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.

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

New Property Tax Valuations Due For Durango Colorado Real Estate:

The La Plata County tax assessor is sending out the new tax valuations for all real property in the Durango Colorado area, and for the entire county. It will come as a shock to many when they see the new valuations. Most homeowners have seen the tougher residential market, and the price reductions on homes in their neighborhoods. In most cases, their new tax valuation will be higher than competing homes on the market. The key difference is the time table that the county can legally use. They must have comparable sold properties during the period from January 1, 2007 until June 30, 2008, a period of 18 months. They can not utilize properties that sold before or after those dates. This period is the top of the market for price comparisons. Statistically, the median price has held strong, but when you compare values on the market currently to those that sold in this 18 month period, it is going to look like an unfair valuation.

The good news is that affects all of the market, and although the value of your home may look too high, it is going to be similar for other homes in the market, and it may not have a big impact on the amount of property tax due. The residential assessment rate is currently 7.96% for residential, and 29% for land and commercial properties. With the current residential tax structure, the Assessor takes the valuation of the property, multiplies it by 7.96%, and then multiplies that number by the mil levy for that specific area. For example, a $300,000 residential property is assessed at $23,880 by multiplying the 7.96%, and then multiplying by the mil levy. For Durango, the mil levy is approximatley 27.012 so the $23,880 is multiplied by .027012 for a taxable amount of $645.05. It is possible that the mil levy could be reduced from the 7.96%, and effectively lower the taxes for all residential properties. The 29% for commercial and land properties has been mandated by the voters of the State of Colorado, and so it will not change without a vote of the people.

The last bit of good news is that oil and gas pay for a total of over 50% of the total tax dollars collected, and La Plata County taxes are some of the lowest in the State of Colorado.

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.

First Quarter Statistics For Durango Area Assocation of Realors:

The statistics for La Plata County have been released for the first quarter of 2009. The closing transactions were at a four year low, and demand was stagnant following the economic turmoil during the 4th quarter of 2008.

Only 38 Durango Colorado homes closed in the first quarter, down from 100 in last years first quarter. The breakdown of the 38 homes sold was:

In Town Durango: 9

Durango Country Homes: 19

Durango Condominiums: 10

In Bayfield, there were 23 sales, with six Bayfield In-Town homes, and 17 Bayfield country homes. This compares to last years sales of 15, showing a nice improvement.

We have seen a spark of interest during April, with a number of homes under contact. It appears some confidence is returning to the market, and that demand is increasing. It also appears that the first time home buyers tax credit of $8,000 is beginning to take affect. We have worked with several buyers looking to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. The inventory of homes continues to grow, offering buyers a great number of choices.

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 SpecialistSRES,
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.

Do you have a distressed property in Durango Colorado? If so, this is important to read!

I recently completed the course work to achieve the CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) Designation. In these difficult times I have found that sometimes homeowners in distress don't always know about options other than foreclosure. The old adage that knowledge is power could not be more important than today with our current market conditions.

There are numerous options that may be available to a distressed homeowner. Two of the most frequently discussed are Foreclosure and Short Sale. Foreclosure is a court supervised process where a mortgage company or other lienholder institutes a legal proceeding against a homeowner who is in default. A Foreclosure process may ultimately result in a public sale of a homeowner's property. A Short Sale, on the other hand, occurs when the homeowner enters into negotiations with the mortgage company or companies to accept less from a third party purchaser than the full balance of the outstanding loan.

What many people do not know is that there are very important differences in homeowner consequences between Foreclosure vs. Shortsale. Let me outline some of those differences:

Issue: Future Fannie Mae Loan - Primary residence. In a Foreclosure, a homeowner who loses a home is ineligible for a Fannie Mae backed mortgage for a period of 5 years. A homeowner who successfully negotiates and closes a Short Sale will be eligible for a Fannie Mae backed mortgage after only 2 years.

Issue: Future Fannie Mae Loan - Non Primary. An investor who allows a property to go to Foreclosure is ineligible for a Fannie Mae backed investment mortgage for a period of 7 years.
An investor who successfully negotiates and closes a Short Sale will be eligible for a Fannie Mae backed investment mortgage after only 2 years.

