Could the Center for Disease Control and Preventions blog post, "Preparedness 101- Zombie Apocalypse" be the best blog post of 2011?
Just before Christmas, I was at a BierWerks, a pub in Woodland Park listening to the Mike Maddux Band. All of the people in my group loved to run and we talked a lot about running. Then, one of the ladies in my group, an engineer, started talking about the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) article about preparing for a zombie apocalypse. She wondered could a zombie apocalypse really occur. Now, a lot of the Army guys I work with LOVE talking about zombies and how they would fight them. They get so excited about it that you would think that zombies are real. Generally, I’ve always just kind of tuned them out. Zombies aren’t really real. Are they? Anyway, the engineer’s comments about the CDC peaked my curiosity.
The next day I did a Google search. Sure enough there really was a blog post last May about preparing for a Zombie Apocalypse. The post was so popular that at one point that the blog's server crashed. And…..7 months later people are sitting in a bar talking about a Center for Disease Control blog post.
The blog, released just before hurricane season on May 16 by Dr. Ali Khan, was designed to be a “tongue in cheek campaign to engage new audiences in disaster preparation. See: Preparedness-101 ZombieApocalypse, It turned out to be a wildly successful.As of today, the post had 700 comments. Prior to the blog post, the CDC reportedly had 12,000 followers on Twitter. Two days after the post, they had 1.2 million followers. As of today, the CDC has over 1.325 million Twitter followers. http://twitter.com/CDCemergency
Why has this blog post been so popular? The pictures? The great disaster preparedness checklist? The zombie history? The humor behind it?
How can this post help us in the real estate community?
1. Do you have a disaster preparedness kit in your car? At home? If not, this might be a great attainable New Years Resolution. http://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2011/05/preparedness-101-zombie-apocalypse/
2. Do you know who the target audience is that you are trying to reach with your blog? Are your blog posts geared towards that audience? Be willing to think out of the box.
Yesterday, an October snow storm swept through the Colorado Springs area. Fortunately, I did not have to deal with any crises since my water pipes had been wrapped and the tender plants were in. After having lived in College Station, Texas, where it rarely snows, I thought the snow was pretty exciting.
Granted, I was disappointed that I had to work. I would rather have been able to enjoy the snowy day at home with a cup of hot chocolate and a toasty fire. I still managed to take a few photos.
The snow and the cold weather makes me look forward to catching up on some of the indoor chores that I've put off.
It makes me look forward to the rapidly approaching holidays. It makes me look forward to planning for next year. The first snow makes me realize that winter has arrived.
What does the first snow mean to you?
This "Rearing Horse" sculpture, by Don Green, is one of my favorite sculptures that I have found in the Colorado Springs area. It is located between Centennial Hall and the Pikes Peak Fine Arts Center in downtown Colorado Springs.
I know the economy has been tough, but that doesn't mean that you have to stop planning and dreaming. Could your home simply benefit from a little updating or new landscaping? Is your house or apartment allowing you to live each day to the fullest or is it cramping your style? If you have children, is your home located in a good school district?
Do you have enough room to entertain family and friends? Is it too big or too small? Do you spend too much time commuting? Or, are you ready to get away from the city? Are you dreaming of a quiet place in the country or in the mountains?
Take time to dream. Take time to plan for the future.
This morning, I took this photograph from my porch at the Cactus Creek Ranch. The Cactus Creek Ranch is located midway between Colorado Springs and Pueblo. The ranch offers a horse motel and full care horse boarding.
Colorado: See It. Experience It. Live It.
Kit Carson was a trapper, scout, Indian agent, solider, and a rancher. He was an authentic legend of the West even prior to his death.
Kit Carson’s legacy is carries on. Fort Carson, the Army post in Colorado Springs, was named in honor of him.
Kit Caron (1809 -1868)
Colorado Springs: See It. Experience It. Live It.
Despite all the doom and gloom that you hear on the news, land IS selling in the Colorado Springs area. In fact, 7 more land transactions closed this year between June 1 and Sept. 29 as compared to the same time period last year. Over the last four months, 34 land transactions closed as compared to 27 last year. Additionally, more expensive tracts have been selling this year.
The source of my data is from the Pikes Peak MLS. It may not include all transactions that occurred. For a sale to qualify to be listed in this particular snapshot, the land had to be in El Paso County and be a minimum of two acres.
Land values in the Colorado Springs area vary GREATLY based on location and whether or not the property is in a subdivision. For example, the rolling plains properties sell for significantly less per acre than the mountain properties.
Other factors that affect price include the quality of road access, fencing and the availability of water and utilities.
