Ninah Hunter

There may be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow after all. After months of hearing nothing but bad to worse news concerning the real estate industry and the economy in general, we're finally receiving positive news that things are improving, with new home sales up across the nation. Click here to read such a report from REALTrends.

Certainly, here in the Montrose area, we're seeing a lot more activity, especially for homes in the $200,000 and under range. We're also seeing a greater number of short sales and foreclosures, which is spurring interest from investors and bargain hunters, although patience is definitely a virutue and a requirement to close any of these sales.

For the seller, the good news is that if the property is priced right (i.e.,"competitively"), we have actually experienced a few bidding wars or multiple offers. In general, a well-priced home in good condition with good curb appeal, that offers a quick close to the buyer who cannot wait, is selling.

Of course, the best bargain that Montrose has to offer is the subperb quality of life. It makes selling real estate in Montrose fun and gratifying, if not just yet easy. Cheers from Montrose, and enjoy the rest of your summer!

~Ninah

The 2nd annual Pickin' in the Park in Ridgway, CO is underway. This is my first year attending, and what a fun event! This is a free 4-concert series that combines musical acts from around the country with local and regional opening acts. The music, of course, is the main event, and the 2 concerts I've been to so far have been fabulous. Last Thursday, I especially enjoyed Carrie Rodriguez, a singer, songwriter, and fiddler from Austin, TX. She's really more of a rocker who also plays guitar and electric mandolin with a fantastic backup band. I was quite impressed that Ridgway could attract such a renowned artist. And Carrie said that she was quite impressed with the "prettiest view from a stage" she'd ever seen.

The week before, I enjoyed the very unusual but very entertaining music of California based Fishtank Ensemble. As described by Pickin' Productions, this quartet's music is rooted in gypsy jazz, featuring familiar and unfamiliar instruments played by colorful, energetic virtuosos. I couldn't describe it better!

As great as the music is, equally, if not more entertaining, is just watching all the local folk (with a few tourists thrown in) and running into friends and neighbors. Kids run around having fun with the costumes and hula hoops provided for their entertainment. Every fathomable type of dog can be seen strolling or hanging out with its owner(s). Food and beer vendors add to the entertainment. Plenty of room in front of the stage allows for dancing. And, of course, the venue in Ridgway's Town Park cannot be beat.

Next up is a popular, local Bluegrass Band from Panoia, Sweet Sunny South with local picker, David Sneed opening the show. If you're in the area, do come out and enjoy the music and fun. It starts at 6:00 p.m. and goes till dark. This will be the last of the 4 concerts in Ridgway, but 4 more concerts will be held in the Paonia Town Park starting in August. Be sure to check out the Pickin' Productions' website for the line-up in Paonia.

A special thanks to our Ridgway Town leaders for bringing this free event to Ridgway with the help of Pickin' Productions and our local public radio stations KVNF, along with several other sponsors! It's great to be a Ridgway resident.

I love blogging. And I love reading other blogs, and commenting, and teaching about blogging and social networking. I feel the power, the potential, and truly do enjoy the connection and the shared knowledge. But I don't blog or read or comment enough, at least, not as much as I should or people tell me I should. I compose blog posts in my mind and make mental notes of good subjects to write about. And then ... poof! It's all gone as I get derailed with distractions, and my topics are no longer timely or novel or something I'm motivated to write about. I'm thankful for those of you who can do it--post often and timely. And I hope no one will think less of me if I lurk, don't post comments, or write except every 3-4 weeks.

So, briefly, all's well on the Western Slope of Colorado. Real Estate is picking up. We're actually closing deals, although it takes a lot longer with greater effort, frustration, and not so much help from the lending industry. For buyers, despite the challenges with financing, it truly, definitely, most assuredly is the best time to buy. For sellers, not so bad here if you plan to buy something in replacement. If you don't have to sell now but are thinking about it, it's a crap shoot. You may be better off waiting. But if you do, and the market picks up, then so will interest rates and others getting into the game (i.e., more sellers and inventory). And I'm talking about the Montrose area, which may be quite different than nationally. What will not change is that we in the Montrose, Colorado area have a most incredible place to live and work and play. And I do love living, working, and playing here.

~Ninah

The 2009 15th Annual Partners Challenge Ride (and Weekend Get-Away) has been set this year for the weekend of September 26-27. This 2-day, 104-mile mountain bike ride is truly challenging, but a lot of fun, traversing some of the most spectacular mountain terrain and scenery in the country. It is not a race. Riders are supported all along the way by volunteers who work at the aid/food stations, patrol the route with sag wagons, and provide bike mechanic services. Click here for more information about the event and course description from last year. Below is a map of the course.

Partners of Delta, Montrose and Ouray is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that mentors children in our area. Youth aged 6-17 are referred to the program and then screened and matched with a trained adult volunteer. The pair make a commitment to spend at least three hours a week together for one year. The staff of Partners supports this relationship with weekly contact, monthly recreational activities and educational workshops. Another component of the program focuses on teenagers through Art Partners. Youth aged 12-17 are matched with a professional artist or crafter in a supported 3-month mentoring apprenticeship. Partners has been in existence in our area since 1987, providing a huge value to our youth. Partners does not charge for its services, but rather, relies on volunteers and donations. For a good newspaper article on Partners, click here.

I am proud that my company this year will be entering a corporate team, which will be made up of 5 riders, including myself. In addition, the non-riders will be volunteering to work the ride and/or help us to raise funds for Partners. Our goal as a team is to raise at least $1,500. If you would like to help us meet our goal, we would truly appreciate your tax deductible donation in any amount. Please make your check payable to Partners and mail or deliver it to my office at 1245 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401, Attn: Partners.

Alternatively, if you'd like to take the challenge, register as an individual or corporate team to participate in the ride. The fee for individuals is $300, and for a team, $1,300, limited to 5 riders. You should be able to download the registration form soon from the Partners' website at www.Partners-West.org. As of this post, it is not yet online, but should also be available soon through www.active.com. Until then, feel free to call me, and I'll be happy to mail you a registration form. The ride is limited to the first 100 riders, but there's no limit on donations! I'll keep you posted as I find more online about this event, and also, about my training. I rode one day in the event 2 years ago, which convinced me I needed a new bike and a lot more training! I've got the new bike, and have started the training.

~Ninah

My agents, Kylee Smith & Betsy Spitzer on Partners' Ride 2007
coming down Owl Creek Pass, Chimney Rock in background