Mary's Blog from Red Feather Lakes, CO

Silly Real Estate Agent, don't you know where the property is located?

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:28:35 -0700

I’ve been having a little problem lately, and not sure if any of you have experienced this, but I put the correct address in MLS….and then it shows up on Trulia on a different street!

You see, Larimer County changed some of our street names 3 or 4 years ago- I guess they forgot to let Zillow and Trulia and Google know!

I have a vacant lot listing on Manso Way, in Crystal Lakes but Trulia is advertising it as being on Commanche Way – it’s not- which makes me look like an idiot.

Also, a very nice log cabin on Chipeta Rd., in the Village of Red Feather, is being advertised on Trulia as being on Hiawatha Way – or some such street that used to exist but doesn’t any longer.

I tried to create a Postlet for that great listing on Chipeta Rd….Postlets are in the Zillow family …. NOPE- if Google can’t map it, you can’t create a Postlet!

So thank you to the BIG GUNS, Trulia, Zillow and Google, who apparently think they know more than I do about property in Red Feather Lakes.

I'm down here walking in the dirt, feet on the ground, and as a matter of fact, I do know where the property is located.

So, please just call me if you're interested. I'm not a cranky person, actually I'm a very nice person- until someone or something starts messing with my listings on line!

I'll go take a walk now...it will be OK......

**********************************************************************************************

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Would you like to know more about the Livermore/Red Feather Lakes area? Want more exposure for your home or property? More exposure for your business or event? Let me know, I'm always looking for blog topics and I love to showcase my listings on Active Rain!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Should you drive-by before making a showing appointment?

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:21:36 -0700

Often sellers will go next door, or get in their car and park around the corner when there is a showing- that way they know when they can go back home and get on with their normal lives.

So what happens when they see the buyer with their agent simply drive by at the showing time…..? and they don’t even bother to go inside?!

You know the sellers cleaned and made sure everything was just right for them. You have to know that it’s not the most convenient thing to have to leave your home when you are a seller- pack up the kids; the dog and the cat…maybe leave in the middle of the baseball game or their favorite television show, too...

On the other hand, I've been that buyer's agent and when we are right in front of the house, and the buyer says, “I don’t want to even go in”, I can't make them go in. It happens. I do feel badly for the sellers when I know they have left their home for this showing. But, the buyers have their reasons; perhaps it’s because they don’t like the land, or the setting.

Depending on the buyers and circumstance, I might say, “Well, we’re here anyway, it will just take a few minutes to go look, the more you see, the more you will know about what’s available in our market.”

AND/OR

“Things might look/seem entirely different when you’re inside looking out….than when you’re outside looking in.”

Sometimes, I think these things happen because, buyers don’t have the time to drive by the properties before making an appointment and other buyers dictate to the agent what homes they (think they) want to see, instead of relying on their agent’s expertise to show them only the homes that suit their specific criteria.

Doing a drive by before making the appointment, if possible, would help avoid this happening....

I know it is disappointing for the sellers to see.

I can feel them watching, staring holes in the back of my head, when I'm that agent in the car, too! If looks could kill, I'd probably be dead.

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Getting frustrated looking for a home in Fort Collins?

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 16:16:17 -0700

Getting frustrated looking for a home in Fort Collins?

Yes, it looks like homes are flying off the shelves in Fort Collins and if you are trying to purchase one; I can only imagine how frustrating it must be. The competition is great- as in intense- that’s not necessarily “great” meaning “good”, for buyers.

Today, I ran an MLS search for 3 bedroom, 2 bath homes with a 2 car attached garage in the Fort Collins area. There were 42 homes listed between $200K and $260K that fit those parameters. Only 8 did not have a contract!

There were 2 in Wellington,

1 in the City of Fort Collins,

1 in Bellvue,

2 in Livermore (Glacier View Meadows)

1 in Red Feather

All very nice, but Glacier View Meadows might be a good choice! Maybe you could take a northerly peaceful drive out of town and take a look at this one:

Once you pass Hwy 287 and Shields, there aren’t any more traffic lights. No more stop and go.

It’s put the top down, turn on the tunes, set your soul free, peaceful kind of highway drivin’all the way! Don’t worry, you read that right – no stop & go, no stop lights. It’s a very easy commute. You can even hear yourself think.... You might want to slow down on Hwy 287 to make that west turn onto County Rd. 74E toward Glacier Views Meadows, though!

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Colorado Mountain Cabin For Sale

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:02:05 -0700

THIS IS THE COMPLETE PACKAGE: all furniture, appliances, kitchen cookware and dinnerware, linens, towels, TVs, and even a fishin' boat with trolling motor are all included with the sale of this Colorado Mountain Cabin. There is a large Trex deck for outside entertaining or just sitting and watching the wildlife. The storage shed is a great place to store your fishing gear and you can relax by the campfire at the end of the day with family and friends. The cabin and land have been well taken care of - there's really nothing for you to do, except enjoy it!

