Turning down Listings was like Eating Cockroaches...but the Protein was good for me
This post by Paula Bradfield is on overpriced listings....I don't like roaches, but really like the humor in this post. Comments disabled. Paula is a new member...please welcome her by commenting on her post!
Turning down listings was something I have NEVER done until the past year...when our prices for real estate in Salida Colorado took another dive. My first one involved a lovely lady, Lea...84 years old, sharp as a tack and an ex-realtor.
When she called me, I was thrilled because it was in an area that sells well. I took her the comps, had a nice chat and about fell through the floor when she wanted to list it for 35% over market value. She was convinced her home was superior to the other comps. I suggested we talk more and set up appointments for her to see the other homes in the neighborhood that were for sale...her competition. After that meeting, I very gently turned her down, telling her I would keep in touch but that putting it on the market that much over market value would do two things... help the neighbors houses sell and taint her home as the overpriced listing...which could do permanent damage in a small town. My first cockroach... pretty rough getting down but I did feel better aferwards.
Three weeks later, she called again... I went by, we chatted and she came down to 125% over market value. As much as I wanted to jump on it...swallowed another cockroach and told her no again...for the same reasons.
A month later she called me back... 110% over list but she takes out the appliances. As Joe Peschi says, "Boy oh Boy oh Boy"... do I have the backbone to eat yet another crunchy? Yes.... by then it was easier and she was not angry... but appreciative...? I did not expect that one.
Eight days went by and she called me again.. "let's do it"... exactly market value with replaced appliances (she gave the top-end ones to her daughter and took her daughter's as replacement.
Her home sold in 18 days for 96% of list... right on the money for here. And, Lea sent me the most lovely card.
The moral of the story? BRING ON THE ROACHES!
Specializing in homes and land in the Colorado river towns of Salida, Howard, Coaldale, Cotopaxi, Nathrop, Poncha Springs and Buena Vista, I am here to work for you as you buy or sell your home or land.
It is not just about buying in this area.. it is a statement about lifestyle. Our residents generally are active people, whether it involves horses (my passion), white water rafting, cross county or downhill skiing, hiking, mountain biking, or Contra dancing. Some prefer quiet sunrises, strolls through town and time in one of our fabulous coffee shops or restaurants. Whatever the style, folks appreciate this area for it’s charm and beauty.
Want to get more information on available homes or condos in the Central Colorado River Valleys? Go to SalidaColoradoHomesandLand to search the area listings by town, zip code or county.
Do you have friends or family who is behind on their mortgage and doesn't know what to do? My short sale site can help: ColoradoRockiesPropertySolutions
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Contact Info:
Paula Bradfield, PhD, GRI, EPro, CIAS, CDPEKeller Williams Colorado Mountain Real Estate Group
245 E Highway 50, Salida CO 81201 (office 719.539.2512)Cell: 719.221.6108. Email: Paula@PaulaBradfield.com
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Our Colorado Mountain river communities: A Snapshot
Salida: As quoted in the 2004 edition of Outside Magazine, Salida is “Sweetly unpretentious” as they ranked it as one of their “Dream Towns and Adventure Hideouts.” You might agree. Our community of 6,500 (9700 counting the surrounding homes) is surrounded by Forest Service and BLM lands, a haven for bicyclists, campers, folks who love to fish, hikers, skiers, nature photographers and hunters. It is a lovely natural setting with several converging mountain ranges (We have15 peaks surrounding us that reach over 14,000 feet in elevation).
We are know for being the Banana Belt of Colorado and this area is known as one of the Colorado River Towns. The Arkansas River winds its way through the Arkansas Valley, through downtown Salida and more; creating an invitation to rafters, kayakers, fishers, and “beach lovers” alike.
Salida’s charming downtown area had the largest historical downtown district in Colorado. We have blocks and blocks of Victorian and other historic buildings. Because so many folks also come here to play, we have many of the advantages of a smaller resort town: great restaurants, 22 art galleries, fabulous boutiques, outdoor sportswear stores, and an array of shops for music, kitchen, sports, natural foods, children, books, knitters and quilters.
