montrose: Bonnie Raitt, Ridgway, and Real Estate. What's the Connection? - 02/21/16 08:22 AM
I think I own almost every Bonnie Raitt album she has ever produced.  I bought my first one back in 1974 when I was a student at UC Santa Barbara, the old black licorice LP type.  I am now patiently waiting for her latest release, which I pre-ordered on iTunes and will play on my iPod or stream to my stereo via Apple TV.  Yes, times (technologies) have changed!  
So, what does Bonnie Raitt have to do with Real Estate? Nothing, really, other than maybe a reminder that in this wonderful and crazy real estate industry in which we work, we need … (2 comments)

montrose: Good-bye Real Estate Broker, Hello Mortgage Broker! - 11/24/13 06:08 AM
For those who may have noticed my new contact info and wondered, YES, I've made the switch.  I've gone from the sales side of real estate over to the lending side of it.  I have enjoyed immensely my real estate career.  However, when the opportunity presented itself to me to become a mortgage loan originator (MLO), I simply couldn't ignore it, nor pass it up. 

As you might imagine, one of the biggest questions I've been getting is "why"?!  Well, I'll tell you why.
1.  As the market has slowly been recovering in my area and I saw more people … (2 comments)

montrose: Preparing for the Market Shift in 2013 - 03/24/13 10:39 AM
As we all read, the real estate market nationally is--finally--shifting, and in a positive way.  I was asked to participate in the ActiveRain challenge to post how I will respond to this shift.  So, here are my responses: 

1.       How will this shift affect buyer agents vs seller agents?
Seller (aka listing) agents will be the winners. As I've already experienced since the beginning of the year, I'm having problems finding inventory to match my buyers' needs.  When they do find something, it is often already under contract or we have ended up in multi-offer situations.  Take heed, … (0 comments)

montrose: 5 Pitfalls of Buying a Foreclosure--and How to Avoid Them - 02/28/13 05:48 AM
To many, “foreclosure” is synonymous with “great deal.”  That may be true in many cases, but great deals and investments often come with higher risk.  That certainly applies to buying a foreclosure, also referred to as a bank-owned or foreclosed property or REO (real estate owned--by the bank).

Here are 5 common pitfalls in buying a foreclosure and how to avoid them.
1. Not Understanding of the Process.
Pricing.  A common misconception is that banks readily give away their REO’s.  When a home is initially listed after being foreclosed upon, the bank will price a home will at market value, based … (4 comments)

montrose: Waiting till Summer to Sell Your Home? You Might Want to Think Again. - 02/01/13 08:49 AM
If you’ve been listening or reading all the real estate news lately, you’ve undoubtedly heard how the real estate market nationally is picking up, that it appears to have finally hit the bottom, and that home values have increased over last year.  That’s certainly been happening in Montrose County.  Since 4th quarter 2012, my buyer activity has definitely picked up and has kept up into 2013.  In fact, one of the biggest problems I’ve had is lack of inventory.  I can’t find my buyers what they are looking for, and it’s not just a question of the price point.  I hear … (0 comments)

montrose: First 2013 Residential Market Report for Montrose, County, Colorado - 01/28/13 09:52 AM
Below are the residential statistics from our regional MLS for Montrose County, Colorado.  Consistent with national statistics, sales activity and home values are up over last year.  We are still seeing a fair amount of foreclosures and short sales hitting the market, and expect more throughout 2013, which could affect home values as the year progresses.  In general, however, it seems buyer confidence and activity is up.  In fact, my problem since 4th quarter last year is finding enough inventory for my buyers.  Although many sellers have taken their homes off the market for the winter, or are waiting to list until … (2 comments)

montrose: Looking for the Best Shopping in Montrose, Colorado? Try Murdoch's! - 03/27/11 10:20 AM
The main attraction in Montrose, Colorado may not be shopping.  So, it’s a good thing I’m not much of a shopper.  We do have of a few big box stores, like WalMart and Home Depot.  We also have couple of relatively new shopping centers, Oxbow Crossing and River Landing with Target, J.C. Penney, Sports Authority, famous footwear, and the Natural Grocer, and a local favorite, The Looney Bean coffee shop.  Oxbow Crossing is where you'll find a medley of specialty stores and restaurants, along with a couple of fitness centers.  But my most favorite place to shop in Montrose is . … (2 comments)

