It's green in summer, gold in fall and white in winter- Dalton Ranch golf course just minutes north of Duango, Colorado. Our neighborhood has several components, from easy-living condominiums to larger townhomes, family homes, upscale condominiums and luxury homes. There are just a few lots available if building your own home is your dream, and most have great views. One thing that broudht me to this goldf course community 14f years ago was the view- like one of my visiting friends said "Every window is a postcard." She's right- and that is one reason I am still here, enjoying every day in the middle of one of the most scenic river valleys in Colorado.
Wildlife watching and people watching are great spectator sports when you tire of golf, tennis, hiking, biking, river rafting, etc. that are all available nearby. For families, it is close to a great elementary school, Animas Valley Elementary, and the supermarket is within a mile. The golf course has special membership packages right now, and the restaurant is open year round, even when snow covers the course and offers great snowshoeing or cross-country skiing! If you're interested in Dalton Ranch housing, contact me at marlene@horizondurango.com for the latest real estate update.
Gone hiking yet this summer? If you visit Durango, Colorado area and enjoy summer outdoor activities, there are great hikes for all ages and abilities. One I discovered was a cool (literally- over 9,500 feet elevation) hike out of the Silverton area that takes you over a pass to see the majestic beauty of Trout Lake. Trout Lake is surrounded by tall peaks, and is home to a lucky few dozen summer retreats.
That was last year--this year I cheated and walked an easy trail from the Matterhorn Campground near Telluride to Trout Lake, where I snapped a few quick pics with the phone (ever present, like a tether). Enjoy- and maybe you'll get to visit this little Southwest Colorado lake in the future! Bring your fishin' gear!
What's been selling in Durango, Colorado real estate these days? Typically, summer is our "hot" selling season, but activity has improved from the first and second quarters last year, due to many purchasers taking advantage of the home buyer's tax credit. By June 30, this influence should end as the last of these properties close.
Looking at our MLS generated statistics, the number of Durango in town properties sold increased by 18%, and the average price was down 15% from this time last year. Properties categorized as "Durango Rural" increased in sales by 23%, with a 51% average price increase. This seems to contradict the trend, but in reality, rural properties often are large, and have more acreage, therefore, have higher pricing structures overall. Rural property bargains are readily available and homebuyers have been shopping, and buying those that present good value. This summer, we do expect to see more movement in this market segment.
Looking at Land sales for the same time period, the same number of properties sold as this time period last year, with a 64% drop in average price. With just a few properties to consider, this only means that the lower-priced lots sold. Land sales classified as Durango Rural were down 5% for the same period with a price decrease of 9%. Land sales usually peak in summer and fall here in Durango, so we look for an increase in sales in this segment as well.
If you'd like more specific information, contact me at marlene@horizondurango.com, and visit my website at www.durangocoloradoproperty.net
Its been a cool and windy spring out west, but, Memorial Day is just a week away. With Memorial Day comes summer and the height of the griliing season, and I recently was given a great burger recipe.
We all have favorite ways to make burgers, and one thing we have abundant here in Durango Colorado is plenty of organically raised beef. An article in today's Durango Herald (www.durangoherald.com) states that Colorado has the highest percentage of organic meat. Yay, us! It really is tasty- and we are lucky to have several ranches that sell a variety of organically-raised meats at our Saturday Durango Farmers Market. Check it out- Saturdays at the First National Bank, 8-noon (or a bit later).
Now here's that burger recipe- Happy Grilling!
Black ‘n Blue Burgers
Ingredients
CAJUN SEASONING BLEND:
o 3 tablespoons ground cumin
o 3 tablespoons dried oregano
o 1 tablespoon garlic powder
o 1 tablespoon paprika
o 2 teaspoons salt
o 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
o (or you can use a store bought Cajun or blackened seasoning)
BURGERS:
o 1 pound ground beef
o ¼ cup finely chopped onion (optional)
o 1 teaspoon salt
o ½ teaspoon ground pepper
o 1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning Blend (recipe above)
o ½ to 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
o ½ teaspoon Worsteshire sauce
o 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
o 4 hamburger buns
o Crumbled blue cheese
o Extra Cajun seasoning for coating of burgers (optional)
Directions
· Combine all seasoning blend ingredients in a small bowl or a zip lock plastic bag; mix well.
