Durango, CO

One of the most important things to families relocating to an area are the schools. Data released last Friday shows fairly strong academic performance in both Durango and Bayfield while Ignacio lagged behind. The Colorado Student Assessment Program, a series of tests given to children in grades three through 10 each fall, form the backbone of how the state measures public schools performance. In both the Durango School District and the Bayfield School District 97 percent of 10th graders kept up with reading standards. The statewide average was 93 percent. Our schools measure up.

While important, school statistics are not the only measurement of the suitability of a community for raising a family. In small towns it seems that youth programs are a larger part of the overall lifestyle. Young people and their achievements are recognized. Last week, for example, the La Plata County Fair featured 4-H and FFA exhibitors. The Durango Herald's Friday front page was a photo and article of the sheep competition. Saturday's front page was a photo and article on the market swine grand champion and Sunday's front page was the market beef grand champion. We're talking FRONT PAGE. Our youth are important.

In a small community the kids get coverage. When the Durango swim team competes, it's news. Football, basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer - girls and boys, its all supported by the community. Whatever the activity, from sports to high school theater and musicals, our kids are recognized and supported. A "good education" is more than just school stats.

http://HomesInDurango.com

DURANGO - Statistics for the 2nd quarter have been released by the Durango Area Association of Realtors and, as expected, they indicate our real estate market continues to suffer from the nationwide housing slowdown.

The median sale price of Durango homes dropped 12 percent from $405,000 to 355,000. The number of sales fell by half, from 70 to 35. Homes in the La Plata county also saw declines. The median price of sold properties dropped 16 percent, from $344,975 to $288,300. The number of sales fell from 127 to 102.

With prices declining and favorable interest rates it appears some buyers are coming back into the market. We have been busy. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 expanded the first-time homebuyer credit to $8,000, providing some incentive to stimulate real estate sales.

http://HomesInDurango.com

Who can imagine that, trade a paperclip for a house? Yet it's been done. All you need is to believe and anything is possible.

Ever wondered how trade and exchanging really works? Here's an inspiring example about how one young man traded his way up. Starting with one red paperclip he eventually got a house. Here's to show you, anything is possible with the right attitude.

Watch the videoclip here

Or go to this website to read about it. www.oneredpaperclip.com.

Call me to discuss exchange options for your house. I am a member of the National Council of Exchangors and a trained Equity Marketing Specialist.

--
Claudia Williams
Owner/Ecobroker/Exchangor
Blue Ribbon Properties
835 Main Ave #214
Durango, CO 81301

970 247 8388 (office)
970 749 3555 (cell)
970 247 8360 (fax)
www.blueribbondurango.com

Check out my blog
The Scoop on Durango Real Estate
www.blueribbondurango.com/blog

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

4TH OF JULY in a small town - there's nothing like it. An outdoor breakfast in Rotary Park, arts and crafts in Buckley Park, patriotic readings on Main Avenue, and a KCBS sanctioned BBQ Cookoff; downtown was packed.

The BBQ cookoff, sponsored by the Kiwanis as a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs, drew 29 cooking teams from as far away as Florida. These were some of the guys you see on the Food Network specials. We spent 2 days preparing and serving chicken, ribs, pork shoulder and brisket to the public and judges. Our team raised over $3,200 for the area clubs.

The celebration was completed by a terrific parade lead by the Westwind Piper Band. Uncle Sam, Clydedales, Freemasons, Harleys and the Ladies and Gents of the Historical Society rounded out the spectacle that ended with a brilliant fireworks display.

Oh, by the way - we placed 6th in Pork Shoulder and 2nd in Brisket. Now THAT'S COOL!

http://HomesInDurango.com

Last year, I profiled Durango, Colorado's premier winter celebration, known as SNOWDOWN. Its that time again, and this year the theme couldn't be more appropriate - SNOWDOWN IN DA NILE! Yep, the whole town has great reasons to forget the economic crisis, the housing crisis, the job crisis- at least for 5 days of fun, wacky events, and overall good times. As co-coordinator for SNOWDOWN, I do a lot of work with our Team and Board all year long. But, most of the "heavy lifting" is done, and its time to celebrate the winter fest that puts us on the map of Colorado events, and brings us all together, SNOWDOWN.

Wednesday kicks off with the totally wacky Dos n Don'ts Fashion show- this year entitled "Queens of Da Nile". What you'll see is anyone's guess! Good weather is forecast for the entire 5-day run of SNOWDOWN, so people will be in the streets in their Ancient Egyptian, or "DA NILE" attire of choice.

See my Blog from Jan. 08 for a full history and description of SNOWDOWN, and come on to Durango, Colorado to have the best time ever in the heart of winter.