Mal Sillars, MRE

Here in Buena Vista, there is a lot of snow on the mountains. It seems to me as though they are whiter than normal for this time of year...but it could be me. The good news is that while hiking yesterday I spotted a bunch of Pasque flowers...they are the real indicator of Spring here it the Colorado Rockies.

Everyone here...well we real estate brokers...are really ready for spring. Actually the first few months of the years showed more activity than a year ago, but those of us who have hung on are ready for some real mountain action. There is a great property inventory here in Buena Vista and some good deals to be had. That is not to say that values have dropped all that much, but we probably have what you are looking for...and what a great place to live!

Buena Vista is central to kayaking, rafting and mountain climbing in Colorado. It is a small town and some of the streets are still unpaved...in fact Main Street has only been paved for 50 years or so. Now it is unpaved again...looking a bit like the old west...as we prepare for pedestrian bumpouts, benches, landscaping and new lighting along our main drag. BV as we call it...is a popular area for retirement and second homes. Recently younger families are moving here to live where they play and enjoy small town mountain living. It feels as though fresh thinking has reached critical mass here. Green is in, although the valley is still wearing winter brown backed by white peaks. We will never be Aspen or Vail...we are OK with that. Come join us...or at least drop by.

I just love showing property here on the side of the Continental Divide...surrounded by 13- and 14,000 foot peaks. The beauty is astounding and so far, the housing market is holding tight. I have not noticed any real slip in property values, although sales numbers were down for 2008. On the other hand, I have the longest list of potential buyers that I have ever had at this time of year and many of them are actively looking and plan to buy this Spring. This early season activity is supported by my colleagues in other offices, which makes us feel very buoyant and the troubled economy quite far away. We do feel safe in the mountains!

I just returned from snowshoeing in the Sawatch range between 10 and 11,000 feet. What a day! Typical Colorado blue sky and lots of dry crunchy snow. The views are wonderful, the forest silent, yet alive. One couple had just summited Mt Yale (14,200 ft) and others were asking if it is always like this in Buena Vista. Well, pretty much. Last year, 337 days with sunshine. Plenty of snow in the mountains, none on the valley floor at 8,000 ft. After 30 years as a meteorologist...I picked right. Now I sell homes to others who have discovered the secret.

It has finally happened. With snow on and off for the last few days, Buena Vista is looking quite wintry. There are about 6 inches of new Colorado powder on the ground with more promised. The real treat will be when the sky clears and the very white, soft peaks of the surrounding 14,000 foot mountains stand out against a cobalt blue sky. If you have not experienced the Colorado sun and blue sky while playing in deep powder, I invite you to try it.! Better yet, come and stay.