montrose: Good-bye Century 21, Hello Kellers Williams! - 11/13/10 03:40 AM
Hello, all my ActiveRain friends!
I've been absent for awhile, primarily due to focusing on Facebook and other social media, not that I was purposefully neglecting ActiveRain.  But now I'm making a commitment to get back into the ActiveRain swing of things, since I truly believe this is one of the best places for fellow real estate professionals to connect, share, network, and learn.
For those who don't know, last month, I closed my Century 21 office.  Hated to make that decision, but it was a smart thing in light of these ongoing economic difficulties (disaster?).  I was coming up on … (3 comments)

montrose: Affordable Living In Montrose, CO on Large Lot--bring the kids, dogs, toys! - 08/18/10 10:50 AM
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montrose: Montrose, CO Home for Sale on 1 Acre-Rural Living but close to City Amenities - 04/06/10 01:58 PM
Lots of Elbow Room on 1-Acre Corner Lot! 62605 Jeremy Rd., Montrose, CO 81401 View Map There's a lot of elbow room on this one-acre corner lot in a bright, open, cheery home that shows pride of ownership. Nice split floor plan with 3rd bedroom that works well as an office or media room. Great room with vaulted ceilings, plant shelves, and large picture windows framing mountain views and farm fields. Kitchen includes a breakfast bar and opens to cozy dining area next to sunny picture window. Enjoy the outdoors in privacy on sunny, south-side patio with gas fire pit enclosed … (0 comments)

montrose: For Sale-Gorgeous, Custom Santa Fe-Style Home in Montrose on 40 Acres - 04/06/10 01:49 PM
Custom Santa Fe-Style Home on 40 Acres 19149 Paradox Trail, Montrose, CO 81403 View Map Owner/builder's attention to detail and quality shows throughout this house which boasts custom tile and colored stamped cement flooring, granite countertops and hickory cabinets in gourmet kitchen, knotty alder pine interior doors, custom-made, wrought iron ladders and railings, ornamental tin ceiling in dining area, efficient, propane-fueled woodstove in master bedroom, antique table turned vanity with hand-painted sink in guest bathroom, a master bathroom retreat with separate shower and soaking tub (with one of the best views in the house), and much more. Energy efficiency and comfort … (0 comments)

montrose: Economic Development . . . and why real estate business owners need to be involved - 02/21/10 05:03 AM
Last Thursday I attended the annual general membership meeting for the Montrose Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).  I have been an investor of MEDC for several years, but that is about as active as I've been, other than reading its newsletters.  I think that is going to change.
The first part of the program included the report of MEDC's president, Sandy Head.  Her obvious dedication and enthusiasm for the accomplishments, projects, and goals of MEDC were very apparent.  Click here to get MEDC's 2010 Annual Report, which is a great summary of MEDC's efforts and accomplishments in 2009 and its ongoing projects … (0 comments)

montrose: Montrose, CO Home Sales Statistics-Now is the Time to Seize the Opportunities! - 01/14/10 02:08 PM
While the Montrose area real estate market continued to present its challenges in 2009, in my office, we saw a slight improvement over 2008, enjoying even greater activity the last half of the year.  In November, while nationwide home sales were up 7.4%, in Montrose, per the MLS, they were up 53%! 
So, as of January 1, 2010, here are the MLS stats for home sales in 2009 and the current market of active home listings in Montrose:
                                                                                    2009  Statistics--Homes Sold Num Sold         Num Listed         Avg List Price          Avg Sale Price      % Sold 412                    1,097                    … (0 comments)

montrose: Positive News Continues--Especially for Montrose Real Estate - 09/05/09 07:57 AM
There may be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow after all.  After months of hearing nothing but bad to worse news concerning the real estate industry and the economy in general, we're finally receiving positive news that things are improving, with new home sales up across the nation. Click here to read such a report from REALTrends. 
Certainly, here in the Montrose area, we're seeing a lot more activity, especially for homes in the $200,000 and under range.  We're also seeing a greater number of short sales and foreclosures, which is spurring interest from investors and bargain hunters, although … (1 comments)

