About Teller County, CO

I have a confession to make. A few years ago I had a closing assignment in Florissant, Colorado. On the way there I took a wrong turn and had a hard time finding the borrower's home. It didn't help that he lived far off the beaten path, and that there was no cell phone coverage so that I could call him and get directions. I finally located him through trial and error.

Actually, just about everyone in Florissant lives far off the beaten path. Florissant, Colorado isn't a city. It's more like an area. Wilderness, to be exact.

Things have changed a lot since that closing in Florissant. It can still be a challenge finding some of the locations there, but I have a better attitude about going to remote places ever since I bought a Garmin GPS for my Palm Treo. GPS is something that every notary signing agent and mobile notary should have. It's really amazing how this device can find locations. I had a closing last week in Elizabeth, Colorado. The GPS got me there with no problem.

But would it find locations in Florissant?

I had a chance to find out. I got a call to do a closing last Friday in Florissant. I was able to locate the borrower with no problem. As I turned onto the road where she lived, the GPS announced: 'Arriving at destination.' And sure enough, there was the house. I could have gotten there in the dark.

So I'm feeling a lot more positive about accepting closing assignments to Florissant. I'm more familiar with the roads than before, and I have the peace of mind that I have a GPS to get me there. If you have a need for a closer in Florissant, Colorado, give me a call. I'll be glad to go there.

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This is County Road 1 (CR1) -- the road that I took. If you're on Highway 24, you'll see the Thunderbird Bar & Grill -- a landmark that you can't miss. That's where to make the turn if you want to visit the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument.

I could have also taken Lower Twin Rocks Road. Perhaps I'll do that someday when I'm feeling a bit more adventurous.

The Garden of the Gods

The Garden of the Gods was dedicated as a city park in 1909 by the children of Charles Elliot Perkins. Perkins was a friend of General Palmer, who founded Colorado Springs, and encouraged Perkins to purchase the land that is The Garden of the Gods. After his death, his family honored his request and gave the land to the City of Colorado Springs to be used as a park, on the condition that it would remain free forever to all visitors.

Many of these rock formations are over 300 million years old and have been sculpted throughout the years by erosion.

It is generally assumed that the Native Americans named the Garden of the Gods. However, not so! In August, 1859, two surveyors started out from Denver to begin the survey of the town of Colorado City. Coming upon the amazing red rock formations, "one of the men suggested that it would be a "capital place for a beer garden" when the country grew up. His companion exclaimed, "Beer Garden! Why it is a fit place for the Gods to assemble. We will call it the Garden of the Gods."

Cathedral Valley

Kissing Camels

Position yourself above your competition - Utilize a "Real Estate Showcase" Slideshow DVD as a listing tool. Gift a DVD copy to the buyer at closing to share with out of town friends and family. Post it on your own website. Post it on your blog to advertise your listings.

Photos taken by Debi Boucher, all rights reserved, may not be reproduced without express written permission. Memories DVDs Photo Slideshow DVD and Web Presentations, "Real Estate Showcase", to assist with marketing and advertising endeavors. More affordable, more interesting, and more captivating than a virtual tour!

The Woodland Park Saddle Club is moving to Divide Colorado. The Divide Chamber of Commerce will hold a public meeting Wed. April 8th at 6p.m. at Killday's Deli which is behind Venture foods in Divide. The Woodland Park Saddle club has recently acquired 35 acres in Divide. Current plans envision a facility including a massive indoor arena, an outdoor arena with lights and a speaker system, a clubhouse that may eventually serve alcohol, holding pens, hay storage areas, parking areas and an eventual residence for a caretaker.

The move is prompted by the desire of the saddle club to build an event center which will bring hundreds of people to local livestock, horse and rodeo events. I image some music will also eventually filter into the all season venue. Previously, the saddle club was located in the middle of Woodland Park at the Old Railway Station stop. Due to that land being acquired by the Downtown Development Authority of Woodland Park, the Saddle Club was moved to a 23 acre location next to the new Walmart.The reason for not placing the saddle club at this location is a local issue. But, for whatever reason they have decided I think it is a smart move to take this Equestrian endeavor back to the country side.

If you are a local don't miss this meeting.

Recently, NAR rolled out its' Green Designation. I have not had the pleasure to attend either of these designations training. But, 15 years of living green and off the grid does give me some stomping rights. I am looking at both websites right now and I am trying to discern which of the designations is more intensive and educational.

It looks like the NAR's Green Designation is more about raising the awareness of green issues in the Real Estate industry. Students will be taught about the basics of today's green generation. The class covers how sustainability impacts smart growth, new urbanism, and community development. Attendees are also instructed as to how NAR's Green Designation can attract green clients. Students are required to complete a 12 hr. core course and a six hour elective course. The designation can be earned on line through Realtor University.

Now, mosey over the Ecobroker.com . Eco Broker is the first and the largest green real estate training system in the world. The Eco broker course offers in depth training for three subjects: environment, energy, and the green market. In some states Eco broker classes will qualify for CE credits. The Eco Broker course gives a full 18 hrs. of green instruction.

When I decide to designate my green status I plan to use the Eco Broker program. I love the website and all the green knowledge it contains. The professional Eco-Broker's directory is also a nice little perk for the Realtor and a gleaming star for the consumer. I also like the fact that the Eco-Broker program continues to provide its' members with the latest updates on new trends and technologies related to the green industry.