Issue: Future loan with any Mortgage Company. On any future 1003 application, a prospective borrower will have to answer YES to question C in Section VIII of the standard 1003 that asks "Have you had property foreclosed upon or given title or deed in lieu thereof in the last 7 years?" This will affect future rates. There is no similar declaration or question regarding a Short Sale.

Issue: Credit Score. With a Foreclosure score may be lowered anywhere from 250 to over 300 points and typically will affect score for over 3 years. With a Short Sale only late payments on a mortgage will show and after sale mortgage will be reported as paid or negotiated. This will lower the score as little as 50 points if all other payments are being made. A short sale's affect can be as brief as 12 to 18 months.

Issue: Credit history. A Foreclosure will remain as a public record on a person's credit history for 10 years or more. A Short Sale is not reported on a credit history. There is no specific reporting item for "short sale." The loan is typically reported as "paid in full, settled."

Issue: Security Clearances. A Foreclosure is the most challenging issue against a security clearance outside a conviction of a serious misdemeanor or felony. If a person has a foreclosure and is a police officer, in the military, in the CIA, Security, or any other position that requires a security clearance, in almost all cases clearance will be revoked and position will be terminated. A Short Sale on its own does not challenge most security clearances.

Issue: Current Employment. Employers have the right and are actively checking the credit regularly of all employees who are in sensitive positions. A Foreclosure in many cases is ground for immediate reassignment or termination. A Short Sale is not reported on a credit report and is therefore not a challenge to employment.

Issue: Future Employment. Many employers are requiring credit checks on all job applicants. A Foreclosure is one of the most detrimental credit items an applicant can have and in most cases will challenge future employment. A Short Sale is not reported on a credit report and is therefore not a challenge to future employment.

Issue: Deficiency Judgment. In 100% of Foreclosures (except in States that do not provide for deficiency) the bank has the right to pursue a deficiency judgment. In some successful Short Sales it is possible to convince the lender to give up the right to pursue a deficiency judgment.


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.

Demand For Durango Colorado Real Estate Was Soft In January & February

The times are changing! January and February residential transactions were very low, while the inventory level on the market remains at nearly all time highs. For example, 43 homes have been reported sold in the MLS system for the two month period in La Plata County, and there are 982 homes on the market. This demonstrates the polar differences between supply and demand.

Of course, if you are buying, this is great news, and it is being reflected in tougher negotiations and significant price reductions. For example, Copperhead Camp homes in Edgemont Highlands have announced a price reduction on eleven of their homes ranging from a savings of $60,000 to $130,000. These homes are now priced from $299,900 to $549,900. If you have any interest in these homes, or other deeply discounted deals in the Durango area, please let me know.

If you are selling, this information shows the challenge. The questions to ask yourselves are:
1) Is my property priced aggressively in this market?
2) Am I making the most of any showing? Does it show well? Is it clean, and have the minor painting and updating projects been completed?
3) Am I being flexible in allowing showings per the buyers request?
4) How is the curb appeal, does a buyer want to come in?

In many cases, sellers are able to negotiate deeper if they are able to make it up on the next home, and if prices continue to decline, it is better to reduce the price early and get the home sold, rather than “riding” the market down.

We will survive this market adjustment. The stimulus plan combined with the low interest rates and the first time homebuyer credit offer buyers a great opportunity to buy, and it may give us the traction we need to get this market moving.

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 SpecialistCRB, Certified Residential BrokerCCIM,
Certified Commercial Investment Member
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.

Lifestyle And Amenities Are The Key To The Market On Homes Over $500,000 In Durango Colorado Real Estate!

