Jerry Henson

I don't blog regularly (nor twick or tweet) but today is a good time to vent and to seek some advise.

It seems that at least once every month, I am showing a property to my Buyer client with the Listing Broker present. One local realtor office in my area insists that their Listing Broker be present to present the property. But during the presentation to my buyer, the Listing Broker begins to tell us about his/her other Listings that could work well for my Buyer. This is not because I have requested other ideas from them, just their voluntary contribution. I think this interuption constitutes interference. I have a plan and a process going with my Buyer. We are looking at everything within their criteria range eventhough they have already told me that they think the first house we saw would be near perfect. And now some listing broker begins to throw out new options, putting doubt in my buyers mind that I may have missed something or else leading them somewhere. So I end up having to explain to the listing broker (and my buyer) why the new idea will probably not work for them. I can understand and appreciate helpful, aggressive Listing Brokers, but when do their disruptive actions cross the ethical line?

Jerry www.LaVetaRealty.com

Like many small towns, in La Veta (Southern Colorado) we have not experienced the enormity of real estate woes seen elsewhere. Buyers are sure down in total numbers but Market values are still within 90% to 95% of a year ago. Few people here are effected by toxic mortgages and forclosures are still pretty rare. So imagine our shock to recently find that our own small town Doctor was being forclosed.

Like most small town "country doctors", his practice was always busy but not highly profitable. We have our share of folks that can't pay and even a few that probably just won't, even if they can. Little did we realize that his property taxes have gone up, his malpractice insurance is up, his Medicare claims are up and his collections and reimbursements are down. Without malpractice coverage he also loses hospital practice priviledges. And our small hospital is in no financial position to help him out either.

Our community has held fund raisers, auctions and bake-sales to benefit his clinic. Last week our grand total has now reached over $13,000 in donations. A nice gesture, but can it possibly be enough to rescue our doctor and his ailing clinic. I don't think so. So in this time of thanks, holidays and giving, please remember to express your thanks and appreciation to your own small town doctor. And your preachers, teachers, butchers, bakers, firemen and mechanics too. You may never know who was really in need, but we truly need them all.

Jerry www.LaVetaRealty.com

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

We wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving holiday. Here in Southern Colorado we are beginning to see a light flurry of snow. Accumulation of around 6 inches expected tonight. Much more west of us toward Wolf Creek Pass and Telluride. The wild turkey are roosting up tight, but we already have ours in the pot. So here's to food, family, friends and football.

With the month ending soon, if you haven't seen my November newsletter yet, then check out La Veta area real estate and news at http://realtytimes.com/120/JerryHenson

We are so very lucky to have the championship Grandote Peaks Golf Course right here in La Veta. This week the Golf Resort opened their new dining operation. Our Bachman Real Estate Office enjoyed the first seating by holding our weekly sales meeting at the Club for breakfast. Not just any breakfast, but a beautifully presented breakfast wonderfully prepared by none other than our local Sales Agent, Jim Vietti. Following breakfast with Jim and Dave, Kelly Popejoy gave us a tour of the new Grandote Homes under construction. The two architect designed Medditeranean style homes were a big hit to all of us. Then Thursday evening, Vietti and company served 20 people to a delightful 4 course gourmet dinner.

The course is open and in great condition so grab your clubs and come join us. If you would like a brochure or tour of the new model homes, just give me a call to set things up for you. Meanwhile, check out the course and the Model Homes at http://www.grandotepeaks.com/

Hi friends and neighbors, welcome to my new blog. As a "newbie" I will ease into this by suggesting that if you have an interest in rural mountain lifetstyles of southern colorado, then this may be the blogsite for you.

I will post a wide variety of comments dealing with local news, views and gossip around the area. And how they may relate to the local real estate market or recreational activites that the Southern Colorado lifestyle can offer. And I will post articles from my newsletter, my LaVetaRealty website and my LaVeta-Cuchara blog. And I will always try to answer your questions concerning the La Veta and Cuchara area.

So, welcome to my blog. It's sure nice to be here with you.