Mary Douglas | United Country Ponderosa Realty | (800) 531-2195

156 Jicarilla Trl, Red Feather Lakes, CO

Fully Furnished Turn-Key Colorado Mountain Cabin

2BR/1BA Single Family House

offered at $105,000

Year Built	1965
Sq Footage	684
Bedrooms	2
Bathrooms	1 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	Unspecified
Lot Size	.56 acres
HOA/Maint	$59 per month

DESCRIPTION

Everything is included with this cabin in the woods - what a great place for your unique mountain get-a-way. Both land and cabin have been meticulously maintained. No work for you! Just pack a bag, some supplies and you're ready to enjoy your own private piece of paradise.

Red Feather Lakes

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Family room	- Dryer	- Microwave
- Refrigerator	- Stove/Oven	- Washer
- Balcony, Deck, or Patio	- Ceiling fans	- Central heat
- Off-street parking	- RV parking

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Lake

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Turn-key Colorado Mountain cabin

- All furnishings, full kitchen, linens etc incl.

- fishing boat and electric trolling motor too!

- gentle well timbered mountain land

- seasonal community water and sewer

- large Trex deck

- 50 year roof installed in 2006

- almost new furnace

- (real) wood paneling provides mountain charm

- storage shed

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Turn-Key Cabin	large deck/ entertaining
comfortable decor	everything is here
tell your fish tales here	plenty of storage
comfortable & cozy	mountain breezes & dreams
shared bath	snuggle in - Bedroom # 2
gentle,well timbered	view to the south
storage shed too	sheltered in the trees
get together fireside

Contact info:

Mary Douglas

United Country Ponderosa Realty

(800) 531-2195

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Apr 17, 2013, 4:39pm PDT

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Do you know who can fix that in Red Feather Lakes?

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:43:18 -0700

Do you know who can fix that in Red Feather Lakes?

Red Feather sellers and buyers often ask me, “Who do you know that can fix ‘this or that’ or “who would you recommend?” Most often I have a name of a local tradesman or professional who can assist them. If I don’t know, you can bet money that one of my associates at Ponderosa Realty will!

The other day, my (out of town) buyer called to say he needed a snow bar for his metal roof in order to protect a newly installed vent pipe from breaking again; he wanted it installed right away because snow was predicted for the following day.

I gave a shout-out to my peeps at Ponderosa Realty for help on this one and low and behold, my associate’s husband just happened to have a snow bar and could go up that morning and install it.

My S.O.S. went out at 7:47 a.m. and I received an email with photo attached of the already installed snow bar at 9:27 a.m.!

IT WAS DONE, in less than 2 hours!

Local agents are a great resource.

In a small community, neighbors help neighbors, folks who live here and work here know others who live and work here, and that is a huge benefit of working with a local agent, no matter where you are.

When you work with a local real estate agent you get a lot more than real estate market knowledge:

We also know who can fix your lock, electrical or plumbing problem, satellite or car.

We know who to call when the septic or well needs inspected or repaired,

we know who can blast a driveway, who will excavate one, and who can plow it.

In Red Feather or Livermore, we know who to call for your land survey, utilities, your sick cat and so much more and we know who can be there soon.

When an out-of-area agent needs such information, many times they ask us, too. (funny story)

Local is just better, faster and most times less costly because you’re not paying a trip charge, either.

Why wouldn’t you employ a local agent to work with you?

********************************************************

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Wordless Wednesday: April (snow) Showers in Red Feather Lakes

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:42:01 -0700

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Asbestos Tiles in your Red Feather Lakes kitchen….and cows

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 08:25:37 -0700

I learned the other day that you don’t get in between a cow and her calf….I did not learn this firsthand thankfully; but the cow caused great harm to the person who did- charging her and breaking bones.

Who knew?!

Ranchers already know this, but “raised-in-the-city people” like me wouldn’t know; and they look so mild mannered and harmless out there in the fields, too….

Another thing that may seem perfectly harmless is that vinyl kitchen flooring. After all, you’ve been walking on it for 40 plus years, and it IS harmless until you decide to “RE-Moooooooove” it !

If you are thinking about updating your home, you need to know:

State and Federal regulations require an inspection for asbestos before commencing any work to remove that old vinyl flooring (anything more than 32 square feet) and many other common building materials listed in this bulletin from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Several cabins and homes in the Red Feather Lakes area were built in the 70s and many date back earlier. In talking to a flooring installer today, I learned that no matter when the cabin was built, an asbestos test is required before a flooring contractor will remove any vinyl flooring.

If the material is found to contain asbestos, then a certified Asbestos Abatement Contractor must remove it. There is a ten working- day waiting period and additional paper work if asbestos is found, so you would need to include additional costs and time into your project.

Now you know: never get stuck in between a cow and her calf…or caught in between these State and Federal Regulations and the timely completion of your reno project!

If by any chance, you were considering cowhide tiles for your NEW flooring…they actually make them!

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Elk in Livermore Colorado

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:23:26 -0700

I spotted this elk herd in Livermore today on my way back home from a closing.

