A Life Redefined in Mancos, Colorado

In the heart of southwestern Colorado lies a hidden treasure that promises a life unlike any other. Mancos, a small town that exudes charm and tranquility, offers an idyllic setting for those seeking a break from the fast-paced urban lifestyle. From its breathtaking landscapes to its strong sense of community, living in Mancos is a choice to embrace the beauty of simple pleasures and reconnect with nature. I'm happy to say I did that 32 years ago.

Nature's Embrace: Living in Mancos means waking up to the stunning beauty of nature every single day. Surrounded by majestic mountains and lush forests, the town provides a front-row seat to nature's ever-changing canvas. Imagine sipping your morning coffee as the sun rises over the San Juan National Forest, or taking a leisurely walk along the Mancos River to unwind after a long day. In Mancos, nature isn't just a backdrop – it's an integral part of your daily life.

Sense of Community: One of the most remarkable aspects of life in Mancos is the strong sense of community that envelops the town. Here, neighbors know each other by name, and a friendly wave or warm greeting is a common sight. From local festivals that bring everyone together to small businesses that thrive on local support, Mancos fosters a tight-knit community where everyone is not just a resident but a valued member of a larger family. Make sure next year you don't miss Burro Fest or Mancos Days.

Embracing Slow Living: Life in Mancos is a departure from the hustle and bustle of city life. The town's slower pace allows you to savor life's simple pleasures – whether it's spending a lazy afternoon reading a book by the river, cultivating a garden, or enjoying a leisurely bike ride through the countryside. In Mancos, you'll find that time moves at its own rhythm, giving you the space to appreciate the present moment.

Exploration and Adventure: While Mancos is synonymous with tranquility, it doesn't lack adventure. The surrounding landscape offers a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and camping are just a few of the activities that allow you to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the region. Have you driven up to Jackson Lake and hiked the trails? With Mesa Verde National Park a stone's throw away, you'll have the opportunity to explore ancient cliff dwellings and connect with the area's rich history.

Artistic Inspiration: Creativity thrives in Mancos, making it an ideal haven for artists, writers, and anyone seeking inspiration from their surroundings. The town's artistic community is vibrant, and the local galleries and studios showcase a diverse range of talents. Living here means having access to a wellspring of creative energy that can fuel your own artistic pursuits. Check out Mancos School of the West for various workshops.

Mancos, Colorado, isn't just a place to live – it's a lifestyle that encourages you to slow down, appreciate the beauty of nature, and forge meaningful connections with those around you. It's a place where you can escape the chaos of the modern world and rediscover the joy in life's simplest moments. If you're ready to embrace a life that's rich in community, nature, and authenticity, Mancos is waiting to welcome you with open arms.

Discover the transformative experience of living in Mancos and find your own slice of serenity in this charming Colorado town.

Things to do in Southwest Colorado- Mancos, Dolores, Cortez and Durango

Looking for things to do in the Mancos valley and surrounding areas this summer? Look no further. In this lovely corner of Colorado that we call home there are endless opportunities for fun wherever you look, whether that be outdoor recreational activities, like mountain biking or enjoying a delicious meal at a local restaurant.

Here are just a few fun things to do near Mancos Colorado.

Enjoy some time in the sun at one of the local lakes.

Head towards Durango and check out Lake Nighthorse. Enjoy their new floating obstacle course, or get out for some boating or fishing!

For more information: https://co-durango.civicplus.com/lakenighthorse

Head towards Dolores and you’ll find Mcphee reservoir. Mcphee is the fifth largest lake in colorado. Here you will find great cliff jumping spots, as well as numerous popular fishing spots, a wide open lake great for boating activities and other things such as camping sites and hiking trails.  

Mcphee cliffs:

Other info for mcphee reservoir:     https://www.uncovercolorado.com/national-lands/mcphee-reservoir/ 

Looking for something a little closer to Mancos? Head up to Jackson lake. In the spring, summer and fall, fishermen, canoeists, kayakers and wakeless power boaters enjoy the calm waters of Jackson Gulch Reservoir. 

For more information visit: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo/parks/Mancos/Pages/default.aspx 

Thinking of something more fast paced? Check out the Animas river for a rafting adventure!

