Colorado Getaway

Have you ever watched Colorado Getaways on Denver's Channel 4? Every week the crew goes to another beautiful place and then shares it with its viewers. Readers, I just happen to own one of the Colorado Getaways and want to sell it. The Alpine Cottage sits on 2 acres in Howard, Colorado. Beautifully landscaped with Stout Creek, large pines and aspens. The fireplace just needs your Bear Rug to warm a winter evening. The peaks known as "Twin Sisters" form the backdrop of the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Wildlife and flowers abound. Take your choice; live in it or rent it. Let me show it to you. Call me, Dale Little, 719.221.0150.

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!!

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

Help for Conflicted Home Buyers

Thinking about buying a home in the Salida area, but feel like you are getting conflicting advice? You're not the only one. First sales are up, then they're down. The market is showing signs of renewed movement, but then that movement proves only horizontal. Signs point to a recovery, then oil prices rise, creating uncertainty. Salida's market has retained a great deal of stability compared to others, but what does this all mean for the prospective home buyer and how can it affect your purchase?

You ask: If it's possible that prices could continue to fall, why should I buy now?

I say: WELL, the primary concern for folks selling a home is price, while your primary concern should be cost. This means you need to take into account your financing options and what your monthly payment will be - considering not just the price of the home, but also the interest rate on your mortgage. Waiting for prices to drop while mortgage rates rise could cost you more in the long run. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the National Association of Realtors, PMI and the Mortgage Banks Association all project rising interest rates over the next several quarters. Meet with your mortgage professional to help you understand what an interest rate increase will cost you based on the size of your loan - that will help you make a decision.

You ask: If I buy now, when will I begin to see appreciation?

I say: APPRECIATION varies by market. To get a better idea we'll need to look at continuing pricing trends, however, there are indicators that suggest values will begin to rise nationally this year. New and existing home sales are up. The National Association of Realtors projects a 0.5% increase in 2011. Additional research shows experts think prices will start to increase in the second half of 2011, and will reach a cumulative appreciation of more than 10% by 2015.

You ask: Is buying really better than renting?

I say: WHY did you even begin to consider buying a home? The Fannie Mae National Housing Survey shows that the primary reasons people buy a home have nothing to do with money at all: 1) They want a place to raise and educate their children (and Salida, Colorado is a great place to do just that!) 2) They want a place where their family will feel safe. 3) They want to have plenty of living space, 4) and to have control over that space. Basically, people want autonomy, What non-financial benefits will you and your family gain from owning a home? Your answers should be the reason you decide whether or not to purchase.

For more information on buying a home in Salida, Buena Vista and the surrounding areas, please contact me directly at 719.221.4637 or via email at hale@weshillrealestate.com. Curious about what's on the market, check out our website: http://www.weshillrealestate.com/.

Why Use a Realtor?

To use a REALTOR or not? That seems to be the question. Does a REALTOR better serve a buyer or a seller? and in what ways? Of course the decision to engage a REALTOR rests solely with the buyer or seller, but here are a few advantages to working with an agent, no matter which side of the bargaining table you are sitting on.

First things first, a REALTOR is not a sales representative, rather a REALTOR will oook after your interests - and she/he is legally and ethically obligated to do just that.

For buyers considering whether or not to work with a real estate agent, consider the following:

1) Working with a REALTOR is free to the buyer. It won't make a difference in the purchase price of a house or property as the commission is paid by the seller. As a buyer you get the benefit of experienced representation at no cost, and how often does that happen?

2) An experienced real estate professional can use his or her knowledge of the market to provide long term investment advice, which basically means helping you get the most bang for your buck when you buy AND when you're ready to sell.

3) With a REALTOR you won't encounter any surprise costs. Over the course of a real estate contract there are costs incurred by both the buyer and seller that relate to things like inspections, loans, appraisals, title work and so on. An experienced agent will help outline these costs for you so that you don't have any surprises along the way.

4) Real estate agents have many resources to help you with your property search, including but not limited to access to the Multiple Listing Services, connnections with other agents, sellers, and the ability to uncover unlisted properties.

5) Whether it's the selection process, negotiations or closing one of the greatest advantages to having a REALTOR is the ability to get objective information. Buying and selling homes can be a very emotional process. As a third party, an agent can help you see the facts for what they really are, whether it's unexpected repairs, community information on utilities, zoning, repairs or what have you.

6) A real estate agent can help you do your due diligence when buying a property by referring you to qualified responsible professionals who can provide inspections, review title work, etc. A good inspection and a clean title (especially out here where there can be access and easement issues on rural properties) can resolve issues that might otherwise become a headache later.

For sellers considering whether or not to engage a real estate professional, consider the following:

1) One of the biggest advantages to a seller is that a REALTOR can provide up-to-date information as it relates to the current marketplace, price points, financing and the terms and conditions of competing properties, which helps you settle on the best price quickly with minimal hassles.