montrose: Blogging Guilt---and my two cents worth on buying and selling now in Montrose, CO - 07/17/09 04:00 PM
I love blogging.  And I love reading other blogs, and commenting, and teaching about blogging and social networking.  I feel the power, the potential, and truly do enjoy the connection and the shared knowledge.  But I don't blog or read or comment enough, at least, not as much as I should or people tell me I should.  I compose blog posts in my mind and make mental notes of good subjects to write about.  And then ... poof!  It's all gone as I get derailed with distractions, and my topics are no longer timely or novel or something I'm motivated to write about.  … (1 comments)

montrose: Montrose area market update and statistics: 2009 year-to-date through May - 06/21/09 04:45 PM
I was pleasantly surprised to see an upsurge in real estate activity, beginning in April.  I thought it might be just a fluke, but I'm happy to report, since then, we've been experiencing a steady flow and increase in activity, by which I mean more buyers are looking, more buyers are buying, and more sellers are listing.  I will admit, some of those listings have also been a result of an increase in foreclosures.  Of course, lending continues to be a big challenge, making it harder and longer to close deals, sometimes causing a transaction to fall out completely (as I … (0 comments)

montrose: Magic Circle Players Work Magic in Montrose-Happy 50th Anniversary! - 06/03/09 04:24 PM
I must admit I was a bit skeptical the first time I was encouraged to attend a performance of the Montrose Magic Circle Players.  I love legitimate theater and was quite spoiled having grown up in San Diego County with incredible live theater venues, like the Old Globe Theater and La Jolla Playhouse.  But my office adminstrative assistant, Kat Govan, who has been involved for years in anything musical or theatrical in Montrose, encouraged me to go and support it.  I finally saw my first production in May, 2007, of the musical comedy, Crazy For You, featuring the music of George … (0 comments)

montrose: 3528 2000 Road, Delta, Colorado - 06/03/09 09:57 AM
Cozy Cabin on 5 Acres with Big Views and Lots of Potential! 3258 2000 Road, Delta, CO 81416 View Map This darling, near-new one-bedroom loft cabin with all the modern amenities awaits you on this 5-acre, parcel with irrigation water in Peach Valley, Delta County. From the covered decks, enjoy the sweeping, 360-degree views of West Elk Mtns, San Juan Mtns, Uncompahgre Plateau, and Grand Mesa. Live comfortably in the cabin while you build your custom home on an existing, perfect building site. An abundance of elm, aspen and fruit trees, including peach, pear, apple, and cherry, have recently been planted, … (1 comments)

montrose: Home Depot . . . Are You Kidding?!!! - 05/19/09 05:01 PM
Montrose, small town, family-oriented, close to the earth, community-focused, and then there's Home Depot, the big corporate, big box company governed from corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.  Forget the roots of its beginning.  Today, as I learned from my partner, Annabel, a 5-year employee of Home Depot in Montrose, the directive from Above is that all personal photos of friends, family, and whatever had to be removed from employee lockers and all buttons with personal photos were forbidden to be worn on the company apron during work.  No explanation (could there be one?).  Well, what a boon for employee morale!  That should … (3 comments)

montrose: Another great classic car show in Montrose, and the winner is . . . - 05/18/09 05:11 PM
Congratulations to Judy Grubbs, the winner of the People's Choice Trophy at the  Black Canyon Classics Car Club show held Sunday, May 17, 2009, in Montrose, Colorado.  Judy is a 8-year resident of Montrose, transplanted from "the other side of the mountain."  Her winning entry is a 1969 Plymouth Barracuda.  The engine is a 426 Hemi 4-speed tranny.  She's owned the car since 1981.  She gives credit to the lots of blood sweat and help from family and friends who got it into its present condition in 1989.   Judy has been showing it ever since and having lots of fun with it.  Here's a photo of Judy and … (0 comments)