One of the challenges facing Realtors in a rural area is being familiar enough with the land, the market, the history and the people to effectively relate the benefits of the area to prospective buyers.  The challenge is even more difficult for other Realtors from outside the rural area showing properties for their clients.  We have that situation in the Ute Pass/Pikes Peak area when Colorado Springs Realtors come up the Pass to show properties in Teller County or points west. 

Don't get me wrong, the Realtors in the Springs are just as hard working and responsible as their high country counterparts.  But for the most part, they are ignorant of the Ute Pass real estate market and the nuances that exist "above the clouds."  There are water and septic issues, different development covenants, different county planning regs and a host of other regional specific issues that don't exist in a metropolitan area.  Plus we have an abundance of old mining claims.

My point is, there ought to be more communication and joint assistances formed between the two Realtor groups.  It's the old city folks vs. the country folks delimma.  The truth is, quite a few rural agents up here might be just as ignorant of Colorado Springs real estate market issues.  In these extraordinary times, it would be helpful to recognize that individual competition doesn't preclude mutual assistance.  It's good for business.

Dave Martinek

(Here's a photo, courtesy of a homeowner in Crystal Park in Manitou Springs, showing the cloud cover over the city).