICE, VALET SERVICE, AND THE ROOMS WILL HAVE LONG VIEWS OF THE LA PLATA MOUNTAINS.

THERE WILL ALSO BE A DAY SPA, A TWENTY FOUR LANE BOWLING ALLEY, 18 HOLE MINIATURE GOLF, A SWIMMING POOL WITH A "LAZY RIVER", A VIDEO ARCADE, RETAIL SHOPS, AND DAY CARE FACILITIES.

THIS AMBITIOUS PROJECT WILL PROVIDE 400 TO 600 JOBS, WITH MANY OF THEM REQUIRING ADVANCED SKILLS, WHICH WILL MEAN SOME HIGH INCOME POSITIONS. THESE POSITIONS WILL INHERENTLY DRIVE A NEED FOR HOME OWNERSHIP, AND MANY OF THE SERVICE POSITIONS WILL REQUIRE RENTAL UNITS. IN EITHER CASE, THESE JOBS WILL PROVIDE A GREAT STIMULATION TO THE GREATER DURANGO / BAYFIELD / IGNACIO REAL ESTATE MARKETS, AND AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SAGE INVESTORS.

IN ADDITION, THIS RESORT WILL OFFER AN ADVANTAGE FOR THE TOURISM IN OUR AREA, GIVING ANOTHER REASON TO TRAVEL AND APPRECIATE THE FOUR CORNERS AREA. THE GREATER DURANGO AREA OF SOUTHWEST COLORADO IS BLESSED WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, FINE RESTAURANTS, A VARIETY OF CULTURAL ACTIVITIES THAT MAKE IT ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT, AND EVEN BETTER, THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE.

PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU WOULD LIKE SOME ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE DURANGO COLORADO AREA OR DURANGO COLORADO REAL ESTATE. YOU MAY REACH ME AT don@frontier.net, durangorealproperty.com, OR CALL ME AT 970-375-7014.

NEW RESIDENCES AND NEW MOUNTAIN PLAN FOR DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT

WOW! THE NEW RESIDENCES AND THE NEW MOUNTAIN PLAN FOR DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT ARE FANTASTIC. SEE DURANGO COLORADO REAL ESTATE LIKE NEVER BEFORE...

DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT NOW HAS A WIDE VARIETY OF RESIDENCES AND HOMESITES TO MEET THE NEEDS AND DESIRES OF DISCERNING BUYERS THAT WANT LUXURY AMENITIES AND TOP SHELF LIFE STYLE. A GREAT EXAMPLE IS THE NEW OFFERINGS OF THE PINNACLE A PRIVATE RESIDENCE CLUB, AN OPTION FOR FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP. THE PINNACLE FEATURES GRANITE SLAB COUNTERTOPS, STUNNING TWO STORY RESIDENCES WITH HIGH VAULTED CEILINGS, PRIVATE UNDERGROUND PARKING, EQUITY LEVEL GOLF MEMBERSHIP TO THE GLACIER CLUB, AND CONCIERGE SERVICES. ADDITIONAL AMENITIES INCLUDE A FAMILY POOL, ADULT SPA AREA, PRIVATE CLUB LOUNGE, SKI VALET, FITNESS CENTER, AND FAMILY GAME ROOM; THERE ARE ENOUGH ACTIVITIES TO KEEP EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY ENJOYING THEIR VACATION. DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT HAS OTHER RESIDENTIAL AND LAND OFFERINGS INCLUDING RESIDENTIAL LOTS AT ENGINEER VILLAGE AND DOUBLE DIAMOND STARTING AT $199,900, THE BLACK BEAR TOWNHOMES STARTING AT $570,000, THE CASCADE CREEK TOWNHOMES STARTING AT $599,000, THE TWILIGHT CABINS WITH A PRICE OF $675,000 TO $899,000, PURGATORY LODGE WITH FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP STARTING AT $149,900. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF EXCELLENT CHOICES FOR A VARIETY OF INTERESTS AND BUDGETS, WHETHER IT IS YOUR PRIMARY HOME, SECOND HOME, OR FRACTIONAL OWNERSHIP WHICH ALLOWS YOU SIX WEEKS OF USE EACH YEAR!

IN ADDITION, THE PLANS ARE BEING FINALIZED FOR THE MOUNTAIN IMPROVEMENTS. THIS TEN YEAR PLAN ADDS NEW TRAILS, ADDITIONAL SKIABLE ACRES, EXPANDED SNOWMAKING, EXPANDED BEGINNERS AREA, NEW CHAIRLIFT UPGRADE FOR CHAIR 8 OFFERING A HIGH SPEED QUAD, UPGRADED PARKING AND PLAZA DEVELOPMENT, AND SUMMER UPGRADES INCLUDING A NEW SINGLE TRACK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL.

ONE OF THE BEST THINGS ABOUT DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT IS THE PROXIMITY TO THE HISTORIC MINING TOWN OF DURANGO COLORADO. VISITORS AND RESIDENTS ARE SURE TO HAVE A GREAT EXPERIENCE WHEN THE SKIING AND BACKCOUNTRY OPTIONS ARE GREAT, COUPLED WITH THE AMBIANCE AND CHOICES OFFERED IN DURANGO. THOSE WITH ACTIVE LIFESTYLES WILL APPRECIATE THE PROXIMITY TO MILLIONS OF ACRES OF PUBLIC LANDS, MOUNTAIN BIKING, RAFTING, KAYAKING, FLY FISHING, GOLF, HIKING, TENNIS OR A SERENE WALK ALONG THE ANIMAS RIVER WALK. FOR THAT QUIET AFTERNOON FOLLOWING SKIING OR OTHER ACTIVITIES, A PERSON CAN ENJOY THE MANY FINE DINING AND UNIQUE SHOPS OFFERED IN DURANGO.

PLAN YOUR TRIP NOW TO EXPERIENCE DURANGO COLORADO AND DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT. THE SKIING IS AWESOME, AS WE HAVE HAD THE BEST SNOWFALL IN YEARS, SO IF YOU ARE YEARNING FOR CARVING SOME TRAILS IN COLORADO'S PURE SNOW, COME SOON!

YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK OUT THE JANUARY 2008 SKI MAGAZINE WHICH TELLS ABOUT SKIING, LIVING AND RETIRING IN THE BEAUTIFUL MOUNTAINS OF SOUTHWEST COLORADO. IN NOVEMBER 2007, SKI MAGAZINE SAID "IF EVER A MOUNTAIN WAS CREATED FOR FAMILIES, IT'S PURGATORY (DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT FORMERLY KNOWN AS PURGATORY).

IF IS OFTEN SAID IN DURANGO THAT THERE ARE ONLY TWO TYPES OF PEOPLE HERE, THOSE THAT LIVE HERE, AND THOSE THAT WISHED THEY LIVED HERE. THE AMENITIES AND LIFESTYLE ARE UNMATCHED ANYWHERE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MORE INFORMATION ON DURANGO COLORADO, DURANGO MOUNTAIN RESORT, OR SPECIFICALLY ON THE MANY REAL ESTATE ALTERNATIVES OFFERED HERE, PLEASE CONTACT DON RICEDORFF AT don@frontier.net, durangorealproperty.com, OR CALL ME AT 970-375-7014.