The closing had been postponed several times; it was frustrating and stressful for everyone involved, and it was good to finally get it closed! After spending the afternoon running errands and driving in Loveland and Fort Collins traffic, I felt happy and relieved to be turning off the Highway and heading west toward home- even happier when I spotted the elk.

Native American people believe that each animal teaches us lessons about life that we need to learn. They say, the elk remind us to pace ourselves and protect our stamina. Elk are able to look at the long journey and are very adept at maintaining their energy and perseverance.

‘Good lesson for this real estate agent or anyone involved in a real estate transaction, I think!

I found this elk herd in Livermore…..or maybe they found me.

Ah, life is good in Livermore, Colorado!

*******************************************

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR® United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Red Feather Home Buying-5 Ways to Get Off on the Wrong Foot

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 09:14:50 -0700

5 ways to start off on the wrong foot when buying a home in Red Feather Lakes

1.) Drive up on the spur of the moment and expect to see every house on your list.

By giving your agent some time to make the showing appointments you have a better chance of seeing everything you would like to see. In a perfect world, we could reach every agent/office in a split second and sellers would be on notice 24/7 to vacate for a showing…but that is not always the case. It’s disappointing when we can’t get in to see all of the homes due to short notice.

2.) Assume that you already know everything about the property and the market because you found the listings on the internet. You “show yourself” the vacant lots and decide to write an offer on one of them before asking any questions.

“Oh, I can’t have a horse there?” or “Oh, I didn’t know I would have to drill a well!” could have easily been asked and answered by a local real estate agent. There is no cost to you, as a buyer, to hire an agent to help you find the right property- and think about all the time, gas and frustration you will save yourself with local knowledge and professional help.

3.) Insult the seller by submitting a low-ball offer.

I’ve found that this usually does not bode well for the rest of the transaction. You’ve angered the seller and while at least they did come back with a counter offer, chances are, you will get nothing else out of them- they’re still upset. Make your first offer a good and fair offer and you will probably do better in the long run.

4.) Not talking to a lender first

Finding a cabin that you really want and then learning that you cannot get financing or you don’t have enough cash for a down payment can be heartbreaking. Your lender’s pre-approval allows you to shop with confidence and you’ll be prepared to write an offer right away.

5.) Have a local agent show you the property and then ask your town agent to write the offer!

This is just wrong on many levels, your town agent knows better. I say, "dance with the one that brought you” and if you are going to have a certain agent represent you, then that agent should also be the one to show you around. Red Feather is a small community; maybe you did not realize that the local agent you just took advantage of will be your new neighbor? Now, that’s awkward.

Don’t start off on the wrong foot! Enlist the help of a local real estate professional, tell them what you are looking for; ask & listen, get pre-qualified, call ahead and put your best foot forward –

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Home Buying Tip- Where is Livermore, Colorado

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 08:03:47 -0800

The internet is vast with so many places to look for a new home…my friends Elizabeth Weintraub in Sacramento, CALIFORNIA and Jane Peters, in Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA ***say that housing inventory is very low; it’s a nightmare for buyers – especially those who are looking online and the same is true in many places in Colorado, too.

Yesterday, I got a call from a buyer who had been eagerly combing the internet for a home.

“How close is this house to 580?” he asked.

580?

“Highway 580”, he says.

I’m sorry; I don’t know where 580 is. I told him this home in Livermore was about 35 miles Northwest of Fort Collins and as the crow flies, about 10 miles south of the Wyoming border. The easiest way to get here was Highway 287.

“Oh, so this house isn’t in Livermore, CALIFORNIA?” he said.

“No, this home is in LIVERMORE, COLORADO, and that would make it very far from 580!!!” :-}

It’s easy to make a wrong turn on the internet highway.

************************************************

HERE'S THE TIP: Stop spinning your wheels - get a local real estate agent to help you.

***Here are the links to Elizabeth's and Jane's posts my plugins aren't working today:

http://activerain.com/blogs/elizabethweintraub

http://activerain.com/blogsview/3602544/buying-a-los-angeles-home-be-the-early-bird-

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Real Estate Notes for Red Feather Lakes buyers and sellers

Sat, 26 Jan 2013 12:02:11 -0800

Real Estate Notes for Red Feather Lakes buyers and sellers. Take note, 2013 is a new and different year.

A Note to Would- be Sellers:

You’ve decided to put your Glacier View Meadows, Crystal Lakes, Livermore or Red Feather Lakes home on the market in the Spring? Why wait?! I would recommend getting it listed now.

Our office has been swamped with phone calls from buyers and with showing requests, lately. The level of activity is surprising because it’s a little abnormal for January, but really, with the state of the market in recent years- who can really say what’s “normal” for 2013?

Call me, let’s get together and talk. If you want to sell, get it on the market. Your buyer may be on their way up the mountain right now.

A Note to Would-be buyers:

It’s wonderful to see you when you stop in, our office in Red Feather Lakes is open 7 days a week for your convenience. Our agents all live here and play here. Ponderosa Realty is celebrating its 30 year anniversary in 2013, and our broker Lucille Schmitt was helping folks buy and sell real estate in this area long before opening Ponderosa Realty in 1983.

We are your local experts.

A few reminders: even though it’s been balmy in lower elevations, bring your winter gear, like warm coats, hats, gloves and snow boots, so that you’ll be comfortable while looking at real estate. It’s still too early in most places for tennis shoes and light jackets.

And, if you call and make an appointment with an agent please have the courtesy to keep it, or call and cancel.

I kept this morning open for a buyer, but when I called him yesterday to confirm our appointment, he said “no”….he wasn’t coming…then he said, ”who is this?”!

Another agent waited in her vehicle for an hour and the seller left his home when the temperature was only 1 degree for a no-show showing a few weeks ago.

Seriously, we don’t make this stuff up, and we’re not crazy, WE know that you called and made an appointment and we look forward to meeting with you! We can usually reschedule for another day, so please let us know if you’re not coming and we can clear our schedule for another client.

A Note to Sellers:

Have you noticed an increase in showing activity too? No long winters’ nap this year!

Consult with your agent and go over items that can help you sell in winter. Things like, plowing the driveway if it needs it, or turning on a little heat in your winterized home or cabin could make a big difference. If your listing’s gone stale, freshen it up with a new price.

Since Thanksgiving 2012, 28 properties have gone under contract; showing Active/Backup status in MLS and 26 Properties have Sold.

This 44% increase in the number sold compared to the same time frame last year (2011-2012)

Just because it’s winter, doesn’t mean that buyers aren’t looking, because they are!!

Take Note!

*********************************************************

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Real Estate Buyers Beware-Don’t wire your funds to thieves

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 07:18:20 -0800

One of my associates got a very important looking email - something to the effect that the sender had uploaded some very important information in googledocs and a link was provided. It appeared to have come from an agent at Re/Max; but it did not.

Now, most real estate professionals would click on that link. It could be an offer, a loan officer might think it’s a new borrower, a title company; a new order. Any clients that my associate was working with would probably click on that link, too.

But what happens when you click on it? It sends the same message to everyone in your contacts and...

IT'S MALWARE!

BUT THAT'S JUST THE BEGINNING OF THE STORY:

My associate was working with buyers on a transaction that was going to closing this month. Of course, the buyers clicked on the link.

A few days before closing the buyers got several calls on their cell phone directing them to wire their money to a different account! They also received an email with new wiring instructions. The new wiring instructions were on the title company’s letterhead and looked very official (but the account numbers had been changed).

Now, these buyers (luckily) had already wired their funds and they were a little aggravated that the title company was giving them a new directive, so they called. The title company closer told them there was no need to wire to a different account and that’s when the vicious plot to steal these buyers’ money came to light.

I understand that all of the false communication had the closer’s name and title company name on it; even the email address. The crooks obviously were reading the buyer’s email and they had all the information they needed to be convincing.

We all get spam and junk in our email, we get several invitations to scams everyday, like: inheriting several million dollars, or that our friends on vacation are stranded…but this one was surprising. Maybe it’s not new, but it was certainly new to me. All parties had installed malware/spyware and anti-virus on their computers, too.

Buyers and buyers agents- be aware. Make sure that your funds and/or your buyer’s wired funds end up in the right place and not in the hands of thieves.

It’s a Crazy world we live in; be careful out there!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Happy New Year 2013 From Red Feather Lakes

Sun, 06 Jan 2013 16:37:07 -0800

A Cherokee Blessing for the New Year

"May the warm winds of heaven blow softly on your home,

and the Great Spirit bless all who enter there"

May your moccasins make happy tracks in many snows

And may the rainbow always touch your shoulder"

Wishing you all the best for the coming year, 2013 is going to be great!

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Do we really need a survey in Red Feather Lakes?

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 07:15:00 -0800

Do we really need a survey in Red Feather Lakes?

In Colorado, the buyer can choose if they want to get a survey - most often for residential properties, it might only be an Improvement Location Certificate (ILC), but you can choose to get a different kind of survey, too.

There’s a paragraph in the Colorado Real Estate contract that addresses the survey/ILC. It’s at this point, when writing up their offer, that buyers often look at me and say, “Do we really need a survey, Mary?”

Well, call me silly, but I think it’s a good thing to know that your cabin/home is actually on the property that you are buying, in the Village of Red Feather, particularly. (2) It’s good to know that the road is really at your property line and there’s not a parcel in between that would prevent you from crossing trespassing on someone else’s land to get to your land… and (3) it’s a good idea to be sure that no one else is encroaching onto the property you want to buy to avoid any future claims of adverse possession. These are just a few things to consider.

Maybe you found every survey marker on the ground, and you decide that you are OK without a survey. Maybe the seller already has a survey, often they do, we can ask. It’s ultimately your decision***, as the buyer, whether or not to order/ ask the seller to pay for a survey or an ILC.

***In areas where the Title Company is aware of boundary issues they may require a survey in order to provide additional insurance to you and your lender, this is usually the case in the Village. Most primary lenders require survey protection. In some subdivisions, a Title Company will extend survey protection without a survey or an ILC, but you may opt to get one anyway.

We can’t rely on the seller to just show us the property lines either. After the surveyor located and flagged all the corners/boundaries of a property recently, the sellers were very surprised, because they thought their property only went “to the tree”. That’s probably what they were told when they purchased it 16 years ago, but in fact, the lot extended well beyond that tree and it was a beautiful lot, too!

Many years ago, when I was still working at a title company, a seller represented that his property went “to the fence” - unfortunately the legal description of the property did not…

So, if you ask me if you “really need a survey in Red Feather Lakes” or anywhere else, I’m always going to give you the long answer so that you will have enough information to make your decision. I can’t tell you what to do and the Colorado Bar Association says I can’t give you legal advice. Know that the Title Company may require it and in the big scheme of things, it’s a small cost to pay in order to get the additional title insurance coverage or that extra “surprise” area of land and a little peace of mind.

**********************************************************************************************

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

What's wrong with this house and why hasn't it sold?

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 06:21:41 -0700

When a home has been on the market for a long period of time, buyers wonder “Why hasn’t it sold? What’s wrong with it?” I’ve heard that question many times from buyers while showing properties in and around Red Feather Lakes.

A man called the office last week and apparently had fallen in love with photos of one of our listings- he’s at least 1000 miles or more away, has never seen the property and wanted to know: “Why hasn’t it sold? What’s wrong with it?”

I have to tell you, first he asked for another agent, but since she wasn’t in, he thought maybe “I could help him”. This happens quite frequently and is the subject of another post altogether.

Now, agents must disclose all known material facts, but I’m not the listing agent on the home he was calling about. I have no actual knowledge of what is or isn’t wrong with this home and I really don’t know why it hasn’t sold.

“Perhaps its just been waiting for you to come along and buy it”, I wanted to say it, but I didn’t. Even though it's absolutely true- it just sounds so cheesy.

......

Not everyone likes, wants or needs the same things. Just look at the variety of choices that are available in almost everything we want to buy. There are hundreds of different cars made by several different manufacturers, thousands of different shoe brands & styles and even 31 different flavors of ice cream to choose from in just in one store.

Can you believe that VANILLA tied with Chocolate as a favorite ice cream flavor?...

PLAIN OLD VANILLA!

In our "non-vanilla" Red Feather Lakes real estate market, the average days on the market are still quite long, so if you see something you like and you’re wondering, “What’s wrong with it?” it could be there’s nothing wrong with it all.

That’s like wondering why your favorite Choco-BananaNut ice cream container is still full, (what’s wrong with it?) while the Vanilla is almost sold out. When you finally find your uniquely tasty ice cream favorite, just order a triple scoop and enjoy it! If this home is what you’ve been looking for, don’t hesitate- it could be there’s nothing wrong with it. Maybe it’s just been waiting for you to come along and scoop it up!

And it’s weird, when you do find your "Choco-BananaNut-like home", the one that perfectly suits YOUR specific taste, even though it’s been sitting on the shelf for awhile, chances are another Choco BananaNut freak someone else will come along and suddenly want it too, don’t ask me why- it just happens.

******************************************************************

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Interpreting Real Estate Market Data or what’s in this fruit salad?

Sat, 06 Oct 2012 10:44:37 -0700

Interpreting Real Estate Market Data or what’s in this fruit salad?

At the end of September, it was time to look at the data in my main markets of Red Feather Lakes and Livermore, Colorado for third quarter market reports. When it’s all said and done and the reports are posted, I always have a “so what?” moment.

How is it relevant for buyers and sellers? and How do we interpret this data?

First, anyone looking at this kind of report must understand that it’s only a snapshot in time. A few new sales, or new listings on the following DAY can and will change the data faster than you can say “Jiminy Cricket”.

Many real estate market reports include the average sales price. (This might be a good yardstick in a “cookie cutter” residential neighborhood where most of the homes are about the same; square footage, age, condition and built on lots that are approximately the same size.)

Still, it’s merely an average.

In my market reports, and in varied markets, all the apples, oranges and even some vegetables are thrown in the same bowl- like a really big fruit salad.

Here's an example of averaging:

A 500 sq ft. cabin (.25 acre) with no water sells for $50,000

A foreclosed 1100 sq ft. (1.5 acre) modular in poor condition -$110,000

A short sale 3,000 sq ft. home (10 acres)- $255,000

An updated 2500 sq ft. log home (3 acres) - $302,000

A luxury custom home in a golf course community- $800,000

When we add the numbers together, and divide by 5 the average sales price is $303,400.

No way is the seller on the golf course going to sell his home anywhere near $303K and the guy with the privy could only dream about a sales price like that!

The median price in this example is $255,000 meaning that ½ of the homes sold for more and ½ of the homes sold for less. Noting the difference between the average price and median price tells us a lot.

Let's look at Glacier View Meadows: more homes sold in the higher price ranges ( 300K- 400K) than last year during the same period of time. So, we can see why the average and median prices would go UP since 2011.

If you live in Glacier View, don’t get all giddy thinking your values just went up! It’s a snapshot in time, when compiled with data over a longer period will show us trends. But, if your home is on the market in one of those higher price ranges, it means we are seeing more buyers entering the market in that range- so good for you!