· In a bowl, combine the first eight burger ingredients; shape into four patties. Cook on a grill over medium-hot heat for 4-5 minutes per side or until burgers reach desired doneness.
· Place burgers on baking sheet and place blue cheese on top of each burger. Place in oven under broiler for ONE minute.
· Serve on toasted buns (if you'd like) and ENJOY!!!
PIE, PIE, PIE, who doesn't like pie? Ever heard of a pie auction? Before moving to Durango, Colorado almost 14 years ago, I had not. Then notices in the local Durango Herald newspaper would pop up every now and then about somebody's fundraiser, and it would include "pie auction".
Well, I soon learned that this very traditional rural American way of raising money for churches, schools, and neighbors with needs could be very effective. I went to an event hosted for a woman with breast cancer, and was amazed to see all the excitement around the pie auction part of the day. People milled around the tables, talked about the bakers and their entries, and speculated on who wanted which pies. Was I surprised at the bidding! Not $10, or $20 or even $50- NO! Each and every pie went for OVER $100! Needless to say- fundraising success.
So, the Durango Area Association of Realtors, that I wrote about last week, is including a pie auction to raise funds for our local high school senior scholarship and community organization donation fund. SO COME ON DOWN- JUNE 10 to Rotary Park - and BRING YOUR WALLET to buy some PIE! and CAKE! - we included the cakes for those of us who couldn't make a crust if our life depended on it.---Donations gratefully accepted- contact me at marlene@horizondurango.com!
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I provide EXCEPTIONAL client service, always, no exceptions; before, during and after a sale. I specialize in residential real estate, second homes, investment property and relocations in Durango, CO
I moved to Durango over 14 years ago, continued business development consulting for some time, then joined Horizon Properties. It has been an excellent experiential education in real estate as we deal with all types of properties, selling, buying and development.
Our Four Corners area is fantastic; it offers scenic wonders and healthy lifestyle options for people of all ages. Durango, Colorado is a real town, with a great ski resort, Durango Mountain Resort, (alias Purgatory) gold medal fly fishing, world class mountain biking, a wide variety of hiking trails, and a full-service community recreation center available for everyone.
My real estate practice is CUSTOMER FOCUSED, and I help find the right vacation condos, second homes, investment property, homesites, primary residences and luxury homes that fit. Durango,Colorado is a diverse community and newcomers need help to find the right combination of lifestyle and location. From farm/ranch property, to in-town condos, mountain hideaways, to golf course living, we have it all. Relax and let me show you the many home choices and lifestyle options from which to choose.
Use this section to write about your specific areas of expertise. Do you specialize in first time buyers - listing high end homes - etc. Are there specific market area's that you specialize in? The more you write about your area's of expertise the more knowledgeable you'll sound to a potential buyer or seller.
What is that CNE after my name? It means "Certified Negotiations Expert", a designation given by National Assn. of Realtors. My long, customer-service oriented career gives me the tools to take good care of my clients, both buyers and sellers. I understand that COMMUNICATION is vital, even when the news isn't good. I use my marketing background to quickly establish a property's selling points, and use different media to showcase those features. I understand clients' needs for facts and opinions, and make good use of local expertise to help. I am active in coordinating our winter festival, Snowdown (see www.snowdown.org) and serve as a volunteer for the Women's Resource Center, (www.wrcdurango.org) so I understand how our community works, and its current issues. What I do is give every client the big picture, and the fine details, about their housing or investment options.
Check out Durango, Colorado properties at www.durangocoloradoproperty.net!
Because I have many out-of-town clients, I offer "full service" from helping to find the right repairmen, to working with movers, landscapers and decorators. I provide my clients with contacts, information, and friendship before, during and after a sale. I treat all with the courtesy and consideration they expect, and deserve.
Do you have any good testimonials that clients have provided you in the past? Be sure to add them here.
I would love to have prospective clients talk directly with my active clients. Let me know if you would like "professional references" for the people I have served, and I'll gladly provide same.
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