As a Durango Colorado real estate broker, the homes in the price range over $500,000 are fun to represent, as it is all about life style. Most of the buyers in this price range are looking for enhancements to their busy life, and they have been drawn to Durango Colorado for the life style choices that are offered. It may be a primary home or a second home that one is choosing, but it is almost always about the great choices surrounding us. This is sometimes called the amenity driven market, and it is what attracts people to Durango Colorado. Often it begins with a visit to historic downtown Durango, with a heritage back to the old west and mining in the nearby mountains. The Durango Silverton narrow gauge train is a destiny for many, and it is a sight to see when it traverses through Durango and the Animas Valley. Many people are drawn to Mesa Verde national park, with the cliff dwellings of the Anasazi. Durango is a portal for the entire southwest, with easy access to Moab, Lake Powell, Canyon Lands, Monument Valley, and the high desert of New Mexico. Durango also offers abundant cultural events, unique for a town of its size. There are on going opportunities for music through the Fort Lewis College concert hall, nearly 20 art galleries in Durango, a community art center, Music In The Mountains, and exciting events all year long. Fort Lewis College offers wonderful musical performances, theater, and life long learning lectures, making Durango an exceptional cultural experience. In addition, the culinary standards are quite high in Durango, with many choices for people who like to dine in fine restaurants. It is said that Durango has more restaurants per capita than San Francisco.

Living here is about choosing the life styles and amenities that you would appreciate. With the approximately 300 days of sunshine in Durango, outdoor activities are in abundance. There are large communities of cyclists and mountain bikers, golfers, a community tennis group, skiers, snow boarders, fly fishing enthusiasts, kayakers, hikers, backpackers, and ice and rock climbers. Just last weekend, we went to Ouray and watched the world renowned ice climbing, and at the end of January, my son and I backpacked into Dark Canyon near Hite Utah.

Durango is special with its relationship with the Animas River, which flows right through town, and actually has good fishing. The river walk has been extended in recent years, and just this week, agreement was reached to extend it further north.

There are numerous rivers, high mountain streams, large reservoirs, and alpine lakes to fish. One of the favorite locations for many fishermen is the gold waters of the San Juan River.

There are many choices for life style in this price range. Some people choose to be in town in neighborhoods like Sky Ridge, Rockridge, Timberline View Estates, or perhaps a loft downtown or a historic home in the historic district. The in town homes are the most convenient for taking advantage of all of the dining and cultural events of Durango, and for families, the neighborhoods are close to schools, churches and shopping. Some of these neighborhoods offer greater privacy with larger lots and some with huge views of the peaks.

There are many people looking for that Colorado feel of being in the Ponderosa pines, and yet within 10 to 15 minutes of town for the convenience. Areas like Edgemont Ranch, Edgemont Highlands, Shenandoah, and King Mountain Estates are some of these choices. They tend to be on small parcels or on small acreage, with a value on views and privacy. Often, hiking or biking trails are available as amenities.

Some people choose the larger acreage parcels, generally in the 35 to 40 acre range, and some of the ones close to Durango include Durango Ridge, Rancho Mira Sol, Trappers Crossing, and open agricultural properties on the Florida Mesa. Buyers of these properties generally want long views, and privacy, or perhaps equestrian use.

North of Durango, the choices for amenities include golf communities at Dalton Ranch or Glacier Club, and skiing and other winter activities at Durango Mountain resort. The summer activities are centered around the national forest, and appreciating the great outdoors. There are many home choices in these communities.

We also have a few river or stream properties in the area. They tend to be scarce, but it is possible to live near or have access to a fishable stream in southwest Colorado.

I would love to assist you with your life style choices. My promise is to listen to you, find out what the important attributes that you would like to have, and match up your interests with the property choices in our area. This is an exciting time in Durango, and living here has never been better.

If you would like to have further information on Durango Colorado real estate, please contact 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
ABR, Accredited Buyer RepresentationR
SPS, Resort and Second Home Property Specialist
CIPS, Certified International Property Specialist
SRES, Senior Real Estate Specialist
CLHMS, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

He is also an active volunteer. He is the President Elect of the Durango Area Association of Realtors, and he is involved in the community and in his church. His personal interests include spending quality time with his family (wife and three children), playing tennis, fly fishing, hiking, boating, and water skiing.