Durango's Cool!

2009-11-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

TAX CREDITS:

"Last night the Senate voted cloture on a bill that includes the extension of the first time home buyer tax credit.

While this is not the final vote, it effectively seals the deal on the plan to extend the $8000 first time buyer credit through April 30th and expand said credit to move-up buyers on a smaller ($6500) scale.

A few weeks ago the Deputy Commissioner for Services and Enforcement at the IRS, Linda E. Stiff, testified before Congress that between January 2009 and September 2009 the IRS has processed claims from more than 1.5 million individuals or families who have purchased homes....Now granted, the extension is also an expansion, giving some move up buyers $6500 more in purchasing power, but that's only up to the income cap of $150,000 for single filers and $225,000 for joint filers...again, covering an awful lot of Americans, but not everyone. Contracts must be signed by April 30th and, yes, they can close by June 30th."**

**Quoted from Diana Olick - CNBC Real Estate Reporter

2009-09-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

Press Release

Charles and Mary Rigby Selected as Leading Real Estate Professionals of the Western United States

Durango, CO, September, 2009: Charles and Mary Rigby, leading providers of real estate services, today announced that they have been selected by Goldline Research as leading Real Estate Professionals of the Western United States for 2009. The list of leading Real Estate Professionals of the Western United States is scheduled to be published in the September 21st issue of Forbes Magazine.

“To be selected to this list of top real estate professionals is very gratifying,” said the Rigbys. They added, “The real estate business is about more than houses. It’s the people inside the house that we focus on. That’s why we place such an emphasis on understanding our client’s goals, needs and expectations. Our clients deserve only the best – we work to give them exactly that!”

“Those selected provide extensive client service that exceeds the industry standard,” said Dana Mahoney, Analyst, Goldline Research. “We believe that they are setting the benchmarks for the industry as a whole.”

Goldline Research recently completed its annual evaluation of real estate professionals in the Western United States. The Goldline Research study was conducted from July 2009 through mid-August 2009. The Western United States encompasses a nineteen state region that stretches from Texas to North Dakota and west to the Pacific Ocean, including Hawaii and Alaska.

About Charles and Mary Rigby
As one of the area’s leading real estate teams, Charles combines his more than 25 years in the title insurance business with Mary’s nearly three decades of experience as a Realtor. Together they provide each and every one of their clients with a simply unparalleled level of knowledge and service they can depend on.

About Goldline Research
Goldline Research is a leading marketing and information services company. Goldline Research’s mission is to empower consumer choice by identifying leading professional services providers. Goldline Research has evaluated professional services firms and providers throughout the United States using a rigorous, proprietary research methodology. The company has helped thousands of consumers find high quality service providers. Goldline Research was recently named to the 2009 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing privately-held companies. Founded in 2004, Goldline Research is headquartered in Novato, California. For more information, please visit www.goldlineresearch.com.

2009-08-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

One of the most important things to families relocating to an area are the schools. Data released last Friday shows fairly strong academic performance in both Durango and Bayfield while Ignacio lagged behind. The Colorado Student Assessment Program, a series of tests given to children in grades three through 10 each fall, form the backbone of how the state measures public schools performance. In both the Durango School District and the Bayfield School District 97 percent of 10th graders kept up with reading standards. The statewide average was 93 percent. Our schools measure up.

While important, school statistics are not the only measurement of the suitability of a community for raising a family. In small towns it seems that youth programs are a larger part of the overall lifestyle. Young people and their achievements are recognized. Last week, for example, the La Plata County Fair featured 4-H and FFA exhibitors. The Durango Herald's Friday front page was a photo and article of the sheep competition. Saturday's front page was a photo and article on the market swine grand champion and Sunday's front page was the market beef grand champion. We're talking FRONT PAGE. Our youth are important.

In a small community the kids get coverage. When the Durango swim team competes, it's news. Football, basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer - girls and boys, its all supported by the community. Whatever the activity, from sports to high school theater and musicals, our kids are recognized and supported. A "good education" is more than just school stats.

http://HomesInDurango.com

2009-07-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

DURANGO - Statistics for the 2nd quarter have been released by the Durango Area Association of Realtors and, as expected, they indicate our real estate market continues to suffer from the nationwide housing slowdown.

The median sale price of Durango homes dropped 12 percent from $405,000 to 355,000. The number of sales fell by half, from 70 to 35. Homes in the La Plata county also saw declines. The median price of sold properties dropped 16 percent, from $344,975 to $288,300. The number of sales fell from 127 to 102.

