No one ever thinks about how hard I work, they just make fun of me because most of the time I'm muddy or dusty on the outside and with people always getting in an out, leaving gravel and dirt on the floorboards, dirty on the inside too. I don't feel like I present a professional image, to be honest.
It's a thankless job showing all those properties, I'm the best assistant Mary has - but it's always "all about her"! She doesn't even give me any credit for helping her out. Well, let me tell you - trudging up and down those dusty, muddy or snowy hills, often in 4 wheel drive, is hard work!
I got new feet last month, it makes it easier to do my job and they really look nice too.
It's embarrassing to go to the city and see all my nice clean friends parked in the parking lots and on the roads.
When we were in town yesterday, I actually heard that squeaky clean Tahoe laughing at me as he pulled up to the light; most of those city cars laugh and it makes me feel pretty bad.
There should be no shame in being a working vehicle. That Tahoe lives in the city, drives on pavement, maybe takes the kids to soccer - while I have a very important job in the mountains.
A lot of the other cars where I'm from look the same. Uppity cars can be so cruel, don't even get me started about those Lexus'.
Mary can't wash me all the time, something about using the well water for household purposes only. We have to run 20 miles or so down to LaPorte to the carwash. I like the highway though; I can still keep up with the other cars, even the fancy ones.
While we were in town yesterday, I got to see the train. (I'm glad I'm not a train)
And I finally got a bath, ah that felt so refreshing!
I felt pretty special going back to the mountains all nice and shiny and clean.
Then, that crazy Realtor® took me on the muddy and snowy roads up Bald Mountain Dr. and put a cold and dirty real estate sign in the back.....what was she thinking!!?? It was fun while it lasted; I guess it's back to work for me. Spa day is over.
"A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul"
The information contained in Mary's blog is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed, and the opinions and views expressed in these articles are solely those of the author.
Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. I love to hear from you. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam - and you are 'so not spam'! Please feel free to email me any time.
"Babes in Toyland" is now playing at the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins. With a cast of adults and children, it is sure to be a good show!
I'm so excited to go with my grand kids and daughter to see this because for my grandchildren, this will be their introduction to the theatre. Our grandson wasn't very enthusiastic when he found out they didn't have snacks there but, if they like it, maybe we'll see the Nutcracker in December.
Even if you live in Red Feather Lakes, it's a short drive! So if you're looking for something fun to do, check out what's happening at the Lincoln Center.
"The Lincoln Centeris one of Colorado's largest and most diverse presenters of professional theatre, dance, music, visual arts and children's programs". There is a large performance hall that holds 1180 people, and a 220 seat theatre for smaller venues.
Three Art galleries feature contemporary artists and the art exhibitions usually change about every 8 to 12 weeks. Opening Receptions are free and open to the public as are the Gallery Talk presentations given by the exhibiting artists.
The Terrace, which is an outdoor sculpture/ performance garden is where the "Out to Lunch" summer concerts are held.
There are also large conference/special event rooms and many people have their wedding receptions there. The Lincoln Center is a wonderful place, I'm glad that it is here, and not too far away from Red Feather Lakes!
This is the schedule for performances in the 2nd half of November: Click on the link above to purchase tickets, for art gallery information and for up coming events!
Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO
"A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul"
The information contained in Mary's blog is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed, and the opinions and views expressed in these articles are solely those of the author.
Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. I love to hear from you. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam - and you are 'so not spam'! Please feel free to email me any time.
OK, from time to time I've written about septic systems. Not that I know A LOT about septic systems, or even like them. Heck, to tell you the truth, I spend as little time as possible thinking about them! Still they have to be addressed when purchasing a house with one. Well, you'll be glad to know this is not another post about septic systems but today I got a call from a town listing agent.
His Red Feather Lake area listing is under contract, the septic tank needed to be pumped, and he didn't know who to call to do the job.
"A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul"
The information contained in Mary's blog is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed, and the opinions and views expressed in these articles are solely those of the author.
Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. I love to hear from you. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam - and you are 'so not spam'! Please feel free to email me any time.
Last week Santana's "Samba Pa Ti"played in the background at the end of ‘Cold Case'.
I have always loved that song.
I had the great pleasure of seeing Santana perform at the Lincoln Center, in Fort Collins, CO in the 1980s. I have a special connection to the Lincoln Center because my husband helped build the stage there - the same stage that Santana and so many others have stood on.