Check out mild to wild for rafting information as well as other topics such as jeep tours and other adventurous activities: https://mild2wildrafting.com

Looking for other types of whitewater fun? Pick up tubes at a local store and enjoy some white water fun with your friends on either the Animas, or Dolores rivers.

Check out two popular tubing areas below.

Durango river (more fast paced) 

Dolores River tubing (more relaxed)

Looking for some adventurous mountain biking trails in the area? Head towards Cortez and check out more than twenty-five miles of single track trails ranging from beginner to expert level bike trails at Phil's world.

“Phil's World is known for two words, RIB CAGE! The most prominent feature of the area, Rib Cage is fast and fun, rolling terrain that will make you hoop and holler. You can lap this feature, but there is plenty of other fun to be had as well. Ledges and Stinking Spring trails are furthest from the trailhead, and offer a bit more challenging terrain, and also the best views.” https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/621788/phils-world 

Looking for some great hiking trails? Look no further than the beautiful trails surrounding mancos!

Head to Mesa Verde national park for some great hiking trails, as well as guided tours and camping opportunities.

Check out Mesa Verde hiking information at:

https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/hiking.htm 

Check out other things to do at Mesa Verde:

https://www.nps.gov/meve/planyourvisit/things-to-do.htm 

Other popular hiking trails:

Sharkstooth trail…

For information head to:

https://www.mancostrails.org/sharkstooth-trail.html 

For directions head to: 

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/sharkstooth-pass-trail 

     

       San Juan Bear creek loop…

For Information, reviews, and directions head to:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/san-juan-bear-creek-loop 

Summit Hesperus mountain…

For Information, reviews, and directions head to:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/colorado/hesperus-mountain-peak-trail 

           Check out Little Hawaii in Telluride…

           For Information, reviews, and directions head to:

https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/bear-creek-trail-5ef78f6--2 

Want to enjoy some time out with some friends at a local Business?

Enjoy a glass of world class wine, or check out upcoming events at Sutcliffe vineyards:

https://www.sutcliffewines.com 

Enjoy a meal with some friends at some of our lovely local restaurants…

Steamworks Brewing Company…

https://steamworksbrewing.com 

Absolute Bakery and Cafe

http://www.absolutebakery.com 

Grab a cup of coffee before your adventure…

Fahrenheit coffee roasters.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g33536-d1913391-Reviews-Fahrenheit_Coffee-Mancos_Colorado.html 

Durango Joes.

https://durangojoes.com 

Helping Others!

 

Join me in helping others!

 

The Piñon Project

The Piñon Project Family Resource Center helps over 3,000 families and their children in SW Colorado every year.

Piñon Project programs include an Early Learning Center, early childhood education and parenting programs, youth services programs (Mentoring and Sources of Strength), Emergency Assistance Coalition (homelessness prevention), Access to Health programs (Eating Smart Being Active) and Family Programs (Successful Families).

Mancos Giving Tree

Christmas trees displayed around town have ornaments to choose from. Ornaments provide the option to buy gifts, food, or help pay utilities for families in need.  Drop off gifts or checks at my office, Colorado Ranch & Home Realty 145 Grand Ave in Mancos.

Salvation Army

Have you put money in the red kettles?  The money raised here in Montezuma County stays here and helps with food, utilities, clothing and emergency shelter. 970-564-4228.

Good Samaritan Center

Can you put together a nonperishable food box?  The Good Samaritan Center food pantry is located in the “pink building” at 30 N Beech Street Unit C, in Cortez, CO. They are open 12pm-2pm Monday-Thursday each week for curbside pickup of food boxes.  For more information go to goodsamscortez.org

Turning our hearts toward home!  MancosHomes.com

Hidden Costs when Buying a Home

Purchasing a home is arguably one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. As you start your hunt, don't forget there will be other costs associated with your purchase then the price of the home. Here are 5 fees to keep in mind as you begin to budget. 

1. Home inspection. This is a crucial step in the home buying process. The findings that come from the inspection can help you negotiate price and repairs. Generally, you can expect to pay between $300 to $500 depending on the home and the location.
2. Title services. Title services encompass the transfer of the title from the seller and a thorough search of the property’s records to ensure to no one will pop up with a claim to the property. Additionally, you may need to buy title insurance which will protect the lender or your investment in the home.
3. