Jon Eliason ~ Pagosa Brokers REALTOR®'s Blog

Spring is in the Air!!! It's noticeable in the Jump of active listings!

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:43:39 -0700

Well,

Here we go again! Put on your seatbelt, excercise those fingers...... GO!!!!

With Spring now officially here, we here in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, are bracing for the racing....

Racing to see who can get their home on the Market first and hopefully find that next Buyer before anyone else.

In the busiest time of year, we see an average of about 550 Active Listings on the MLS, at any given point. During the Coldest part of Winter we'll see just over 300. In the last several days, I've seen a spike of Active Listings jump by almost 10%.

Of course, some of them may be prior listings that had recently expired. But from looking at information from last year and comparing them to this year, I can see some of the over-priced homes are now making their way back to the Big Screen. (I wish some of these Hollywood Dreamers, wouldn't keep their heads in the stars..., um..., er... Clouds???

The Market is picking up once again and the homes that are fresh are being noticed. The ones that are the "Roll-Overs" from last year are, too, peeking out to see what this new Spring will bring???

When Listing your Home, make sure you have a Realtor® that understands the numbers. Make sure they are being forthright with you too. The home WILL sell if it's priced to the Current Market. Not the one that was around 3 years ago.

Have an AWESOME SPRING!!!!

DILLON IS SAFE!!!!!!!! His mom is with him and he is safe

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 17:55:40 -0800

This is a follow up from a previous post:

MISSING MINOR

I just wanted to personally thank everyone that got involved for keeping this story going. Dillon is safe and at an Aurora, Colorado Police Station being interviewed by the Authorities. His Mom was already up there talking to Police when he was dropped off at a local area store. He called her and she was there at that store in minutes!!!!!!!!!

His Mom and I really do appreciate the support, the prayers and the Love that we have been blessed with.

I'll have a complete rundown of the events that took place, yesterday and today, that lead to the safe return of her son and my young friend. I've told others before and I'll say it again now: (In my experience, a mother’s intuition should never be discounted as just being an "Emotional Mother".)

That intuition of hers undoubtedly saved his life.

I'll post our story (Driven by a Mother's determination and intuition) in the days ahead.

Now I can go throw up............

WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dillon McKee Video Clip (Missing Teen)

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 13:49:54 -0800

Here is a video clip that a friend has posted on YouTube for me. This shows one of the people involved in Dillon's abduction. If anyone recognizes this woman please let me know and I'll forward to the Authorities in charge of the investigation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jngQ8qzJ0zU

Please forward this to s many people you can. If you have kids that like online gaming, you may want to familiarize yourself with this:

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/news/2008-07-01-porn_N.htm

Our kids are our lives. Don't jeopardize your kids lives. Inform them of these predators.

MISSING MINOR: Update

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 22:54:16 -0800

Apparently this is national now.

See: MISSING MINOR

We received a call from a woman in Pennsylvania that has a son that had a very similar circumstance. She said her son was contacted by someone playing the online game he played. This person or persons bought her child a train ticket and sent it to him. His Mother got wind of this and apparently saved her son. She mentioned the disappearance of Dylan Redwine of Bayfield, CO. (3 months ago), as well as one that is currently active in Omaha, the child from Ignacio, CO a week ago and the disappearance of our Dillon.

From what I understand it takes over a week to get the transcript of text messages sent just hours or days before his disappearance. This is why changes need to be made to the system to be able to access this information faster.

Most victims are teenage gamers that are playing an online version of, what I am hearing, is the X-Box game "Call of Duty" this is where some authorities, (in certain jurisdictions) are actively looking at this type of scenario. These kids children are apparently lured into God only knows what from these people in these rooms, or whatever they call them. From what this gal told us, there are at least 3 adults that may be involved 2 men and a woman. One man and woman could be white or hispanic, the third is unknown.

Our Dillon had a recent breakup and that may have played a part but there are so many variables, no one knows. If this is happening, I don't think this County can take on something this big on its own, if it is in fact, bigger than anyone realizes. I sincerely believe that the FBI needs to be involved.

These children are being exploited and some counties around the nation may not be prepared for something of a magnitude as this possibly be. We have pulled all online gaming from Dillons younger brother so he too doesn't fall victim to these predators.