From the ‘scrap" stage floor lumber, he built our dining room table top - the very same table top on which my computer sits as I type this ....I know, I'm rambling and I will get back to the point of the post.
The song was originally recorded in 1970. I started wondering how many times Carlos Santana has played that song over the last 39 years and I'm curious if he is "sick and tired" of it yet or still loves to play it?
How many times has Paul McCartney had to sing "Yesterday" or has Bruce Springsteen had to sing "Born in the USA", for that matter.
Every profession requires a certain amount of repetition; whether you are a musician, a baker or a candle-stick maker.
What I love about being a REALTOR® is having new experiences with every individual I meet. Yes, many things are the same, but each situation is unique and no two transactions are ever alike.
It isn't about the work at all; it's all about the people.
For Santana, perhaps it isn't about the song, it is about the audience.
Because every career has a certain amount of redundancy; the art of thoroughly enjoying it and being a master of your trade is to play the song like it isthe first time that it has ever been heard, play it like Carlos Santana and every time - play it with all of your heart.
"A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul"
The information contained in Mary's blog is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed, and the opinions and views expressed in these articles are solely those of the author.
Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. I love to hear from you. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam - and you are 'so not spam'! Please feel free to email me any time.
"But I don't want to live where there is a H.O.A."
Many people think they don't want to live in an area that has a Home Owners Association. I have heard several horror stories about some that makes me think I wouldn't either!
Still, wherever you go, things are different. Not all Subdivisions or Associations are the same.
It's important to review the Covenants and any other governing documents before purchasing property in a particular subdivision and then decide if you can abide by them. Many Homeowners' Associations have a website with access to all the governing documents, or your Realtor® can get those documents for you from the Association, too. (Some Associations charge for this).
When people come into my office looking for property and say "But I don't want to live where there is a H.O.A.", they have automatically discarded several listings and limited their choices greatly. So, we only look where there are no Associations and hopefully find something they like.
Rather than discard all of the H.O.A. properties, wouldn't it be worth it to read the Covenants and talk to the Association about any questions you have, and then decide?
Some Associations provide services to the property owners; is it worth the effort to find out what they are and if that is a benefit to you?
Clearly, there are good reasons to choose not to live in a community that has a Homeowners' Association, but there are good reasons to reconsider it, as well.
In my subdivision, the Homeowner's Association, among several other things, plows and maintains all the private roads. I have to tell you, when I see that plow coming down our road after a snow storm, I'm really glad I live in a community with an H.O.A. that provides that service.
....
Otherwise, I would be looking in the John Deere catalog, trying to decide what kind of tractor to buy!
"A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul"
The information contained in Mary's blog is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed, and the opinions and views expressed in these articles are solely those of the author.
Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. I love to hear from you. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam - and you are 'so not spam'! Please feel free to email me any time.
While this may sound like a sad tale, it really isn't. I was so thankful that this caller was forthright in telling me that she had been working with her close-family-real-estate-agent-friend. Although she had not signed a buyer's agency agreement, this was her friend and she was very loyal. I had no intention of ruining that relationship. With that information, we were able to have a candid conversation about investing time in showing property and then having someone else write the contract and getting paid.
I really appreciated her candor and honesty; she is definitely someone that I would like to work with.
Her agent friend is from the city and not familiar with this area. When the agent returns from vacation and if they need my help, we can talk about a referral.
Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®
United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO
"A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul"
The information contained in Mary's blog is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed, and the opinions and views expressed in these articles are solely those of the author.
Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. I love to hear from you. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam - and you are 'so not spam'! Please feel free to email me any time.
Of course you can drill a well on less than 35 acres! (HERE)
Water rights and water law are confusing in Colorado! Luckily for you, I'm not a water attorney, I'm a REALTOR® and I sell mountain property where you can drill a well on less than 35 acres.
Now, if you've been searching for property in other parts of the State - you might be thinking that I've hit my head, maybe you think I'm nuts or plain just don't know what I'm talking about, because several people have already told you that you need to own 35 acres, in order to get a well permit.
That's true in some places - but not everywhere.
In our area we have 2 large mountain Subdivisions, Glacier View Meadows and Crystal Lakes; generally lots are between 1.5 to 3 acres, and because of a Water Augmentation Plan you can drill a well on most lots.
There are some lots that are serviced by community water systems, and on these you just need to pay the tap fee and tap into the water supply! No need to pay thousands of dollars for a well.