Land Sales June 1 – Sept 29, 2011
| Sold Date | MLS # | City/Town | Acres | List Price | Sold Price |
Cumulative DOM |
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| 6/1/2011 | 551006 | Yoder | 33.45 | 24,000 | 20,000 | 429 | |||
| 6/3/2011 | 619974 | Colorado Springs | 2.5 | 95,000 | 85,000 | 277 | |||
| 6/7/2011 | 757687 | Colorado Springs | 2.23 | 650,000 | 650,000 | 326 | |||
| 6/8/2011 | 649500 | Monument | 5.36 | 149,000 | 138,000 | 7 | |||
| 6/15/2011 | 763137 | Peyton | 2.51 | 57,000 | 57,000 | 45 | |||
| 6/16/2011 | 437488 | Colorado Springs | 6.64 | 175,000 | 167,500 | 723 | |||
| 6/16/2011 | 673066 | Monument | 2.5 | 75,000 | 70,000 | 210 | |||
| 6/17/2011 | 660409 | Colorado Springs | 5.01 | 100,000 | 92,000 | 373 | |||
| 6/20/2011 | 638439 | Colorado Springs | 2.5 | 175,000 | 150,000 | 95 | |||
| 6/27/2011 | 657928 | Colorado Springs | 35.07 | 378,000 | 300,000 | 511 | |||
| 6/29/2011 | 651031 | Colorado Springs | 2.5 | 95,000 | 75,000 | 277 | |||
| 6/29/2011 | 668060 | Fountain | 4.85 | 137,900 | 122,000 | 321 | |||
| 6/30/2011 | 622179 | Monument | 2.5 | 180,000 | 180,000 | 1428 | |||
| 7/5/2011 | 648884 | Peyton | 39.31 | 85,000 | 167,000 | 54 | |||
| 7/6/2011 | 665712 | Colorado Springs | 4.53 | 200,000 | 185,000 | 312 | |||
| 7/28/2011 | 664961 | Colorado Springs | 3.61 | 88,000 | 80,000 | 78 | |||
| 7/28/2011 | 744789 | Peyton | 5.11 | 150,000 | 130,000 | 20 | |||
| 7/28/2011 | 674534 | Peyton | 5 | 60,000 | 60,000 | 279 | |||
| 7/29/2011 | 679322 | Chipita Park | 35 | 300,000 | 300,000 | 259 | |||
| 8/11/2011 | 666154 | Colorado Springs | 2.5 | 99,000 | 75,000 | 538 | |||
| 8/15/2011 | 780829 | Peyton | 5.49 | 69,000 | 60,000 | 7 | |||
| 8/16/2011 | 663820 | Black Forest | 5.16 | 210,000 | 190,000 | 145 | |||
| 8/18/2011 | 640862 | Monument | 2.51 | 190,000 | 130,000 | 127 | |||
| 8/19/2011 | 619580 | Monument | 2.84 | 82,500 | 65,000 | 274 | |||
| 8/26/2011 | 504853 | Colorado Springs | 160 | 1,040,000 | 1,000,000 | 188 | |||
| 8/26/2011 | 602346 | Yoder | 35.52 | 19,500 | 16,000 | 184 | |||
| 8/30/2011 | 522860 | Colorado Springs | 23.52 | 385,000 | 350,000 | 306 | |||
| 8/31/2011 | 566743 | Monument | 3.28 | 212,000 | 212,000 | 1149 | |||
| 9/2/2011 | 670596 | Colorado Springs | 40 | 27,995 | 22,500 | 44 | |||
| 9/7/2011 | 497838 | Colorado Springs | 2.64 | 385,000 | 230,000 | 1145 | |||
| 9/23/2011 | 620072 | Colorado Springs | 5.06 | 89,900 | 78,000 | 189 | |||
| 9/28/2011 | 742432 | Peyton | 5 | 69,900 | 62,000 | 10 | |||
| 9/29/2011 | 784163 | Monument | 2.78 | 169,000 | 150,000 | 74 | |||
| 9/29/2011 | 666726 | Peyton | 5.01 | 87,500 | 75,000 | 120 |
The property that sold for the most per acre was in the highly sought after area of the Broadmoor Hotel.
The 160 acre tract was in El Paso County. However, it had to be accessed via Rampart Range Rd in Woodland Park, Teller County. It is a very nice property. The photograph above was taken on that property. (No, my client was not the buyer.)
The source of this data is from the Pikes Peak MLS. It may not include all transactions that occurred. For a sale to qualify to be listed in this snapshot, the land had to be in El Paso County and be a minimum of two acres.
For more detailed information, please contact your Realtor. If you are not working with a Realtor, do not hesitate to call or email me. I'll be glad to help you however I can.
Colorado Springs: See It. Experience It. Live It.
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I help clients achieve their real estate goals – whether it involves buying, selling or maintaining their property values. Specialize in horse property, downtown, & west side of Colorado Springs
Do you enjoy: Running, biking, trail riding, or hiking? Do you enjoy the outdoors? If so, I invite you to experience Colorado.
With its dry, sunny climate and mild year-round temperatures, Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region is the perfect place if you love the outdoors. The Colorado Springs area offers over 350 miles of scenic trails ranging from easy, paved paths along Monument Creek to challenging routes through the trees and sandstone spires in the nearby foothills. There are over 20,000 acres of parks and recreational activities to appeal to any taste, from Garden of the Gods to Pikes Peak. From manicured turf to open space teaming with wildlife. Peaceful, open, prairie settings to raging waterfalls. Whether you want to commune with nature, work out after a long day, or just slow down and bask in the sun the Pikes Peak region has it all. Colorado Springs is an area that you have to experience.
