ouray: 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)

ouray: 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)

ouray: 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)

ouray: C 21 on Ice Team "Sweeps" the 2009 Broomball Tournament! - 02/25/09 04:07 PM
Congratulations to my broker associate, Kylee Smith, and her hockey broomball team, C 21 on Ice, this year's Montrose/Ouray Hockey Broomball champions!  After a three year hiatus, the Montrose/Ouray County Hockey Broomball League was back on the ice again this year. This year's league play consisted of nine teams organized by Michelle Hanes of Ouray.   Kylee explained it  to me as follows: Play included 2-3 game per week for five weeks with the single elimination "playoffs" Feb. 18, 2009 to determine the 2009 champions. Games were played by 5 players on ice, in boots, helmets and other protective gear with each player designing their own broom. Only 3 … (5 comments)

ouray: Notice of valuations due May 1st this year--should be interesting! - 02/20/09 07:02 AM
Real Properties in Colorado will be re-appraised this year, which happens every odd year.  Property owners will be getting a notice of valuation by May 1st of this year.   The new tax amounts will go into effect for the years 2009 and 2010 (payable in 2010 and 2011).  Now, here's the interesting part.  We (property owners) are being warned to expect property values, and therefore, property taxes, to increase, rather than decrease, despite the obvious decline in the real estate market over the past couple of years.  As explained by Debbie Griffith, the Delta County Assessor, who visited my Delta office recently, if … (0 comments)

ouray: Snow? No Problem! - 01/24/09 09:22 AM
First, a belated Happy Holidays, Happy Winter Solstice, and Happy New Year, everyone!  I'm a bit behind in catching up, but thought I'd do so before the first month of January is behind me.  We've had a terrific winter so far on the Western Slope, with one of the snowiest Decembers in quite some time.  It took me until January 8th, however, to hit the slopes in Telluride, but it sure was worth the wait.  Annabel and I could not have chosen a more perfect day--sunny, warm, clear and not crowded.  The next day it snowed.  Here's a photo of us on the See … (10 comments)

ouray: Blue Lakes Trail - 08/03/08 05:39 PM
My new friend and fellow runner/hiker-in-training for the Imogene Pass Run, Sherralyn Daniels, and I hiked the Blue Lakes Trail this past Saturday as far as the lower Blue Lake.  This is a popular trail and one I had not done before, but had heard much about.  Actually, I'd seen the lakes from atop Mt. Sneffles when I'd hiked that a couple years ago.  Our approach Saturday was from the trailhead from East Dallas Creek Rd. (CR 7) off Highway 62.  It was a beatiful and challenging hike, 3.3 miles to the lower lake.  The wild flowers were a highlight.  Arriving at … (2 comments)

ouray: First blog-Intro to me - 02/09/08 06:59 AM
Hello, everyone!
This is exciting!  Maybe I shouldn't admit this, but this is my first blog.  Of course, I've been hearing about them, and am even subscribed to a couple, but this is my first venture into my own blogdom.  I'll admit, my primary purpose is as a markeing tool, but just as importantly, I want to interact with the public and for you to get to know me.  I've totally embraced the notion that the personal touch and interaction are essential in creating a professional relationship, as well as a social one--they go hand-in-hand sometimes, don't they?
With a background as an … (13 comments)