I just hope some authorities, somewhere, takes this all serious enough to do something more productive than just giving us their theories, speculation and opinions.

MISSING MINOR ~ FOUND!

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:40:33 -0800

MISSING MINOR ALERT: As of 12:30pm, still missing

Jon Eliason | 2/15/13

Back to the News Summaries

Editor's note: Update 8:15am - I just heard from the family of this young man, he is still missing. Please do anything you can to get the word out quickly! I will update with any news I receive today. Lauri Heraty

I usually don't do this, but at this point I really could use the help. My Fiance´, has a son that is missing. We have information that he was at the Giant early Thursday at 3:35am. The last ping on his phone was from the Cell Tower at Stevens Lake Road at 3:53am (The old Humane Society). Editor: This is all more than 26 hours ago.

We have been searching for him all day and have contacted well over 200 people, but I think any extra Eyes are always a help. He is still a minor and we need to find him.

His name is Dillon McKee, caucasion, 5'10", 170± lbs. He has dirty blonde hair, an unshaven look, acne and his Mom and I are worried sick.

The pics attached are as recent as this last Easter, up to Christmastime of this last year. He was last seen in a late model Marroon Chevy Malibu (probably the last 2 or 3 years) 4 door wagon. The driver was described as being caucasion or possibly hispanic. She is approximately 5'4"-5'8", approximately 230 lbs shoulder length hair, black or dark brown in color and she wears dark rimmed glasses.

If you should see him, please call 911 and notify the authorities.

We want him safe and we want him home. Please look at the pics and keep an eye out for us.

Thanks for your understanding. God Bless you all.

If you should have any other questions, call or email me.

Thank you so much,
Jon Eliason
CELL: 970.903.3989
Jon.eliason@yahoo.com

Not Worth The Effort? Hardly.

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 04:49:25 -0800

Every once in awhile, I'll get a client by way of another Realtor®.

It's not because they didn't click or that I had more in common with the potential buyer.

It was because that Agent believed that the "small commission" wasn't worth his or her time.

I guess what they really didn't realize was that the "commission" was way more valuable than any monetary figure they could fathom.

I have had something like this happen on more than one occasion.

Last year I had helped some folks, that by all appearances, were dirt poor. Thing was, they dressed that way so as not to attract attention to themselves. I sold them a home and while the payout to me wasn't really substantial, the after effects were.

This couple had referred another couple to me because of their experience with me.

When I finally sold the second couple a parcel of land, the commission on this second deal was more than 3 times that of the original folks deal.

I help everyone I can. I won't judge someone by what they wear or by how little of an investment they might make.

That initial small commission is worth a lot more than you may realize. The referrals that come afterward are proof of that.

The Public Record

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 04:33:04 -0800

Whenever I work with Buyers I give them, not only information from the MLS, but information from the Public Record.

Making an informed decision is based on being informed.

I am currently working with an Investor from back east and he is looking for specific properties that he can flip for a profit. Many of these types of properties can be found in the MLS. A good portion of those are either Foreclosures, Short Sales or Distressed properties.

The Public Record is also an invaluable trove of information.

Back in the day, I would have had to go down to the County Courthouse to get information on subject properties. (There is still some, that may require a trip down there, but not as much today).

With the County Records online, I can find information on almost anything, on any property in this County. Information is available, online, from the Treasurer, Assessor, Tax Authority as well as general basic information. If I need a plat map that hasn’t been scanned into the system, I’ll make a trip, as required.

This Investor has asked me first and foremost, why I was so nice, by not only conveying property information, but giving him the Archuleta County website address, without cost.

This is a two part question. The reason I am and do what I do is because I LOVE BEING A REALTOR®!, Secondly, the information on these specific websites are Public Record and if it doesn’t cost me a thing, why would I charge a Client? Apparently, he was used to being charged for some things that typically could be found in the Public Record. (including CMA’s from the MLS).

Not here.

Sure, I have access to several other websites, some not so well known and some not so easily accessible to the Public, but if it is something I can help an Investor with, or any Buyer, for that matter, I’ll pass that information along if it’s something that may enhance that Buyers ability to make an informed decision, all the better.

It’s just part of the Services I provide.

