Buena Vista Real Estate » climbing

They’re here!

Mal Sillars — Fri, 06 May 2011 16:48:39 +0000

I hike as often as I can to stay in shape for summer climbing. Earlier this week I had a strong urge to climb Midland Hill. It is on the east side of Buena Vista and from the River Park, it is about a 4.5 miles round trip with a 1,600 ft assent. I use it for cardio training. Monday though, it was to go see the Pasque flowers. They are the early mountain flowers that, to me, are a signal of the new season. I knew it was early to look for them, but that urge got me out of the chair and onto the trail. I made it to the top in good time, but never saw any flowers. Deciding that I must have been over-hopeful, I started down and then, behold, there they were…where they always are. Not big groups yet, but a number of individual flowers, who also thought it was time to send the signal. So, with Pasque flowers out, it is time to work on the climbing list…there is a lot to climb and a rather short season at 13,000 feet.

Buena Vista Pace

Mal Sillars — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 00:38:43 +0000

One great aspect of the real estate business is helping buyers and sellers buy and sell their property with a minimum of fuss. But beyond that, practicing real estate in Buena Vista allows a pleasant pace. There is no frenetic driving all over territory, running here and running there, trying to meet deadlines and generally getting upset. For me there is a nice mix of business which includes paperwork, phone calls, general visiting and time for a hike or a home project. It’s sort of like ‘having a life.’ I’ve already had the job where I did not have a life.

I really like to hike the mountains and trails here. There is something special about prolonged times in elevated spaces. Getting up there is often the hardest thing I do. That’s probably why so many of us have chosen to live here. There are jobs or other things to do…but basically, we just want to be here. When one considers climate, weather, beauty, natural wonder, rugged terrain, high peaks, fast rivers and endless outdoor activities to pursue, there may not be a better place to live and play.

Oh, we still have some room left!

2011

Mal Sillars — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 20:41:31 +0000

2011 is well underway and so am I. I have been doing my cardio exercises so that I will be in shape to climb, first with snow shoes and in warmer times without. Outdoor activities are big in our part of Colorado. Any excuse to be outside doing something is a good one…and here in the Arkansas Valley there is plenty to do. This year there are some 20 peaks on my climbing list, most of them 13ers that are sometimes hard to access…but that is part of the fun.

Also, it appears as though my adopted section of the Continental Divide Trail will be complete and ready for a through-hike this season. That is about 8 miles of trail above 12,000 feet heading south from Cottonwood Pass and ending in Mineral Basin.

As for real estate, it is hard to say how that will turn out this year. 2010 was better than 2009 for me, but not for all. I’m prepared for whatever comes and as usual will be happy to assist any and all with their real estate needs along with giving trail tips when requested.

Summertime

Mal Sillars — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 18:09:45 +0000

Summertime is here. Cool mornings, hot afternoons and occasional thunderstorms. Along with that come lots of vacationers. They are here to see the wonders of the Rocky Mountains, here in the heart of 14er-land; however, they are not looking at properties the way they have in the past.

This year, again, the numbers are way down and the trend line is flat. The good news is that the inventory is huge; the interest rates are way down; and on any particular property you might be able to fashion a great deal. I think by autumn, we’ll see the real estate activity start to pick up with 2011 supporting a come-back. It’s just a matter of waiting for buyers, because the beauty, vitality and value of our valley has not changed.

Come live where you play!

Mal Sillars — 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!