In Crystal Lakes, during the same time period, just 2 more homes sold for $150K or less, and one less home sold in the $300K bracket, which naturally brings the average and median prices down from the previous year."So what?"

When you’re looking at any real estate market report, it’s important to understand the data .

Market reports are important and over time provide valuable information. But, if you want to know your property’s current market value, or what you should offer on a particular property, you need a CMA- Comparative Market Analysis, also called a Competitive Market Analysis which will compare like properties; apples to apples and oranges to oranges.

Don’t rely on fruit salad, any general information like a zestimate, average cost per square foot, or just a snapshot in time. Get a CMA. Where do you get one of those? From your Local real estate agent- of course!

********************************************************************

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR® United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net 800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Red Feather Lakes, CO and Crystal Lakes Real Estate-Third Quarter 2012

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 20:47:36 -0700

Red Feather Lakes, CO and Crystal Lakes Real Estate-Third Quarter 2012

When comparing sales of residential property in Red Feather Lakes, CO and Crystal Lakes to the 3^rd quarter of 2011 it looks like this year is only slightly better in sales volume. We have quite a few sales pending so we’ll have to wait until December to see how the year stacks up.

In Red Feather Lakes and nearby Livermore, average days on the market were longer, while average and median prices were higher. However, Crystal Lakes residential sales are trending with lower average and median prices.

Averages don’t necessarily reflect an increase or decrease in value…because a large sale will throw the averages off. Median is the “middle line” with ½ selling above and the other ½ selling below.

I’ve broken out Crystal Lakes, within the Red Feather Lakes zip code, because it is the largest market in Red Feather accounting for 16 out of the 42 homes (38%) sold in the first three quarters of 2012.

The absorption rate shows the number of months it would take to sell the current inventory if sales continued at the same pace.

Six months or more indicate a buyer’s market-

Six months is a balanced market

Less than 6 months is a seller’s market.

In addition, there are presently 119 vacant parcels available in the Red Feather Lakes area. 37 parcels have sold in the first 3 quarters of 2012.

The Red Feather Lakes Zip code encompasses a large area of land in Northern Colorado, surrounded by Roosevelt National Forest consisting of: The small Village of Red Feather Lakes, mountain subdivisions, large acre homesteads, ranches, rustic fishing cabins, custom homes, a golf course community, commercial, residential and recreational properties.

*****************************************************************************************

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

I specialize in the Red Feather Lakes area, Fox Acres, Crystal Lakes and Glacier View Meadows Subdivisions, if you are interested in buying or selling your mountain home, please give me a call, I’m here to help you. 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. I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Livermore CO and Glacier View Meadows Real EstateThird Quarter 2012

Fri, 05 Oct 2012 20:35:24 -0700

Livermore Colorado and Glacier View Meadows Residential Real Estate-Third Quarter 2012

When comparing current sales of residential property in Livermore, CO to the 3^rd quarter of 2011 it looks like this year is slightly better in sales volume, we have a few sales pending so we’ll have to wait until December to see how the year really stacks up.

In Livermore and most of nearby Red Feather Lakes, average days on the market were longer, while average and median prices were higher.

I’ve broken out Glacier View Meadows, within the Livermore zip code, because it is the largest market in Livermore accounting for 23 out of the 37 homes (62%) sold in the first three quarters of 2012.

The High Park Fire that burned through the 12^th filing and part of the 9^th filing of Glacier View Meadows seems to have had little impact on the number of Glacier View Meadows sales in the remaining filings. Time will tell us about values in the burn area, as we see sales there in the coming months/years, and depends largely on how quickly the landscape rejuvenates as well as how many homeowners rebuild.

The absorption rate shows the number of months it would take to sell the current inventory if sales continued at the same pace.

Six months or more indicate a buyer’s market-

Six months is a balanced market

Less than 6 months is a seller’s market.

In addition, there are presently 89 vacant parcels available in the Livermore area. 26 parcels have sold in the first 3 quarters of 2012.

The Livermore Zip code encompasses a large area of land in Northern Colorado, dotted with Roosevelt National Forest, State & BLM lands consisting of: mountain subdivisions, large acre homesteads, ranches, starter homes, custom homes, residential and recreational properties.

Based on Statistics as found in MLS.

**************************************************************************************

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Mother Nature's Bling in the Village of Red Feather Lakes CO

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 17:17:43 -0700

Nature’s Bling in the Village of Red Feather Lakes CO

It is this time of year when Red Feather Lakes’ evergreens take second place to the shimmering golden and orange aspen, dispersed among them. Mother Nature is decked out in her finest jewels in Autumn.

Her sparkling aspen leaves dangle from the branches, like golden pendants- creating threads of light and lovely stands of color throughout her normally green and tranquil forests.

There is nothing quite like the sound of the wind gently blowing, tingling- through an aspen grove either!

Don't you just love fall? I hope to be able to get out of the Village and take a few drives before the leaves are gone, but wanted to share these photos- just in case I don't make it!

