About Mesa County, CO

The Daily Sentinel recently posted the following article. There has been talk around the office about how things were picking up and I am happy to report we aren't the only ones.

Daily Sentinel Article - Grand Junction Home Market Responding to rates, Stimulis

Staging in a buyers market is very important. You are now having buyers looking at a larger inventory of homes for sell; your house needs to be that step above the homes that are its comparable. It is about what they remember about your house, the floor plan, smells, lighting, clutter, and condition.

We at Peak Home Design & Staging take your home and address all of these factors and more. Sellers as homeowners are somewhat jaded, because the seller liked their home or they would not of purchased it. Get more eyes, the seller may need to ask a friends or family over and let them look at the selling home as if they were going to purchase the house for them self's. Be open to issues they see, listen, then address them. Correcting concerns before a buyer showing, can make your home selling a lot smoother.

De-clutter - things your have not used in a year or two, sell, donate or trash.

Clean - Clean it as if it is a new-built home, windowsills, doors, wash windows, and screens.

Condition - Check the door handles, hinges, fix trim, touch up paint, make it in tip top condition.

You are now in the world of real estate as the seller, remember this home may be one of the largest investments you may ever make, treat it so. Stage it!

Doreen Harris, ASP, CID, IAHSP & IDS

Managing Stager

Peak Home Designs & Staging

Staging since 2005 - Insured - Trusted - Experience - Full Service Staging Company

For February things were still slow, but better. Homes sales increased from 68 to 109 for the entire MLS(Multiple Listing Service). Things are looking a little better for March, however I don't think the volume will come close when compared to the last two years. There was a huge discount in the $300 K -$400 K price range and that is due to one home taking a $53,000 discount. I am seeing the prices coming down on the homes that haven't been updated and if you are willing to do the work some of these homes are great deals.

Click Here to view the Graphs

I got a call the other day from someone who was reading my blog and asking about Asbestos in Mesa County. When buying a new home this is something to consider and there are radon inspectors just for this purpose. Asbestos (or Mill Tailings) has a history here in the Grand Valley that not everyone is aware of. While some of the homes were remedied of asbestos in the early 80's there are some homes that still have it. Also, for those folks out there that don't think you need to worry about it in the newer homes. Have I got news for you, last year a brand new home tested with higher than normal levels of radon. The stemwall foundation needed more ventilation and the radon was coming up through the crawl space. Luckily this was easy to fix. For those of you who don't know what asbestos is, I have included a diagram with helpful information and some links on the history of Asbestos in the Grand Junction Area. Your home may have already been tested. For a small fee you can call the Health Department at 970-248-7164 and they will give you a report(it may take a couple of days). Also, when buying a new home this is something you should do as part of the inspection process.

Uranium Mill Tailings Management Plan For Western Colorado

Mesa County Health Department Asbestos Website with Definition

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Colorado Asbestos Prevention for Homeowners & Green Alternatives



When embarking on the path to purchasing a new home, it is a joyful time for you and your family. But it is also one that will bring upon new variables to consider and responsibilities to tackle. Many old homes may need additional repairs or renovations, especially in areas where natural disasters can occur.



One of the main items that go unnoticed is taking easy precautions to avoid asbestos exposure. Potential Colorado homebuyers or remodelers should consider that homes built before 1980 could still harvest asbestos.



Often appearing in roof shingles, popcorn ceilings, piping and insulation, asbestos became one of the most popular building applications of the 20th century. If any asbestos is suspected in the home, the best thing to do is leave it un-disturbed until a home inspector can determine the best course of action. Disturbing asbestos in good condition may cause its fibers to be released into the air. There are many healthy ways to insulate your home that make the use of asbestos obsolete.



Many people in Colorado have had issues with asbestos in shingles, most especially. Asbestos shingles and roofs are not all asbestos. The bulk composition of roofing shingles is mineral fiber and cement. Asbestos makes up around 5% to 30%. While this is a low percentage, it should not be ignored.



Frequent inhalation of asbestos fibers can result in a rare, but severe lung ailment known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma treatment has varied affects on patients depending on the latency period and age of diagnosis. With no mesothelioma cure, exposure is easily preventable if simple measures are taken. One of the most important naval bases in the country is Pearl Harbor, where oil refining has an association to asbestos insulation. Gear that was meant to protect workers from fire was unfortunately made with asbestos. These asbestos fibers were released into the air and inhaled by workers, causing asbestos related illness to occur.



Prior to moving in to your new home or apartment, you must make sure there are no asbestos related materials or fibers present. It is important to meet with health or environmental professionals to properly examine your new property. Sometimes, the best action is no action. However, if removal is necessary, it must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor who is trained in handling hazardous substances.

Many locations throughout the United States are swiftly changing their construction practices to suit the environment and the health of human beings. Promoting new ways of building construction and insulation, there are new regulations being put on older methods which are now known to be harmful.



Most people are unaware to the fact that eco-friendly products can cut energy costs by 25 % per year. These include the use of cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose. These alternatives have the same flame resistant, durable qualities of asbestos, except they are eco-friendly and safe. These asbestos alternatives allow for a healthy, safe home, free of health damaging materials.

January was a slow month. Only 68 homes sold, December had twice as many sales. Also, notice the increase in Seller Discounts. Basically, it means that there were a lot of over priced properties and some corrections were needed. It is more important now than ever before to NOT overprice. The homes that are priced correctly are selling faster and closer to the current listing price when compared to homes that have gradually reduced their price. On the flip side, there are some great deals out there and it is a great time to be a buyer. Especially with the new $8,000 tax credit.

Click here to view the graphs!