The Address Number usually gives it away

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 05:04:47 -0800

Living in a rural area like Pagosa Springs, sometimes it may be difficult to find an address of a property, especially of you don't have a GPS and the Home or Property is not marked. There is, in most cases, a quite simple way of determining an address. At least I'll be alot closer than if I were to just take a SWAG.

Every once in awhile, I'll come across directions to a home in the MLS, that areoff.

There is a listing just south of town that the directions called out to drive approximately 4 1/2 miles. When I saw the number of the home, 5601, I knew from experience that this home was approximately 5.6 miles up that road.

Another home was numbered 243 in a different area and was described as being a 1/2 mile.... actually, it was just under a quarter mile, or .243 miles. Most of the time you'll end up within a few feet of the particular property.... MOST of the time.

Typically it works this way in this area. When I lived in the Metro areas of San Jose and Colorado Springs, the numbering system was slightly different, but basically the same.

There is a "Center" of town that is the juncture that determines North, South, East and West plane. Typically if an address is say, 1963 Anytown road, it is approximately 1.9 miles from the North/South Plane or the East/West plane line.

When an Agent that is unfamiliar with an area out here calls me for directions on a certain road, I'll find out where they are in relation to the subject property and they give them an estimate of how far away they are, just by using the address numbers. Some of the washboard roads out here can make you feel like you've driven 5 miles on the darn thing, when in all actuality it was only two. That is why Odometers come in handy as well.

It helps in many situations where there are no definitive house numbers visible.

She had a HUGE disadvantage.

Sat, 03 Nov 2012 09:49:47 -0700

Recently, one of the Agents in our office, relocated out West.

As the annual dues came into play, she decided to not renew her membership in this State.

During her time here, she was well known and well respected among her peers. Her name was synonymous with quality representation. It still is.

SCENE:

A parcel of land is purchased in June of 2003. The market is Booming and construction is almost everywhere you look. The home is completed in the early months of 2004. The owner of the home lives in it for a year. The house goes on the market in the middle of the year in 2005. 3 1/2 months later it is under contract, by the current owner.

The new owner has a primary residence out of state. They came to vacation a couple of times each year since it was bought...

The Market begins its downward spiral.

It's now the last couple of months in 2007. The market is still spiraling downward, with the bottom yet to be seen.

The current owner decides to sell. Our former Agent is hired to get the job done.

TODAY:

The Listings this Agent had have now been handed off and the Clients are being contacted about either renewing their contracts with an Agent in our office or withdrawing their listing(s).

I contacted one of these owners on one of these listings, introduced myself, then explained the situation. The owner, although he LOVES this former Agent, was quite disappointed by the performance of this listing. He told me that it seemed, "Everything she told us, was wrong". His words, not mine. He said this home has now been on the market for 5 years.

I was at a loss for words.

I then told him that I wanted to walk this home, inside and out, to get a sense and feel of the property...

I walked the lot. Nice lot. I went inside and started, top to bottom. The bottom floor is a walkout basement. The only problem is the entire bottom floor is unfinished. The heating system is Hot Water Baseboards. The bottom floor has them and they are connected to the rest of the home.

The owners have said that they have had numerous showings, but never an offer.

I dug a little deeper.

Back when this home was purchased, they got it for $165./ft. When they listed it 2 years later, it was listed at $210./ft. (This was about average, for comps in that area). Only thing was, was we were still in a freefall. The numbers were changing daily and not for the better.

I told him this home, in its current state, including its finished square footage was selling for $115-$125/ft. The finished portion of the home is a little over 1300 sf. The unfinished are in the basement is almost 1000sf.

When prospective buyers saw the basement, it has been determined, they saw work. An additional expense that was not anticipated nor desired. The buyers walked.

I told Mr. Seller that if the basement area was finished out, (approximately $15K in additional expense) this home could in fact sell for another $100,000.

He asked me why his former agent hadn't pointed this out. I told him that when it was initially priced, the numbers that were showing, were based on the recent history at the time and it was basically a crapshoot at that point in a falling market. I likened it to throwing darts with a blindfold on. He wanted to know if it was worth putting in an additional $15K. I told him that this would be an approximate investment of $12/ft. with a return of a potential $120./ft

He is going to finish the basement.