With prices declining and favorable interest rates it appears some buyers are coming back into the market. We have been busy. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 expanded the first-time homebuyer credit to $8,000, providing some incentive to stimulate real estate sales.

http://HomesInDurango.com

2009-07-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

4TH OF JULY in a small town - there's nothing like it. An outdoor breakfast in Rotary Park, arts and crafts in Buckley Park, patriotic readings on Main Avenue, and a KCBS sanctioned BBQ Cookoff; downtown was packed.

The BBQ cookoff, sponsored by the Kiwanis as a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Clubs, drew 29 cooking teams from as far away as Florida. These were some of the guys you see on the Food Network specials. We spent 2 days preparing and serving chicken, ribs, pork shoulder and brisket to the public and judges. Our team raised over $3,200 for the area clubs.

The celebration was completed by a terrific parade lead by the Westwind Piper Band. Uncle Sam, Clydedales, Freemasons, Harleys and the Ladies and Gents of the Historical Society rounded out the spectacle that ended with a brilliant fireworks display.

Oh, by the way - we placed 6th in Pork Shoulder and 2nd in Brisket. Now THAT'S COOL!

http://HomesInDurango.com

2009-02-18T09:15:00.000-08:00

This morning's headline in the Durango Herald is "County Pulls Plug on Land-use Code." WHAT!!!!!

After more than five years of having the new land use code shoved down our throats by the County Planners and Commissioners we're now told that the code is not "the best path to the community we want to see," by Planning Director Erick Aune.

Under previous planning director Nancy Lauro the planning department told us the new land use policies would control and limit urban sprawl. Now under planning director Erick Aune the planning department tells us the new code would actually increase sprawl rather than combat it. Aune says the county should focus on a comprehensive plan - "a central guiding document that would inform all functions of county government" - and from that a land use code would flow relatively easily. What a bunch of *#@^(*.

We have spent untold hours of effort and only God knows how much money to develop a land use plan for the county and now we're going to start over? These people need to take their educated rear ends and head back to Boulder or wherever it is they came from. ( And take the Commissioners with them.)

http://HomesInDurango.com

2008-12-03T15:26:00.000-08:00

AFFORDABLE HOUSING??? The Durango City Council has adopted our first official affordable housing policy by passing the Fair Share Housing inclusionary-zoning regulation. The policy will be added to the Land Use and Development Code, and requires builders to provide a percentage of affordable units or pay a fee in lieu for each new development of more than 2 units. Under the amendment 16 percent of homes in new developments would have to be priced as affordable or attainable under a four-tiered income and pricing structure formulated by the Regional Housing Alliance of La Plata County.

No one disagrees that the Durango area is in need of more housing that is affordable for our citizens. But who is going to pick up the tab for the price reduction on the units or the fees in lieu. Simply put - the buyers of the other units in the development. Builders will pass on the costs and prices will escalate.

The solution to affordable housing does not lie within the city limits of Durango. Land is too expensive. Affordable development must happen in non-incorporated areas of the county. But that would be "urban sprawl" and good luck with county planners.

The bright side is maybe the situation will solve itself. The way the national economy is looking, we're likely to have plenty of cheap housing.

http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz

2008-10-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

THE DRYSIDE??? The arid western portion of La Plata County, where residents draw drinking water from wells or truck it home in tanks, appears ready to shed the "Dryside" label hung by old-timers.

Next week, ground will be broken on a $6 million intake at Lake Nighthorse southwest of Durango. Treated reservoir water then would be available for residents in a 250 square mile area on Fort Lewis Mesa. The reservoir, part of the Animas-La Plata Project, which is nearly complete, is to start filling in early 2009.

Critical funding for the intake project came from the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe.

It's estimated that the 700 acre feet of water in Lake Nighthorse that is available to the project is enough to serve 3,600 homes on the Dryside.

http://www.homesindurango.com/
http://www.durangorealestate.biz/

2008-10-23T16:00:00.000-07:00

THIRD QUARTER STATS: The median sale price for homes in Durango slipped 14 percent during the July 1 to September 30 period, while the number sold dropped 20 percent, and dollar volume fell 23 percent, compared with the same period in 2007.

The median price is the midpoint of all homes sold - where half of the homes cost more and half cost less. As sales of higher priced homes have slowed, the resulting "median price" has come down. Overall the value of real estate in our area has remained remarkably stable when compared to other markets throughout the nation.

