Buena Vista Real Estate

Springing to Life

admin — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:29:51 +0000

Following the coldest Winter and coldest February on record, there is a feel of Springtime in Buena Vista. Keep in mind that March and April can be big snow months here, but those snows come and then melt here in the valley, but do add mightily to the snow pack, so important for Colorado’s summer water. Beyond that, there is a feeling of excitement in the business community that there is a good year ahead. Certainly in real estate there has been an early flurry of activity during typically slow February. As I check with other brokers around town, all are upbeat.

Now that we are getting into March, spring-breaks will be coming along and that usually notches up the activity in the real estate market. Spring skiers, road-trippers and beauty-seekers will be passing through our valley and will be awed. Even if not planning to buy real estate, tourists will make sure to pick up a real estate guide to take home; it just happens in Colorado mountain towns…and we love it. We are ready with a great inventory and I look forward to assisting new buyers find their dream property. I’m getting excited!

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Happy days here again?

admin — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:08:54 +0000

It appears as though life has returned to the real estate market in Buena Vista and Chaffee County. After a couple years of low sales we are all hoping for great improvement. With February nearly half over, there have been two sales in the county over half a million and there are seven more under contract. It has been a while since there has been substantial upper-end market activity.

At the lower end there is an marked increase in the number of folks looking, even if writing offers is lagging a bit. The reason I mention all this is that in mid-February activity is often quite slow, so to see this increase at this time of year is a treat and raises hopes that sales will pick up this year. I’m sure it will be a while before we reach the level of 2007, but a gradual increase in property sales will be appreciated. We certainly have a great property inventory and whatever happens, the Upper Arkansas Valley will always be a great place to live and play!

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On the up and up?

admin — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:51:48 +0000

The data is in and it looks as though real estate property sales in Chaffee County are headed upward! The numbers for 2009 are about half of what they were in 2007 and the data shows that the worst sales months were in late 2008 and early 2009.

Within the graph there is an obvious annual cycle and a 12-month trailing-average trendline indicates that sales numbers have hit bottom and are trending upward. Since winter and early spring is the softest sales period, it will likely take into May before we know how business is going to be. Keep in mind that current times have established a new normal and growth will be slow and steady over the next years. The good news is Buena Vista is still a gem in the Rockies and the desire to be here has not diminished!

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Christmas Wonderland

admin — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 22:53:18 +0000

I was sitting here in the kitchen this morning looking out the window and the thought came to me that the view reminded me of Switzerland. Then I realized, this view that I see everyday, is really my Buena Vista view. The sky was clear Colorado blue; the air was a crisp 11 degrees; the new snow on Mt. Princeton just made that massif stand out as if it were pasted on the sky. One is just compelled to stare.

There are days when there is not enough hustle and bustle here in this town for me, but when I stop and look at the surroundings, I am always awed at the majesty of this valley. There are other impressive views that I have seen in my travels, but these are particularly so. I finally realized that views here are different because I have hiked the trails and climbed the peaks and know the back country. Elsewhere, a view is a view, but each one here has a memory or two for me.

If ever there was a little town, nestled in a valley, surrounded by snow covered peaks, that made you think of a Colorado Christmas, Buena Vista could be the one.

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Looking for a Family

admin — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:14:37 +0000

Here in Buena Vista we are getting to the lazy time of year in real estate. Everyone seems pretty much otherwise focused during the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years day. But there are always surprises! There are those folks who do not rush around during the holiday, but live leisurely…and often end up here in the mountains to enjoy what is naturally here. Once in a while they find real estate that speaks to them. Needless to say, that can make the holidays merry for a lot of people.

I have one of those properties listed. It has been on the market too long. It is one of those upper-end homes that is the epitome of comfort, energy thoughtfulness, careful layout and attention to detail. The price has been reduced over the year, largely due to market changes. This house is nestled in the trees, but offers great views and from inside one continually appreciates the outside. If you are ready for an opportunity to purchase yourself a gift that will give back for years to come…here it is.

For an information sheet, click on the picture and for a virtual tour of the property, click here .

Happy holidays…and feel free to call me!

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Come live where you play!

admin — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:31:09 +0000

There is just something about Buena Vista. For me, it is not quite big or busy enough, but the front range is a bit too busy. Yesterday I went to Denver, where there was snow on the ground and the temperature was in the 20s. When I got back to BV, it was sunny, windy and 60ish; the mountains were looking great..with peaks some 6,000 feet above our 8,000 ft valley floor.

When taking trips to the Front Range on the weekends, one thing is notable, heavy traffic is headed west on Saturday morning and headed back east on Sunday afternoon…so for me the slow traffic is usually in the other lane. I get it! We have more 14ers and better whitewater than anywhere else in the lower 48, along with great family skiing areas. This is where Coloradans come to play. Perhaps it is time for me to ignore the slowness here and just play more…after all…how great is it to live on the playground!

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Time is running out

admin — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:44:34 +0000

It’s time to buy! Currently the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers will expire at the end of November…in fact the transaction should be closed by then, so that means that a contract should be made by mid-October if you are going to get everything done. Also, interest rates are down. A 30-year mortgage is running about 5.75% in Buena Vista…and on top of that we have a nice selection of homes from which to choose.

So, if you have not owned a home during the last three years, this may be a good time to change that. I can help!

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Summer is over

admin — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:03:14 +0000

It happens every year. The aspen trees start to turn, the mountains become gold and green, then one morning the high peaks are snow capped. It happened a couple of days ago here in Buena Vista. It is a glorious sight to see the gold and green capped with white. It also means summer is over and any high climbs probably ought to be scheduled soon. Although over, autumn in the high country may go on for months. Quite often we do not get snow on the valley floor until after Thanksgiving.

This year summer did not bring many buyers to my office, but now that fall is here, the pace has picked up a bit. Almost, as if after a year of mourning…or perhaps just a year a waiting to see what the financial markets would do, buyers are ready to get on with life. We are where we are and this is probably normal now. With all the national commotion about that and that, Buena Vista is a great place to be, just to be. Come join us!

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Thar’s gold in them thar hills

admin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:18:24 +0000

It’s getting to be aspen time in the high country of Colorado when stands of aspen quickly turn yellow and light up the hillsides. On a sunny, blue-sky day in Colorado there is nothing quite like walking through and beneath a large stand of aspen…all of a sudden the world is golden.

With real estate activity picking up a bit in the mountains, many buyers will strike gold as they look for retirement and second homes or lots on which to build. The inventory is very good here in Buena Vista, so finding the dream property is easier this year. If this is the time for you to invest in the mountains, I’d be happy to assist.

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Summertime in the Rockies

admin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 19:56:48 +0000

Gold Rush Days have come and gone along with the burro races that bring crowds to Buena Vista. Summertime here is a month of beginnings and endings. The rafting season will soon end, but the hiking and climbing season are in full swing, now that most of the snow has melted off the trails. Vacationers are packing the town, but that will slow down as the schools get underway, which will make room for the visitors who always wait until after Labor Day for their mountain visit. Then comes the beginning of the aspen season. One of the enjoyable aspects of living here in the mountains is the great availability of outdoor activities on a year around basis, so just about any month is the end and beginning of something.

We’d love to have you join us here. Real estate sales are down, but values are steady and inventory is up…so there is bound to be a good property for you here in our mountain valley.

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