He might even make a little more than what he paid for it 7 years ago. (Enough to cover settlement costs, anyways.)

Pricing a home in a volatile market can be tough. Pricing one in a downward spiral is almost impossible.

Things are getting better though.

16 Degrees

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 07:41:37 -0700

Waking up in the Mountains this time of year, to a temperature of just 16 degrees, reminds me it's time to think Winter Preparedness.

Getting my car in the proper condition, does take a few things, to prevent situations that may leave me out in the cold.

Making sure all of the fluids are at their proper levels, including going from the 50/50 mix to the straight antifreeze will help insure the Cooling/Heating system is operational for the low temps. Changing oil from 10-40 weight to 5-30 weight also helps.

Checking all belts and hoses in the engine compartment for wear and/or cracks. If any show signs of frailty, I'll replace them.

Checking the Battery, or having it tested, will help startup on these chillyburr mornings.

Making sure I have an extra Jacket, gloves and depending on where I go, a change of clothes, in the event of an emergency.

Keeping associated tools, oil, antifreeze and a Blanket in the trunk is also a good idea.

It is also a good thing to have some snacks and water in the car, also, in case of an emergency.

When the snow flies, I'll also have chains and a snow shovel on hand.

Things can change in the Mountains very quickly. Being prepared beforehand will help keep me safe and stress free.

Besides waking up to the mid teens, another way I can tell when it is getting colder, is when I go get my coffee and come back to my bedroom, I am confronted with the fact that my Cat buries himself under the covers of my bed. Normally, right where I was sitting before I went to get coffee.

Townhouse in Pagosa Springs 20% Below Market

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 10:51:52 -0700

Pocket Listing. I have a Client who has a Townhouse that wants to sell it rather quickly. It is a 2 Bedroom + Office/Bedroom and 2.5 Bath. Clay Tile Downstairs, Granite Counter-tops, Some Views, Huge rear deck that backs to Golf Course. Carpet on 2nd level. SELLER IS A LICENSED COLORADO BROKER

View off of deck looking towards Golf Course

Taking on a new Listing

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 06:25:06 -0700

I am in the process of taking on a listing that has already been on the market for over two years. The price now is 75% of what the original asking price was.

In this town, with it being 65% retirees, when Custom Homes are Built, they are built to the owner's wants and needs. They built this home, like this, for a reason or reasons. I have to find out everything I can about the nomenclature of this home.

Often times when I look at the remarks section of the MLS, I see a generic pattern of descriptions. When a Buyer looks online at the many homes available, seeing these descrptions, usually leaves many of these homes in obscurity.

The buyers may even like the home as they search, but, more often than not, they'll forget which one in particular, was one of the standouts.

Taking on a Listing that has been on the Market for some time is one of the things, I like to do. It's a challenge that needs to be taken by the horns and needs resolution.

That is why I TALK to the Homeowners at great length. If I have to spend an hour or more with them to get the "Inside" story, I will. Finding out the reasons why they built this home, this way, helps me begin to get the feeling of what they visioned in terms of their wants and needs. Walking the home and the grounds and listening to what they are saying also helps me determine how to describe this home to its next Buyer.

Generic descriptions are generally discounted.

A new perspective with a fresh outlook will decide this homes future.

Get into it.... Feel it... Listen to it... Then describe it!

That next buyer may be reading, and feeling, the very same thing I picked up on, by listening to the current owner, by walking the home and and getting the sense and feeling of spirit of that home. If I do it right, then that feeling can be conveyed to the next owner and that connection just might be made.

Color Schemes and Hot Springs ~ The Mountains of Colorado

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 05:59:57 -0700

Now that we've had several nights in a row, of sub-freezing weather, the Color change is beginning to take effect.

With some greens turning to yellow, orange and red shades, the Beauty that surrounds Pagosa Springs will continue for the next several weeks.

The Aspen trees in some areas have already begun the transformation from Green, to Gold.

If you have been thinking of getting away, but didn't know when or where, now is a great time to visit Pagosa Springs, Colorado. After taking in the breathtaking views of the San Juan National Forest that surrounds us on 3 sides, enjoy the world renowned Hot Springs. The aquifer that sustains the natural hot springs is purportedly the largest and deepest in the world. The curative powers are also beneficial to those that suffer from a variety of physical ailments.