Poncha Springs: Poncha Springs is a small Salida “bedroom community” (population of 474 but a few thousand when you consider the outlying neighborhoods and ranches). Because it was surrounded by hot springs (99 nearby) and had a strong early influence of Spanish culture, the community became known as Poncho (meaning cape and warmth) Springs. In 1924, the town officially became Poncha Springs.
Howard: Howard, part of what is known as Pleasant Valley, is nestled along the Arkansas River as it snakes its way from Salida to Canon City. Some of the early settlers in the area were prospectors (some still pan for gold in the tributaries of the Arkansas). Besides gold and silver, rhyolite, travertine and limestone were sought after. Just a bit north of Howard is a tiny community of Wellesville where the locals used to soak on their time off in the natural hot pools. The area became more populated when the Rio Grande Railroad came through. Today, Howard is a charming, quiet ranch community and “bedroom Community” for folks who work in Salida. Many avid fly fishing folks have 2nd homes here. I love this valley.
Coaldale: Coaldale, a tiny community just SE of Howard opens up into a lovely, meadow-like area with many horse properties, ranches and folks who like the open meadows and surrounding mountains. It got it’s name from being called Charcoal Valley. In the early days, the Pinon Pines were burnt in beehive kilns to turn them into coals used for the silver smelters in Leadville Co and Pueblo CO. Some of the early kilns can still be seen. Every valley in coaldale has a creek in it and with just a few minutes drive to the west, you can be on national forest trails. Absolutely lovely community.
Cotopaxi: Cotopaxi, named after an Ecuadorian Volcano, grew from being a “whistle stop” for the Rio Grande railroad. Now it is known for world class white water rafting and fly fishing. Folks who live around here can commute for work to either Canon City, further east or back to Salida..it is almost midway between the two. Cotopaxi is a great location for vacation/second home or your primary residence if you don’t mind the commute or can work from home.
Nathrop: Nathrop, a quiet community north of Salida has always been known as the access point to Mount Princeton Hot Springs. To this day folks come to soak in the restorative waters. It is my personal favorite in hot springs because the 104 degree water not only comes into the soaking and lap pools but comes out in Chalk Creek, running alongside the pools. I can spend all day there with a book, adjusting the rocks so that the water is neither hot nor cold. Lovely. Many folks choose to live in the area because of access to the hot springs and national forest.
What is for sale right now around Nathrop?
Buena Vista: Buena Vista was named after it’s stunning 360 degree views. Folks originally settled here because of the gold mining. Later, families began farming and ranching as they discovered the good soil in the area. The stagecoach and subsequent railroad brought more families to the area. With a population of about 2500 people, the town remains quiet and gracious. It is known as the best kept secret place to stay for folks skiing at the premier resorts near denver and aspen…because the town is so friendly and hotel rates are inexpensive. It is a few miles from Cottonwood Creek Hot Springs and Mt. Princeton.
Real Estate in Buena Vista Colorado.
Crestone: Unique, magical and beautiful are words that tumble out of my mouth when I think of Crestone. The tiny town proper is 150 and the surrounding area is no more than 1500 when everyone is home. The magic of Crestone, however is its history. Early on, a rancher was instructed to bequeath parcels of his ranch to spiritual groups around the world which he did. It is now known for having the most diverse spiritual community in the world. Spiritual seekers in North America eventually hear about Crestone. And, it generally takes knowing a local or more than one visit for the fullness of the area to emerge…the 5 creeks heading up into the Sangre de Cristos, the temples hidden in the trees, the lovely residents and the “happening”. The local newspaper, the Crestone Eagle, has calendars of event for local happenings that rival a town 10 times it’s size. If you want a sanctuary, Crestone offers just that.
Real Estate around Crestone CO
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