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Fox Acres Real Estate Market Snapshot, Red Feather Lakes, CO

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 13:27:21 -0700

Fox Acres Real Estate Market Snapshot, Red Feather Lakes, CO

Dribbler, according to golfinity.com, is golf slang for a shot that travels only a few feet, usually without leaving the ground.

The real estate market in Fox Acres might look like a “dribbler” but another slang term-“four-jack” could be applied. "Four-jack: To take four putts on a hole. When asked how he four-jacked a hole at the Masters, Steve Ballesteros replied, 'I miss. I miss. I miss. I make.' "

Compared to previous years, (all misses) just look at the Fox Acres sold numbers so far in 2012:

These are sales reported in the MLS, any auction property sales or private sales that were not listed in the MLS are not reflected.

Current Market info:

Fox Acres is a gated Mountain Community in Red Feather Lakes where you will find private pristine mountain lakes with trophy trout fishing, a championship 18 hole golf course and driving range, gorgeous views and magnificent rock outcroppings. It is truly a very unique and beautiful place.

It’s not uncommon to see wildlife visiting this community on their daily walk-abouts from the nearby Roosevelt National Forest.

24/7 Security, well maintained paved roads through-out the subdivision, snow removal to your door, community water & sewer services, trash removal/recycling are only a few of the additional amenities for Fox Acres residents.

Luxury homebuyers who do not care to drive I-70 and sit in weekend traffic for hours will appreciate the easy access to Fox Acres, just 45 miles Northwest of Fort Collins.

Whether you are looking for a second home far away from your everyday hustle in the city, or a year ‘round home - Relax and enjoy the quiet beauty of Fox Acres.

___________________________________________________________________

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

"Grandparents Sprinkle Stardust over the lives of little Children"

Sun, 09 Sep 2012 08:48:33 -0700

Today is National Grandparents Day, and according to the National Grandparents Day Council, a day

•To honor grandparents

•To give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children.

•To help children become aware of the strength, knowledge and guidance older people can offer.

Grandparents are special people.

"Nobody can do for little children what grandparents do.

Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children." Author: Alex Haley

Even now, I would give anything to spend just one more day with my grandparents. I miss them and will cherish them always. Grandparents connect us to our past; we carry their wisdom, love and “stardust” with us forever.

Today is the day to celebrate our ancestors, those unique and wonderful branches on our family tree, our grandparents, our great grandparents, and our children’s children!

If nothing is going well, call your grandmother. ~Italian Proverb

My little Italian Grandma said, “Call Headquarters” :-]

Grandchildren are God's way of compensating us for growing old. ~Mary H. Waldrip

I think grandchildren bring so much joy and fun-their adventurous spirit keeps us young.

Grandparents are there to help the child get into mischief they haven't thought of yet. ~Gene Perret

This one’s still under consideration…

A grandfather is someone with silver in his hair and gold in his heart. ~Author Unknown

No cowboy was ever faster on the draw than a grandparent pulling a baby picture out of a wallet. ~Author Unknown

Happy Grandparent’s Day!

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Children and Gun Safety - Sellers, lock up your guns!

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 12:28:09 -0700

There were several rifles in the front of the closet, in plain sight, at a recent showing. Normally, I wouldn’t have given them a second thought, except we had 3 small children in tow.

Many of the homes we had visited that day had toys in them, but this house was mostly empty - the only thing that even resembled a toy were the rifles in the closet.

Would the kids think they were toys? Were the guns loaded? Probably not, but I don’t know.

Their mom did a great job of showing them the rifles and telling them not to touch them. But, these are the same kids that merrily climbed on rock outcroppings so steep and jagged that we later referred them as being at the cabin with the “the death fall”.

Kids are fearless.

I started writing this post as a reminder to sellers to put their guns away when the house is for sale, but it occurred to me how important it is to teach children about gun safety.

Even if you don’t have guns in your house, your kids might find one at a friend’s or relative’s house (or at a showing) and they need to know what to do.

Let them know that if they ever see a gun, not to touch it and immediately tell an adult about it.

According to the National Rifle Association, we should talk with our kids about gun safety the first time that they show interest in a gun, even if it is a toy gun. (I’m thinking we should talk to them whether they seem interested or not)

-Tell them about the differences between toys and real guns and tell them under no circumstances should they ever play with a real firearm, point a gun at someone else, or themselves.

-Instruct them that if they are not certain about whether or not something is a toy, they should not touch it and ask an adult for help.

All children and adolescents should be “armed” with basic knowledge about gun safety.

And it just makes sense that if your home is on the market - lock the guns away. Even if you know they aren’t loaded, prospective buyers with small children (and their agent) will be a lot more relaxed when looking at your home. Who knows, they might even be relaxed enough to make you an offer!

_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Things to do near Red Feather Lakes- Deadman Fire Tower

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 07:06:24 -0700

Deadman Fire Tower, Red Feather Lakes, CO

A few weeks ago, we decided to drive up to the Deadman Fire Tower one Monday with the grandkids.