When you're ready to escape from the Concrete Jungle, think of the Beauty of Pagosa Springs and prepare yourself for an amazing experience.

I'm Not Pulling These Numbers Out Of My...

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 07:48:32 -0700

And yes, I actually said that.

I ran into a former Client, at the Grocery Store, that had listed his Home with me a couple of years back. When it didn't sell, he moved on to another Agent.

At the initial meeting 2 years ago, I showed him the Comps that I came up with and recommended he price his home accordingly. He refused and wanted to list at what he felt he could get for it. I told him at the time, that I'll take the listing, but he cannot be angry with me when he doesn't get any showings, let alone any inquiries.

His Home sold here about 2 1/2 months ago. The Selling price was in the range that I expected this Home to sell for. He was also on the second Agent after me.

I asked him what it sold for. (I already knew) He seemed almost embarrassed when he told me. I acted surprised when when he did. I asked him if that was in the range that I told him to list it around, when I was his Agent. He murmured, "Yes".

I asked him how he felt about that. He was upset that it took sooooooo long to sell. I then told him, that when a Home is overpriced, rarely will it get shown. If it does get an offer, it will generally be an offer that is consistent with the comps of the homes in the area and the Owner may just see it as a "Lowball" offer. He hesitantly agreed.

He told me, that at the time, he felt I didn't have accurate numbers and figured I was blowing steam. I then asked him, "Do you think I pulled these numbers out of my hat?" He apologized and said that, since I was a relatively new Agent back then he didn't think I had the experience. I asked why he hired me and he then said that he heard I was, "One to watch", by a friend of his. I did thank him for the opportunity and told him that I wished he had listened to my advice, based on the documents we had in front of us at the time of the initial Listing Appointment.

He said, "Me too, I made almost 2 years of extra Mortgage payments, that I shouldn't have had to make."

We said our goodbyes and proceeded to shop....

Hindsight is 20/20

Normal? What's that?

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 04:21:47 -0700

I had a conversation with another Realtor® yesterday and this Agent has been in the business for over a decade.

We talked about the rising prices in several areas, of the homes in our County and of the New Construction that seems to be in full force.

I haven't seen the Construction of new homes this active since 2006. It's a good sign.

As we talked, she made a comment that has been stuck in my craw. She said, "At least our Market is getting back to normal".

Wait,... what?.... Normal?

According to the dictionary, the definition of normal runs along these lines... "usual, typical, or expected".

Even from my standpoint, there really is no "Normal" when it comes to Real Estate. Every deal is different and pretty much unique. Sure, there are many that are similar, but never completely alike.

What is Normal?

Not usual, typical or expected.

When the Seasons change so do the types of Buyers

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 05:39:41 -0700

Now that Fall is officially here, I am in the mid stages of changing up my marketing strategies.

The Summer buyers are but a memory and the Fall months bring different Buyers with a different perspective.

HUNTERS: Buyers from this group will be here through November. Several, of these kind of Buyers, look for smaller cabins with acreage and closer to National Forest. (Seasonal/vacation types)

Autumn enthusiasts: We, too, will see an influx of folks that come here for the Colors of the changing of the seasons. This type of Buyer loves to visit as the greens change to yellows, oranges and reds. Typically these are also seasonal and vacation types. These types are open to several options, from cabins to condo's to actual second homes.

Skiiers: Last year, in mid October, we had 3 feet of Snow fall on Wolf Creek Pass and the ski season came earlier than normal. These type of Buyers will also be of the vacationing type, but will initially look for Condos or Townhouses that they may use twice a year. There are some that will look for that second home.

Marketing to the various Buyers, to me, helps to identify the different strategies to utilize, when finding the right Buyers for the types of listings I have available. Hunters=Cabins, Skiiers=Condos and General Season vacationers=wide open.

Taking ones home off the market this time of year can be a big mistake and may delay the sale of a home by up to 6 months. The Agents out there just need to change up their marketing to identify their Buyers.

If it's in this State I can represent you, if it's in the Rain, I can help.