We are hearing reports from Arizona, southern California and Las Vegas that these markets have bottomed out and are beginning to mend. If true, it bodes well for our Durango markets. Hopefully by the spring we'll see a return to normalcy.

http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz

2008-09-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

MORE FROM THE BLOTTER:

Monday:

11:05 p.m. A caller from the 5800 block of Main Avenue said her boyfriend was drunk and
belligerent. He was to spend the night in another room.

11:54 p.m. A caller from the 5800 block of Main Avenue said here boyfriend was passed out in
front of her room.

Tuesday:

11:49 a.m. A man sitting in a red van in the parking lot of Pueblo Community College, 701
Camino Del Rio, had been there since 9 a.m. watching people come and go.

Saturday:

2:00 a.m. A man was in the street screaming and hitting cars in the 2900 block of Richard
Drive. He had been kicked out of his house.

3:45 a.m. A neighbor reported a woman screaming in the 3600 block of 502. A deputy reported
finding a lot of cat hair in the road.

To Be Continued.....

http://homesindurango.com/
http://durangorealestate.biz/

2008-09-17T17:29:00.000-07:00

CONSERVATION EASEMENTS: Since 2000, Colorado has encouraged land protection with a generous tax credit to conservation easement donors. The credit, worth 50% of the easement's value (but capped at $375,000), may be used against the donor's taxes or sold to other taxpayer's. Any portion unused/unsold in the year of the donation may be carried forward for 20 years. For 2008 the amount of this credit remains unchanged. However, House Bill 08-1354 has created new rules. Beginning in July 2008, easement appraisers must submit each appraisal, with a $600 fee, to the State for review; and beginning in January 2010, only easement granted to state-certified land trusts will generate a tax credit. The new certification program will begin accepting applications in January 2009.

http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz

2008-09-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

CNNMoney.com: In a recent article CNN featured "6 terrific town on the water." Many baby boomers dream of retiring somewhere by the water. CNN recommended a half-dozen places that are on a lake, a river or an ocean that won't sink your retirement budget.

Guess what? Durango was number one on the list.

Durango's name originates from the Basque word for "water town," thanks to the mighty Animas River, which flows almost parallel to our Main Avenue. CNN pointed out vacationers flock here to kayak, fly-fish or enjoy the water views from our many hiking, biking trails or from the network of shady parks along the river.

The Durango lifestyle with our arts community, quality restaurants, farmer's market and the surrounding San Juan National Forest together with our stable real estate economy is a major calling card for individuals seeking the ultimate in retirement location.

If we can assist you in gathering information about Durango give us a call or email. We'll be glad to help.

http://homesindurango.com/
http://durangorealestate.biz/

2008-09-11T09:52:00.000-07:00

MORE FROM THE POLICE BLOTTER:

Monday 7:38 p.m.

A woman accidentally called 911 while programming the emergency number into her telephone.

Tuesday 12.15 p.m.

A woman's neighbor was standing at a window making derogatory statements in the 300 block of 23rd Street.

Friday 3:00 p.m.

A brand inspector needed assistance with a large number of goats on a road near U.S. Highway 160B and County Road 509.

Friday 5:35 p.m.

No one was inside an open store in the 1100 block of South Camino del Rio for 20 minutes. An employee forgot to lock up at closing.

Saturday 12.59 p.m.

Several mules and horses were in the road in the 8000 block of County Road 501, north of Bayfield.

To be continued.....

http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz

2008-09-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

HOUSING ALLIANCE:* The local group that helps first-time home buyers get into La Plata County's competitive housing market is creating a nonprofit financial arm that could bring in millions of federal dollars.

The Regional Housing Alliance board of directors approved an agreement with La Plata Homes Fund Inc. on Wednesday, during its first meeting with new members from Bayfield. The approval allows the alliance to begin certifying the new fund as a non-profit organization.

The alliance works with families to make down payments on a home, and provides assistance and home-buyer classes in Bayfield, Ignacio and Durango.

Creating the fund as a tax-exempt nonprofit entity qualifies the alliance for federal money provided through the Department of Treasury's Community Development Financial Institutions Fund. The federal money would have to be matched dollar for dollar to be received locally.

The alliance has 100 families in home buyer classes and counseling.

*From the Durango Herald 09/05/08

http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz

2008-08-29T13:34:00.001-07:00

VALLECITO: Residents of Vallecito recently celebrated the opening of a new park that features a picnic pavilion overlooking Vallecito Reservoir.