So, if you are looking for mountain property, with the ability to drill a well, and want a smaller piece of land, maybe you need to travel North and check out these two subdivisions near Red Feather Lakes!
And...if you really want to purchase 35 acres, we have plenty of those parcels up here too!
"A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul"
The information contained in Mary's blog is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed, and the opinions and views expressed in these articles are solely those of the author.
Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. I love to hear from you. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam - and you are 'so not spam'! Please feel free to email me any time.
23 HOMES HAVE BEEN SOLD in the Glacier View Meadows Subdivision
Low $120,000
High $397,500
Average $211,952
Median $ 199,000
Average Days on the Market (ADOM) - 198
There are 47 Active Listings: low $85,000; high $1,150,000. ADOM - 193
12 VACANT LOTS HAVE BEEN SOLD
Low $8,600
High $62,000
Average $26,929
Median $22,000
Average Days on the Market (ADOM) - 229
There are 43 Active Listings: low $16,900; high $98,600. ADOM - 276
There are so many things that make Glacier View Meadows Subdivision a great place to be; Fishing in nearby fishing ponds, and enjoying the hiking trails are only a few. Less than an hour away from Fort Collins, it's a wonderful place to camp, live year ‘round or have a weekend retreat. For those who work in Fort Collins, Glacier View Meadows is an easy commute. Come up and see what it's all about! If you would like more information on selling or buying in Glacier View Meadows, please don't hesitate to give me a call.
GREAT NEWS!!!
Interest Rates are still low
Financing is available for HUD Modulars
The first time home buyers tax credit has been extended
AND
The credit now includes any home buyer of a principal residence who has lived in their current home for at least 5 years.
"A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul"
The information contained in Mary's blog is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed, and the opinions and views expressed in these articles are solely those of the author.
Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. I love to hear from you. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam - and you are 'so not spam'! Please feel free to email me any time.
23 HOMES HAVE BEEN SOLD in the Crystal Lakes Subdivision
Low $83,000
High $350,000
Average $183,500
Median $ 155,000
Average Days on the Market (ADOM) - 152
There are 37 Active Listings: low $119,000; high $695,000. ADOM - 226
31 VACANT LOTS HAVE BEEN SOLD
Low $15,500
High $175,000
Average $41,548
Median $36,500
Average Days on the Market (ADOM) - 217
There are 48 Active Listings: low $17,750; high $109,900 ADOM - 326
Crystal Lakes is a wonderful mountain subdivision. Fishing in the private lake, nearby steams and enjoying the hiking trails are only a few of the things to do. A little more than hour an away from Fort Collins, Crystal Lakes is a great place to camp, live year 'round or have a weekend retreat. Come up and see what it's all about! If you would like more information on selling or buying in Crystal Lakes, please do not hesitate to give me a call.
GREAT NEWS!!!
Interest Rates are still low
Financing is available for HUD Modulars
The first time home buyers tax credit has been extended
AND
The credit now includes any home buyer of a principal residence who has owned their current home for at least 5 years.
"A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul"
The information contained in Mary's blog is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed, and the opinions and views expressed in these articles are solely those of the author.
Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. I love to hear from you. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam - and you are 'so not spam'! Please feel free to email me any time.
The full moon has been so beautiful lately. I've seen it reflected on Batterson Lake every night for about the last 4 nights. The additional light provided great reflection for the surrounding mountains and clouds. I'm still trying to master the art of night-time photography - but here is my most recent attempt at it. Does it make you wonder, which way is up?
Maybe some of the more professional photographers could give me some hints about how to make it better. The one above I shot using a tri-pod. The one below, I held my breath. I realize, there is no amount of breath holding that will save you from blurring the shot on a slow shudder - still I like the way it turned out.
"A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul"
The information contained in Mary's blog is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed, and the opinions and views expressed in these articles are solely those of the author.
Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. I love to hear from you. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam - and you are 'so not spam'! Please feel free to email me any time.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
It's embarrassing to go to the city and see all my nice clean friends parked in the parking lots and on the roads.
So what did he do?
Last week Santana's 
Many people think they don't want to live in an area that has a Home Owners Association. I have heard several horror stories about some that makes me think I wouldn't either!
....
Water rights and water law are confusing in Colorado! Luckily for you, I'm not a water attorney, I'm a REALTOR® and I sell mountain property where you can drill a well on less than 35 acres.
;)
;)