Sun, 16 Sep 2012 08:10:14 -0700

Recently, I was speaking to a friend of mine that I've known for years. We had been into the conversation for about 20 minutes when she had informed me they had moved from one town to another on the Front Range of Colorado.

She knew I was a Realtor® and she told me of the tough time they had with their Listing Agent in the County they had moved from. She spoke of how they were never informed of showings and how difficult it was to get in touch with this agent, yada, yada, yada....

She finally got to a point where she said, "I wish you could have been our Realtor® when we were moving."

I hesitated.... (I almost felt like reaching through the phone..." then I told her, "Well, I could have been." She seemed confused and asked me what I meant. I told her that I was Licensed in the State of Colorado and it doesn't limit my abilities to a specific geographical area. I can help Buyers and Sellers ANYWHERE in this State. She said she wished she had known this.

My License allows me to help Statewide. The Rain allows me to help anywhere there is a Rainer. That network of connections is invaluable.

Of course, I'm not familiar with all of the Counties in our State and if there were a contact that needed my help here or anywhere else in the Rain, I could be of help.

It is quite apparent that some homeowners are not aware of the Licensing Capabilities of the Agents in their home States. If an Agent has a State issued Realtors®License, that would mean they could work anywhere in that State. They are not limited to their own town or county. (AT least that is my impression)

Having the vast network of Activerain members is a plus. Being able to make a phone call or send an email to another member, regardless of where they are at, enhances my ability to help folks in this Town, County or State. It also benefits when you know of someone in the Activerain network, that lives in an area your folks may be moving to or from. That may be State, Country, Continent or Worldwide.

It's Awesome!

Wasted Time ~ All Bank departments should be on the same page.

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 07:25:05 -0700

Once upon a time, a Buyer had been led to believe the he would be living in his very own home in no time. All he had to do was find the right one.

He's a Teacher and had been one for some time. He got a letter from a Nationally known Lending Institution and he initially has been pre-qualified by this Bank. Hell it was one of the Biggest in the Nation. He contacted this Bank in the town that he was living in at the time. He supplied all of the information they had requested. A few days pass and he is notified that he has been approved for a loan for up to $XXX,XXX. All he had to do now, was find a home. He begins to look....

I got a call from this Buyer about 9 weeks ago. He called about one of my listings but wanted to see others as well. I showed him the home that he called on and several others. Mine was not the most appealing and he chose a different home. I was okay with that. I was his Realtor® now and I was there to help.

We began the negotiations and finally agreed on price with the Seller. (We were well under what he'd been approved for.) We now had a fully executed Sales Contract. It was just a matter of time now, right?

NOT!

A couple of days pass and the contact my Buyer had for his lending institution contacted him and requested a few items, for the underwriting department. He easily complied. We initially wrote the contract with a 30 day closing. His bank called and requested a six week close so they could have everything ready and it would close without a hitch. We amended the contract.

We had the Home Inspection completed the following week and things were progressing smoothly, or so we thought. Two weeks go by and my Buyer is contacted again, by the underwriting department, requesting specific information. He complied. Another week goes by.... I hadn't heard anything from the contact at the Bank in a while so I called her. Her voicemail said she was going to be out of the office until 2 days after our scheduled close date. (She didn't notify my Buyer about her absensce or a contact while she was away.)

I called their main number back and spoke with one of her co-workers. This person could not identify anyone that was handling our contacts workload while she was out. Not good.

I then contacted a Supervisor of hers. Amazingly, in less than 5 minutes, I received an email from our "Out of office" contact. She stated that we would need to push out the closing date by a couple of days. We did an Amend/Extend to push out the date 1 week.

A couple of days go by and my Buyer gets an email from underwriting, requesting a letter from the School he was going to be teaching at. They wanted something in writing guaranteeing that my Buyer was to be employed for YEARS to come.

What?

Being that he is a Schoolteacher, contracts between him and the school are renewed annually. The School couldn't comply. I then spoke with an Agent in our office, who works full time as Teacher and part time Realtor®. I also spoke face to face with a local representative of this particular Bank. Both of them knew of the annual agreements that Teachers had.

As it turned out, the loan was rejected and my Buyer was completely Blown Away! He has decided to wait until the end of the 2012-2013 school year to even think about going through this process again. I told him to go with one of our "Local" banks. The money is here and not 1000 miles away.