The ceremony featured several nods to Southern Ute Indian Tribe members. Seven dancers performed to song, and other tribal members spoke about the land.

"This used to be Ute country here," said James Jefferson, a Durango area resident.

"This used to be Ute country".....that started me thinking.

Through the years the Utes have seen lots of changes. The area has grown. The population has exploded and we're still growing and changing. Yet we seem to have a core of individuals who are 100% anti-growth, anti-change. Every development, every expansion sees the same opposition.

Increased traffic, too many people coming to area, loss of wildlife habitat - the list goes on. We need to realize that change is going to happen. We are going to have more people coming to this beautiful area. We need to smartly prepare for the future.

I can just visualize the Ute elders sitting in their lodges discussing: too many people, too much congestion, loss of wildlife habitat. The Utes were smart, we should be also.

http://homesindurango.com/
http://durangorealestate.biz/

2008-08-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

Visitors to Durango often find a world quite different from the place they call "home." Its not just the beauty of the mountain or the blueness of the sky, the real difference is the people and the laid back lifestyle of Durango. One comment we hear most is how fun it is to read the excerpts from the Durango Police Blotter published daily in the Durango Herald. As special ones appear, we'll share them with you. For instance:

Friday - 11 a.m.

A man wearing army fatigues on the bike path near the 300 block of West College Drive was carrying what appeared to be a gun in his pants, but it turned out to be a black electronic device.

Thursday - 5:24 p.m.

A parole officer located a man at a motel in the 3100 block of Main Avenue who had run away while taking a polygraph test.

http://homesindurango.com/
http://durangorealestate.biz/

2008-08-24T16:17:00.000-07:00

RAILFEST: The 10th annual Durango Railfest that started last Thursday attacted large crowd of railroad buffs including visitiors from Germany, Italy and England.

Two historic engines were here for the celebration. The restored Durango & Rio Grande Western engine No. 315 and the Galloping Goose No. 5, a GMC gasoline powered engine put in service during the Great Depression by the Rio Grande Southern Railroad when operating steam engines became too expensive. Engine No. 315 could be seen hauling passengers to Cascade. The restored engine appeared brand new.

In addition to Railfest, Saturday brought the Brewfest to Buckley Park in downtown Durango. Eleven breweries from all over Colorado were on hand dispersing their hand crafted products. What a weekend!

What's next? Can you feel the distant rumble? As Labor Day approaches the rumble will grow. The earth will vibrate as thousands, yes thousands, of Harley bikers converge on the Durango area for the rally. There's never a dull moment in this quiet mountain town.

http://homesindurango.com/
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz

2008-08-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

WATER: The rural water system that would serve the southern portion of La Plata County and the southwestern area of Archuleta County that has been discussed for 20 years took a step closer to realization this week when voters, by a slim margin, approved the creation of the La Plata Archuleta Water District. The district aims to establish a rural water system where residents currently depend on water wells or have water trucked in.

In addition to creating the district voters selected five members to serve as the district's board of directors. District officials will have to go back to voters to fund the system. The date for that election has not been set.

While this is a long term project it is badly needed and will open up a huge part of the county for residential use.

http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz

2008-07-11T09:39:00.000-07:00

LIFE IN DURANGO: If anyone wonders what its like to live in Durango they should visit on the 4th of July. Festivities began on July 3rd with the Kiwanis BBQ Cookoff. We set up the smokers at 7:00 a.m. along Main Street at Buckley Park, cooked all day and served the public brisket, sausage & pork shoulder at 4:00 p.m.
July 4th was competition day and we began serving BBQ at 11:00. When all was said and done, our team sold over $4,000 of BBQ for the Kiwanis fundraiser. At the same time, an Arts & Crafts Show was happening in Buckley Park. The crowds were fabulous.

Celebrating July 4, the Declaration of Independence was read for the public, a fantastic patriotic parade proceeded down Main (we have a parade for nearly every occasion) and the day ended with a spectacular fireworks display.

Durango, small town - big people. The only thing missing was Andy Taylor and Barney Fife weren't leading the parade.

http://homesindurango.com/
http://durangorealestate.biz/

2008-06-26T15:04:00.000-07:00

GOOD MOVE BAYFIELD: The Regional housing Alliance of La Plata County (RHA) announced that Bayfield has entered into the alliance. The RHA is a quasi-state governmental entity that has coordinated countywide efforts to provide affordable housing in the area since 2004.