Colorado Springs is the Home of:
United State Olympic Committee and Training Center
Fort Carson
Peterson Air Force Base
NORAD
United States Air Force Academy
Colorado College
University of Colorado- Colorado Springs Campus
(More information will be forthcoming.)
FORT CARSON:
Fort Carson, the Mountain Post, is known as the "Best Hometown in the Army." The post sits on about 138,000 acres and is located on the south end of Colorado Springs at the foot of the Rocky Mountain Front Range. Fort Carson is Colorado's second largest employer.
I am a real estate broker/Certified Public Accountant that helps my clients achieve their real estate goals -whether it involves buying, selling, or maintaining their property values. I have over 10 years of experience selling homes as a real estate consultant. I am licensed in both Colorado and Texas.
Below are the five reasons that I stand out from all of the other real estate agents:
Although I am able to serve all areas of Colorado Springs and El Paso County, I specialize in horse property in and around Colorado Springs, downtown Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, homes on the West, Southwest, and Northwest side of Colorado Springs - to include Woodland Park, Divide and Florrisant. Having lived in Palmer Lake previously, I also enjoy the Tri-Lakes area.
Be sure to check out my real estate blog for Sondra's Snapshots, which provides snapshots of the Colorado Springs area experience. As I love to say, Colorado Springs - See It. Experience It. Live It.
If I can assist you with your real estate needs, please do not hesitate to contact me.
About College Station, Texas
Although I currently reside in Colorado Springs, I have maintained my Texas brokers license in order to assist clients with purchases in Texas. My Texas office is located in College Station.)
College Station is a friendly, vibrant, growing community located in the "heart" of Central Texas. It has about 67,000 + residents. (http://cstx.gov/home/index.asp). It is the home of Texas A&M University, the third largest public university in the nation.
1. "College Station is also one of the safest, most family-friendly places in Texas. The city consistently maintains one of the lowest crime rates in the state, giving peace of mind to residents and business owners." ---City of College Station website.
2. Texas A&M, a major research institution and a Big XII Conference school, attracts a diversity of ages, races, nationalities and cultures to the area. The spirit and traditions of Texas A&M, make College Station a very special place to be - especially for the Aggies.
3. College Station boasts a great school district. The City's website states: "One of Texas top 10 school districts, College Station Independent School District was named a "Blue Ribbon School District" by Expansion Management Magazine and Newsweek magazine listed A&M Consolidated High School as one of American's top 100 high schools."
4. College Station is centrally locatedin the triangle between Houston, Austin, and Dallas/Fort Worth. It is about a 100 miles from Houston and a 100 miles from Austin. It is about a 160 miles (a three hour drive) from the Dallas/Fort Worth. The regional airport is operated by Texas A&M and is serviced by major international airlines.
5. College Station has over 1,100 acres of nicely maintained public parks and sports facilities. These include golf courses,
nature trails, bike paths and sports leagues that hold national, state and local tournaments. The features in the surrounding area (Bryan, Brazos and surrounding counties) include lakes; rivers, and a new Exposition Center with a covered arena and show barn.
6. Popular attractions in College Station include the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum and North Gate. Community wide concerts and events are hosted at Reed Arena and the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater. There are also a few art museums and studios in the area.
Although I've lived in Germany, Afganastan, Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, Oklahoma, and New Mexico; I am a very proud to be a native of College Station, Texas. My family has owned land in Burleson County for over 20 years. I know this area and love this area.
And, then I discovered Colorado Springs, Colorado. What an experience. What a great place to live.
I graduated from Texas A&M University in 1994 (whoop) with a degree in Accounting. I am currently licensed in the state of Texas as a Certified Public Accountant and as a Real Estate Broker. As a CPA, I initially specialized in fraud investigations. I prefer to help people avoid problems before they get started. In 2003, I decided to pursue real estate full time. I love being able to help sellers and buyers. Getting to see and work with different properties is an added bonus. Although I am good at selling homes in town; as a horse person - selling country property is a natural fit. So, I do both.
I am a member of AHA, NCHA, AQHA and APHA. Although cutting horses are my passion, I also have Arabians. My former horse, KA Thriller, was a retired Arabian reiner who still continues to impress me with his versatility. He was truly a great all around horse. In addition to reining, he's also been shown in dressage and western pleasure.
As a runner, I love being in Colorado. There are numerous beautiful places to run and train, lots of races and number of running clubs. I belong to the Pikes Peak Road Runners and to the Jack Quinn's Running Club. This year, I'm competing in 5K's with the plan to consistently place in my age group. Next spring, I plan to start running 10K's again.
Getting back to real estate...
I firmly believe that buyers and sellers expect their Realtors to be professionals. I strive to continually learn and to improve the way I conduct my business, I'm also been blessed to be actively involved in educating current and future Realtors. I've served on the Bryan-College Station Regional Association of Realtors' education commitee for three years. I have also served on Blinn College's faculty, teaching real estate and business classes.
Grace and Peace,
Sondra Meyer
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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