I had never had this happen before. I think that all departments within a Lending Institution need to be on the same page. One says, "Yep" while the other says something quite opposite.

Any time a future buyer mentions this Banks name as there go to lender, I will tell them this story. I certainly won't recommend them.

Hopefully they won't have to have 9 weeks of their lives wasted.

Aerial Mapping Clarity

Sun, 09 Sep 2012 05:36:33 -0700

When researching properties for customers or clients I like to send them as much information possible on any given parcel. This is especially true for those that prefer more detailed information on Land Lots or Neighborhood Layouts.

Not only do I send these folks copies of readily available MLS Documents, I will send County information and anything else I can find. Some of these folks are visual. These are the ones that will also benefit from aerial mapping to get an idea of how a piece of property is laid out and gives them a "Better Picture" of its surrounding area.

For the longest time I used Google Maps to give them a Birds Eye View, but now have found that Bing offers a mapping device that beats Google, hands down.

Below are both Google and Bing Maps showing the same locations in two different settings. One is with structures, the other is land features.

This Picture on the left, above, is from the Google Mapping. The one on the right is from the Bing Mapping feature.

The same goes for these two.... Google on the Left, Bing on the Right. The quality speaks for itself. I am always in search of bigger and better. My Clients shouldn't expect anything less. After all, they are the ultimate consumer.

When is your "OFF SEASON"?

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 05:32:54 -0700

As Realtors® we all know our local markets are just that LOCAL.

Every area across the nation is unique to its location. Those markets around dense metropolitan areas perform differently than those areas around retirement communities.

While the Selling season may be hot for one area during a specific period of time, another may be waiting for their Selling season to arrive. Each area of the Country is unique in its own right, with similarites in corresponding type markets.

Living in Pagosa Springs, Colorado our market is ideal. True, there are "Hotter" months than others, in our given areas, and typically in Pagosa our best months are August, September and October.

That said, I need to reinforce the fact the Local Realtors® need to know their Local Markets!

Whenever I hear a Home Seller say that once their current listing expires, they are going to wait until next Spring to re-list, I have to send them this picture to get an idea of how our Market works in this area.

In Pagosa, EVERY time of year brings Buyers.

May thru September, we have the Summer type season. September thru November, we have the Hunting season. Then from November thru March we have the Ski season. Our quietest month, (for the most part), is actually April.

Different Seasons bring Different Buyers, plain and simple. For that reason, the marketing I do changes with them. I encourage my Sellers to keep their home on the market during the "Off Season", because in all reality we don't have one. Okay maybe April?

I think that the Agents who have difficulty getting Sellers to list during their off season, should research just when their "Off Season" really is.

If you even have one, that is...

When a Seller changes Agents.

Sun, 02 Sep 2012 09:13:17 -0700

When speaking with Home Sellers that are potential Clients about why they are changing Agents, I hear the same thing 9 out of 10 times.

"I'm not happy with my current Agent" It's almost a given.

When I ask why they are not happy, I pretty much get the same response. "My agent isn't getting any showings" or "when I do get a showing, I don't hear anything about how it went." Trying to get information from their Agent shouldn't be a chore.

What it really boils down to, I found, is the absence of communication. The Seller needs feedback. Not only from showings, but from their Agent. An Agent should know their market. They should be able to provide the necessary information to the Home Seller so their home is sold. This could be related to almost anything. Price, cleanliness, availablity to show and Buyer feedback. The list goes on but the previous 4 are the ones I hear the most.

Yes some Sellers are, or can be, very difficult to work with. This is especially true when the hired Agent doesn't communicate effectively or at all. Home Sellers may have an idea of what is going on in a specific market or they like to think so, but it is up to the Listing Agent to provide any and all information pertinent to the potential sale of the home. The Agent has to convey current, new or updated information as it becomes relevant and the Seller needs to know of the changes or statistics.

If the Agent did this? The Seller probably wouldn't change Agents.

I don't feed my Ego, I feed my face.

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 09:44:02 -0700

I recently had an encounter with a local Agent that told me I should really think about getting a newer car. (He was trying to sell one of his). He said mine didn't stick out!..... OMG!, REALLY???!!!