Now, there are 2 things wrong with going on a Monday – the first one being that the tower is not open and we couldn’t climb the stairs to the top.

The second “problem”, according to our grandson is that the Wandering Moose in the Village is closed on Monday’s and you can’t stop in and get a piece of pie. Truthfully, I don’t even know if they have pie but he’s convinced that they do!

But, Monday was our day to spend with the grandkids, so we made the best of it- even without getting to the top of the tower and with a picnic lunch, instead of pie.

The view from the ground was a little hazy because of wildfires in nearby states- but it was pretty spectacular just the same. We vowed to return on a day that we could climb the 54 stairs all the way to the top, because a trip to the Deadman Fire Tower near Red Feather Lakes, CO is a trip worth making more than once.

It’s a level 6 road up to the Fire Tower and the road usually closes in late fall and doesn’t re-open until all the spring snow has melted away. It hasn’t been fully staffed since the 70s but volunteer lookouts are there during the summer weekends to provide information and tours.

From inside, a fire lookout has a 360 degree view for miles. They could calibrate the exact location of a fire with an instrument especially designed for that purpose. That instrument, as well as period furniture still remains in the cab of the Deadman Lookout Tower.

You can find the Deadman Lookout Tower on the National Historic Lookout Register.The current Fire Tower, built in 1960-61 replaced the wooden one built in the late 1930s. It’s 55 feet high and is the last of eight historic towers in the Front Range of Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming.

*********************************************************************************************

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Labor Day Weekend Red Feather Lakes, CO

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 16:24:43 -0700

Labor Day Weekend Red Feather Lakes, CO

Labor Day weekend is always a fun time in Red Feather Lakes and this year will be no exception!

The annual “Fire Days” Celebration kicks off with the Parade of Fire Equipment at the Dowdy Campground, there’s a Craft Sale, Bake Sale, Food, Face Painting, Fire truck rides and Bands!

and more!!!

Here’s the line-up for the Labor Day Weekend:

Courtesy of RFL Property Owners Association

Saturday, Sept. 1,

8:45-10 AM, Parade, Dowdy Campground

9 AM - 4 PM, Craft Show & Bake Sale, Fire Barn

9 AM - 4 PM, Historic Robinson Cabin is open

10 AM - 2PM, Hot Dogs, Bounce House & Face Painting, RFL Park

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM, Fire Truck Rides

11:00 AM - 1 PM Med Evac Flight Crew

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM, BBQ Lunch, POA Building

1:30 - 2 PM, Parade, Central Red Feather Lakes

2:00 PM, Veterans Celebration, RFL Park

3 - 5 PM, Martin Gilmore Band, RFL Park

5 - 7 PM, Papa Juke Band, RFL Park

7 PM, Bingo, POA Building

Sunday, September 2

7:30 - 10:30 AM, Lion’s Pancake Breakfast, POA

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Craft Show, Crystal Lakes

Monday, September 3

7 - 11 AM, Pancake Breakfast, Glacier View-Gate 8

Book Sale at the Red Feather Lakes Library – August 30^th & 31^st and Sept 1^st & 2nd

Come up to Red Feather Lakes, CO and join in the fun.

I wish you all a very safe and Happy Holiday!

*********************************************************************

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.

Found Moose and a Lost Dog in Red Feather Lakes, CO

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 08:50:22 -0700

I have a new client who selected me to find her home…

Please email or call me if you know this dog!

It all started when my friend and associate, Terri called the office yesterday to say there were 2 Bull Moose over at Shagwa Lake. I hopped in the car and drove right over because I don’t get these chances very often.

At first the moose were “hiding” in the willows and even though I caught more than a glimpse, I wasn’t satisfied. So, I told Terri I was going to drive around the lake and try to get a better look.

When I came back around the lake they had moved out into the open!

Sure, I had noticed the little dog walking in the road, but I was far more interested in the moose.

I was snapping away and suddenly the dog leapt through my open driver side window and landed in the passenger seat, where she promptly began barking at the moose! I’m not kidding, this was simply bizarre.

Apparently, she was lost - maybe she thought I would take her home….but I don’t know where she lives! She has a pink sparkly collar, no tags and the sweetest face!

I know her owner must be worried sick. Please email or call me if you know this dog.

I just went out to take a photo of a moose….and a lost dog “hired” me to find her way home.

Today I’m putting posters around the Village, I’ve already checked in with the stores and hopefully she will be back home and reunited with her owner soon.

8/16/2012- UPDATE- We Found her Owner and she is Safely Home! YAY!!! Mission Accomplished.

***************************************************************************

“A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul”

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

800-531-2195

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.

I write about my area in Colorado; Law, Custom & Procedure vary from State to State and even within the State.

REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL. Always consult with your LOCAL Real Estate Professional.

Website: www.marydouglas-redfeatherlakes.net

Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam -

Please feel free to email me any time, I appreciate hearing from you!

Browse through all the Colorado listings or focus in on some wonderful mountain properties in Livermore or Red Feather Lakes!

I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with you - Don't forget to ask for Mary!

Donate to the American Red Cross to help those recently affected by Colorado wildfires.