Jennifer Lopez, RHA Executive Director said, "It's a wonderful moment for us. We have a lot of housing and economic-development issues in Bayfield, and we can play a larger role now that they'll be at the table."

Under the new agreement, Bayfield will join in ongoing efforts to develop housing projects and programs throughout the county. It will also commit to provide RHA with funding for operational expenses.

In addition, two representatives from Bayfield, one elected official and and town staff or community member, will serve on the RHA Board.

http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz

2008-06-06T08:49:00.000-07:00

LAKE DURANGO: La Plata County Commissioners have lifted the five year old moratorium on new subdivision development that would rely on water from Lake Durango. The ban was based on concerns about both the quantity and quality of the water.

Commissioners determined that circumstances have changed since then with improvements made to the Pine River ditch to decrease seepage, the addition of circulators to the lake and upgrades to the treatment plant. Additionally, new wells in Durango West have helped decrease the demand on the lake, which serves Durango West I and II, as well as Shenandoah, Trappers Crossing and Rafter J.

The request to lift the ban came from Trappers Crossing developer Ron Spence and Cole Eden, who has proposed a seven lot development called Ridgewood Estates. Spence is seeking to complete Trappers Crossing's fifth phase, which would add 11 lots. Both had acquired taps for their projects but were not allowed to proceed because of the moratorium.

Lake Durango Water Co., the private company that delivers Lake Durango water, is in the process of being sold to the Lake Durango Water Authority, a governmental authority created in 2007 to settle the controversy over water quality and quantity. The arrangement must be approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission.

http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz

2008-06-05T10:05:00.000-07:00

LIVING IN DURANGO: If you think a cold 20 mph north wind coupled with a steady drizzle/rain would keep a football stadium full of Durangotangs from throwing a beach party - you would be wrong! Last night IT WAS THE BEACH BOYS!

With only a handfull of timid no-shows the party went off with a bang and, according to the Beach Boys, folks in Durango "are flipin' crazy." Rockin' and rollin', dancing in the isles and, in general, having a great time Durango turned out for the "Boys." Beach balls were flying (it's amazing how far a beach ball will fly in a 20 mph wind.)

An hour and a half program ended with Surfin' Safari and, of course, Surfin' USA while the entire stadium danced on its feet in the rain. Thanks to the Beach Boys for sticking in there and turning a miserable evening into a remarkable event. Only in Durango.

http://homesindurango.com/
http://durangorealestate.biz/

2008-05-14T12:57:00.001-07:00

LET'S COOPERATE: The Durango City Council is pushing a measure that would require developers help pay for required infrastructure. La Plata County Commissioners have expressed concern about the pace of the plan.

The City Council has made enacting an adequate public facilities ordinance a top priority but many feel that, without the county's cooperation, the ordinance will increase sprawl by pushing growth out into unincorporated areas. Anyone who has attempted to get county approval on new development knows this is highly unlikely.

What we have here is a case of the City of Durango planning for the future and steering growth where it is most suitable while La Plata County sits on its behind saying "future?"

http://HomesInDurango.com
http://DurangoRealEstate.biz

2008-05-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

TRAPPERS CROSSING: 5 years ago La Plata County Commissioners placed a moratorium on new water taps in the Lake Durango Water System due to the severe drought in the southwest part of the state. Tuesday Ron Spence, the developer of Trappers Crossing, requested that the ban be lifted. He cited the drought is over, the lake is full and feels he's entitled to use the taps paid for.

The request comes as the private company that delivers Lake Durango water is about to be sold to the Lake Durango Water Authority, a governmental authority created in 2007 to settle years of controversy over water quality and quantity. The arrangement still must be approved by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. Nevertheless we feel the commissioners should approve Mr. Spence's request and lift the ban. They will address the issue again at their June 3 meeting.

http://homesindurango.com/

http://durangorealestate.biz/

2008-04-22T16:29:00.000-07:00

TAXES: In 2007, the Assessor's Office revalued, per state law, all 41,000 properties in La Plata County. This included all taxable vacant, residential, commercial, personal and natural resource properties.

The Assessor's Office updated the value of real estate properties from the 2004 level to the 2006 level of value. This means that they used market sales to project the increase in value, as during those years there was an overall increase. Oil and gas properties saw a drop in value in 2007 due to slightly lower production, lower prices and increased expenses.

http://durangorealestate.biz/

http://homesindurango.com/