Thursday, May 26, 2011

Consensus Among Salida REALTORS: It's a Buyer's Market

New data out after the first quarter of 2011 have Salida Realtors all saying the same thing, "it's a Buyer's Market."

The average sales value of commercial, residential and land properties in Chaffee County decreased during the first quarter of 2011. The average price for any conveyance in the first quarter of 2011 was $187,961, compared to $227,380 in 2010 and $222,245 in 2009. A 9.43% increase in the number of transactions, but a 1.99% decrease in the dollar amount from 2010 suggests there is more market activity (which is a good thing), just at a lower price piont (which favors buyers).

Looking for more data suggesting a Buyer's Market? The dollar amount for transactions is down 49.86% from 2008. If there is a time to buy, this trend suggests it is now.

The drop in the average dollar value of properties sold so far in 2011 is down 17.3% from 2010. This, combined with the increased number of transactions, suggests that sellers are finally willing to meet the market and that could bode well for real estate in 2011. We're all aware that things aren't quite what they used to be, economically speaking, but if the bar gets lowered across the board, and buyers and sellers are coming to agreement, and market activity is up, then maybe less is more.

Lower sales prices mean that home ownership is becoming a reality for a broader cross section of our community. Young couples and growing families are gaining access to homes, as well as the kind of financial and emotional stability offered by ownership. And shouldn't this be a good thing? Shouldn't the future of Salida be able to invest in their own community and familial well-being?

Properties that are doing the best are residential homes with acreage, and personally, I don't find this surprising. Whether folks are purchasing first or second homes, a lot of people move to Salida to get away from it all: for a lower pace, a shift in value systems from urban mainstream, for a little breathing room, fewer neighbors, ad more sustainable livestyle - at least these are a few reasons that I moved ot Salida from the San Frnacisco Bay Area 4 years ago.

For more information on current market trends, or to request information about the area or specific properties, please contact me, Hale at: Hale@WesHillRealEState.com or call (719) 221-4637. Can't wait to hear from you!!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

ARKANSAS RIVER CADDIS HATCH:Big Week Ahead for Anglers



The week ahead promises to be a big one for anglers on the Arkansas River. Why? The Annual Caddis Hatch.


The annual hatch was waylaid by cool temperatures at the lower end of Big Horn Sheep Canyon, which stretches from Salida to Canon City, but was anticipated to arrive in Cotopaxi early this week. The current warming trend is expected to bring the hatch to Salida by this weekend, just in time for the annual, Trout Unlimited Caddis Banquet! Held this Saturday, May 7th at the Chaffee County Fairgrounds. Live auction, dinner, cash bar and raffle specials. For tickets and information call (719) 539-4236.


Fly recommendations for the week ahead include size 16 Olive Caddis Pupae and size 16 Black Foam or Elk Hair Caddis to represent the adults. For mayflies, try 18-20 Barr emerger, RS02 or Juju Baetis for drifting nymph and a Parachute Adams for the adult. The hatches are mainly an afternoon phenomenon, a nymph rig with stonefly nymphs, caddis larvae and midge pupae is recommended for the mornings.

For more information on the local fish haps, or to book a float trip, contact our local fly fishing shop, Ark Anglers. If you're looking for more information on real estate on the Arkansas River, contact me at (719) 221-4637, but if I don't answer right away it is probably because I am learning to tie very small amounts of elk hair to fishhooks.


K. Hale Chamblee

Broker Associate

Direct: 719.221.4637

Email: Hale@WesHillRealEstate.com