I used to have an All Terrain Full sized Ford and I do have to admit, it did get me out of some pretty hairy situations. The bad thing about it was that it got 14 miles to the Gallon, (Highway). I decided, back in 2008 that the vehicle I wanted was for me, not anyone else. I preferred to get something that was a sedan, front wheel drive and got great gas mileage. It didn't have to be pretty.

I have a 2001 Chevy Malibu. It's clean and it works. Nuff said.

It gets 36 mpg on the highway and 28 around town. It's also got front wheel drive. (It works, especially in the Winter in these mountains).

Long ago, I let go of material things. To me, they were status symbols of the time. Back then, I had to have the newest, the best, the latest.... anything....

Okay, my car isn't a luxury sedan, I'm okay with that. It certainly doesn't change the way I do business. My concern in this business is to get my Client the best deal, he or she can possibly get. Not to make sure that I have clean leather seats. Heck, 99% of the time my clients ride in their own vehicles anyway.

I grew up in a large family and I like to think that the values I got were worth more than anything money can buy.

My "mid-life crisis" came 20 years ago (if you want to call it that) and only reinforced the belief that I help others before I help myself.

My Clients comes first and I don't need to dazzle them with my car.

Sure I spend money, who doesn't??? But I think I put it where it is absolutely necessary. As an example, my son is Type I Diabetic and he'll get insulin long before I 'll ever think about driving a Luxury Car.

Heck it would probably get worse gas mileage anyways...

I have noticed another thing.... I eat alot.... :)

And that other agent? He really needs to get rid of that 6th car...

Colorfest 2012 ~ Balloon Rally in the Rocky Mountains

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 07:16:54 -0700

With less than 3 weeks to go, the Balloon Rally in the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado, are once again on the minds of those who enjoy both the Mountains and Hot Air Balloons. Of course we don't compare ourselves to the Event in Albuquerque the following month, but we can say there is no comparison in terms of the background aesthetics and the Beauty of Southwestern Colorado when it comes to Colorfest.

The 26th Annual Colorfest Balloon Rally Begins September 7th and end on September 9th, 2012.

Come join us!

When Looking for Mountain Property, let me take you to new elevations.

Jon Eliason ~ Associate Broker ~ Pagosa Springs, Colorado

It's more for my Seller than it is for me.

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 06:29:18 -0700

When I show other Agents listings I make it a point to contact them within 24 hours to give them feedback on the showing. I have my Agent Brochures with me during the showings and will jot down the observations and/or comments made by my Buyers. Every Buyer has a different perspective and I will project any observation made by them to the Listing Agent to pass along to the Homeowner.

After a tour of their home by prospective Buyers, the Seller wants to know how it went. Simple as that. They would love to get that feedback. Maybe the Buyer saw something that the Seller has overlooked? Maybe they made a comment on how they would change something or move something to enhance its presence?

Whatever the case, I will contact the Listing Agent of a Home I've shown, so they can get that information to their Seller. It just makes sense.

Sturgis Stabbing of an 80 year old man

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 08:03:30 -0700

Being Born in Sturgis, South Dakota, I understand the lifestyle, conviviality and camaraderie that is typically felt and witnessed in these parts around the time of the Sturgis Rally.

The Rally is an annual event for Motorcylcle enthusiasts, mainly Harley Davidson folks and is generally a fun and exciting place to be. I guess that is just something we took for granted in those parts of the heartland.

That said, I have to try to understand how a 41 year old man from Louisiana could stab an 80 year old Veteran 3 times in the chest.

That 80 year old man is my cousin, once removed. (My Fathers Cousin)

I went through several emotions yesterday and the one that stayed with me the longest was the anger I had for the man who could do such a thing, especially to an elderly gentleman. The last one that I am still working on is forgiveness. This guy probably has some issues that need to be addressed.

http://www.keloland.com/newsdetail.cfm/80-year-old-veteran-stabbed-by-hitchhiker/?id=135566

I don't know the entire story yet, but knowing Myron, I think that this guy probably tried to rob him and Myron probably said something to the effect of, "F*** You!"

Good for you Myron!

I hope Myron makes a speedy recovery and I'm glad they caught this SOB.