2) In addition to providing you with current information about the real estate market, a REALTOR also works as a marketing coordinator by making sure that your property is marketed to other real estate agents, the public, the MLS and other cooperating networks.

3) 82% of real estate sales are the product of agent contacts such as previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal networks. Why not have that 82% on your side?

4) When you work with an agent you don't need to allow strangers into your home.

5) In the same way that an agent can help buyers retain their objectivity, so can they with sellers. A REALTOR can help objectively evaluate a buyer's proposal without compromising your marketing position. A sales contract is only the beginning of a transaction and there are likely to be unforeseen circumstances along the way. An agent can help you navigate things like unexpected repairs, title blight, and excessive paperwork to arrive at a successful closing.

Personally, I worked with a REALTOR when I bought my first home, and before I became one. Now if only I could engage a similar sort of representative when it comes to buying and selling automobiles! If you're interested in working with a qualified REALTOR in the Salida, Colorado area, you can reach me at: hale@weshillrealestate.com or direct at 719.221.4637. If you're curious about properties on the market, please visit our sebsite: http://www.weshillrealestate.com/.

K. Hale Chamblee

Broker/Associate

Direct: 719.221.4637

Email: Hale@WesHillRealEstate.com

The River is Coming up, As is the Salida Real Estate Market

The river is coming up, as is the Salida real estate market. Last Saturday the Arkansas River was running 1,000 cfs through Brown's Canyon and in spite of borderline temperatures we took the opportunity to float from Stone Bridge to Salida East. The trip was absolutely lovely, save for this newcomer, who left the keys to her truck, located at the take-out, in the truck located at the put-in. Ooops! It took a little figuring, a little extra help, and a small detour, but we had the shuttle sorted before we ever laid eyes on the boat ramp at Salida East.

The Salida real estate market is not unlike the Arkansas River this time of year. It's coming up, but slowly. While the snow pack is over 100% in the high mountain areas, we haven't seen much of the white stuff down low this year, and that means the river, like the real estate market, is also coming up with a little uncertainty. Temperatures are still a little low, but higher than they have been in what seems like eons. Clients are ready to buy, but the ways in which lending has tightened up means things might take a little extra figuring, require extra help or encounter a detour or two. Regardless, what had first appeared to be mere lateral movement in the market now seems to be a definite step towards forward momentum.

If you're interested in Arkansas River Real Estate, please contact me for the 64 properties currently listed in the MLS of residential and land properties on the river between Buena Vista and Salida, and if you have questions, please contact me hale@weshillrealestate.com!! Hale Yeah!

K. Hale Chamblee
Broker/Associate
Direct 719.221.4637
email: Hale@WesHillRealEstate.com

Salida's Cycling Season

I started out titling this post, "Salida's Cycling Season is on the Horizon," but then realized it's not, it's HERE! Maybe it's the opening of new single track trails on the outskirts of town, or the flurry of friends rushing to sign up for Ride the Rockies that makes me feel like we're on the cusp of something, but in actuality, winter in the valley has been mild enough this year to affort cyclists year round riding.

Salida Mountain Trails (SMT) is fueled by local volunteers who have been working hard to grow the area's mountain bike trail system. 2010 saw the completion of the North Backbone Trail, Little Rainbow Trail and the sustainable re-routes of the Sand Dunes and Uncle Nasty trails - all free, fun trails at the edge of town.

North Backbone is 3.5 miles of challenging single track that connects CR 173 behind Tenderfoot Mountain with Ute Trail (CR 175) and ultimately allows mountain bikers, runners and hikers to link up trails all the way across the Arkansas Hills.

Little Rainbow Trail (LRT) accomplishes SMT's longtime goal of creating a trail suitable for beginner mountain bikers. The LRT is a wide, non-technical trail for all ability levels. It connects the Old Racetrack Trail near Burmac's on the east side of town to the Skull Trail off County Road 110 and is 5 miles of easy trail excellent for biking, hiking and trail running. In 2011 SMT hopes to connect the LRT to Sand Gulch.

The sustainable reroutes of the Sand Dunes and Uncle Nasty Trails have not compromised the difficulty of the trails in any way, so hard core single track riders have nothing to fear.

Road riders looking for a challenge can sign up for the Ride the Rockies lottery, with accepted teams (up to 2,000) riders to be announced at the onset of March. This is the 26th year for Ride the Rockies and the course boasts 6 mountain passes, 22,000 feet of vertical gain, one loop ride, and a total of 412 miles from Crested Butte to Georgetown in 6 days. Salida teams are already registered and training on the area's many mountain passes will begin for riders (including this one!) this month.

These are just a few more reasons I call Salida home. If you'd like to call Salida home, please contact me and I'll be happy to help you explore the area's real estate market - Heck, we can even do it by bicycle if you like!

K. HaleChamblee
Broker/Associate
Direct 719.221.4637
Email: Hale@WesHillRealEstate.com