Brenda Whitman, Realtor, Laramie, Wyoming

Last summer, while trekking around Ames Monument and Vedauwoo, my curiosity was aroused by these pipes sticking out of the ground. They emerged periodically across the prairie and though I'm sure they've always been there, it was only this time that I really noticed - and wondered - what they were.

At certain intervals the pipes were accompanied by a sign like this - even then, I really didn't believe there could be a water pipeline clear out there. After all, where would it be going?

Imagine my surprise when I googled "B.O.P.U." and found not only was it, indeed, a water pipeline but also a major source of water to the city of Cheyenne, Wyoming, 40 miles to the east.

(http://www.cheyennecity.org/MediaCenter.aspx?CID=Water-Department-1#player)

Though this explanation doesn't explain these odd pipes, further research found that pipes, or vents, such as these could serve one of two purposes:

a) ventilation system for water pipes
b) inflow preventer for water pipes

More technical than I could have imagined!

Here is a link that explains it better: http://www.valmatic.com/pdfs/ProtectingDrinkingWaterPipelines.pdf

Or,the ultra-brief explanation:

An Inflow Preventer is a mechanical device mounted on the outlet of an air valve or vent pipe to allow normal flow of air in and out of the water system and prevent inflow of contaminated water into a water system as a result of flooding or malicious tampering [Landon, Phillip, “An Introduction to Inflow Prevention,” Pumps & Systems, March, 2006].

So, take a look at the everyday things you drive by - perhaps there's a whole story behind them as well!

Tuesday morning's MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Tour is the place to be if you are a REALTOR member of the Laramie MLS. Tuesday's are the day we all meet then head out and view the newest listings from all the cooperating real estate agencies.

If you are not familiar with the concept of MLS, it is a members only organization whose members agree to share information on their listings with one another to better facilitate finding a buyer for the properties more quickly than they could on their own. In other words, working together to get properties sold. If a property is listed on the MLS, no matter who the Brokerage is that is selling the home, any active member of our MLS can show and assist you in purchasing an MLS listed home.

Spring must be coming because there were 10 homes on tour today, March 6, 2012:

5530 Skyline $272,000 (MLS# 1200063)

3 Bedrooms, 3 large bathrooms sitting on 2.05 acres and absolutely loaded with charm.

My favorite features: Upscale log cabin charm. Views in every direction and the open prairie all around.

4226 Grays Gable $170,000 (MLS #1200069)

4 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms and ready for you to finish any way you want!

4416 Greys Gable $159,000 (MLS #1200067)

3 Bedrooms, 1 bath, and cute, cute, cute!

My favorite features: Even though there is only one bath - it is well planned with two sections. There is a separate laundry room as well.

1585 Inca $440,000 (MLS #1200066)

5 Bedrooms, 3 baths, and functional elegance to spare!

My favorite features: The spacious, open downstairs and the fenced, over-sized yard on a double lot.

1502 Downey $211,000 (MLS # 1200059)

3 Bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a welcoming floor plan!

My favorite features: Updated kitchen and bathrooms upstairs.

1802 Ord $179,900 (MLS #1200065)

3 Bedrooms,2 baths, all on one level.

1002 South 13th $199,900 (MLS #1200064 )

4 Bedrooms, 2 baths, and simply charming.

My favorite features: The pretty stair steps to the basement that have a landing and a turn .

258 North 5th $379,000 (MLS #1000531)

5 Bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and lots of space!

My favorite features: The historic feel of the home and the beautifully decorated kitchen.

1964 Van Buren $139,000 (MLS # ) No link available as of this posting

2671 Monroe $189,900 (MLS #1200058 )

4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Built in 1977.

My favorite feature: Mature landscaping.



Disclaimer: This post was created with the information currently available on the day of this posting. It is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Status and listing information are likely to change as time goes on. To check on current status, give me a call or check the Laramie MLS website.

Current links, if available (as of today,March 6, 2012) are included above - just click on the address.

The names of most streets, avenues, roads, etc. are as varied as the reasons behind the names themselves. We have numbered streets, lettered streets, streets named after people and streets named after regional landmarks.

Most towns are sure to have a street or two named after a president. Laramie's president streets are Washington, Madison, Van Buren, Fillmore, Harrison, Taylor, Hayes, Polk, Jefferson, Johnson, Grant, Cleveland, Monroe, Truman, Franklin, Garfield, Kennedy and Lincoln. Eighteen in all!

Then there are names based on regional history. I wonder how many western towns have a Lewis Street and a Clark Street, as well as a Custer or a Sherman Street. I know Laramie does.

Popular animals or birds of the area are also common for street names.

So.... I shouldn't have been surprised yesterday when this doe tried to follow us into the home I was showing at the foot of the mountains - on a road aptly named - Deer Road!

Tuesday's are the day we have our weekly MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Tour - which is when we head out and view the newest listings that have been added to the Laramie MLS.

The MLS is a members only organization whose members agree to share information on their listings with one another to better facilitate finding a buyer for the properties more quickly than they could on their own. In other words, working together to get properties sold faster. If a property is listed on the MLS, no matter who the agency is that is selling the home, any active member of our MLS can show and assist you in purchasing an MLS listed home.

Homes on today's tour (January 31, 2012):

4417 Cheyenne $210,000 ( no MLS# ....yet)

I always wanted to get a peek inside this home! With 5 bedrooms and 2 baths - it has an inviting layout, and is located right at the eastern edge of town.

My favorite features: The big front deck, the cutout window above the stairwell and the open prairie to the east.

601 Gibbon - $179,000 (MLS # 1200017)

This home has the distinctive charm of an older home. Wood floors upstairs, attached single-car garage and a lots of storage space.

My favorite features: All the nooks and crannies that remind me of my grandmothers house.

Disclaimer: This post was created with the information currently available on the day of this posting. Status and listing information is likely to change as time goes on. To check on current status give me a call or check the Laramie MLS website. Current links (as of today, January 31, 2012) are included above, if available - simply click on the property's address.

Tuesday's are the day we have our weekly MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Tour - which is when we head out and view the newest listings that have been added to the Laramie MLS.

The MLS is a members only organization whose members agree to share information on their listings with one another to better facilitate finding a buyer for the properties more quickly than they could on their own. In other words, working together to get properties sold faster. If a property is listed on theMLS, no matter who the agency is that is selling the home, any active member of our MLS can show and assist you in purchasing an MLS listed home.

Homes on today's tour (January 17, 2012):

5109 Quarterhorse Drive- $429,000 (MLS# 1100089)

This is the nicest home! With 5 bedrooms and 3 baths - it is huge, has character and is well taken care of. It practically sparkles!

My favorite features: All the space! Views to the west and the open prairie behind.

615 Fillmore- $195,00,500 (MLS # 1100745)

The first thing you notice when you walk in this home is the beautiful, wider-planked hardwood floor. It has a spacious master bedrooms, and two other bedrooms, one full bath, one 3/4 bath and one 1/2 bath.

My favorite features: The laundry room is upstairs with the bedrooms and downstairs there is a walk-out patio from the living/family room straight to the big back yard.

685 Roberts Court- $153,000 (MLS # 1200004 )

This is a modular 3 bdrm, 2 bath home located in the Westfield Village Subdivision which is over the interstate and to the south of the Petro stop.

My favorite features: Affordable living in a nice neighborhood.

Disclaimer: This post was created with the information currently available on the day of this posting. Status and listing information is likely to change as time goes on. To check on current status give me a call or check the Laramie MLS website. Current links (as of today, January 17, 2012) are included above, if available - simply click on the property's address.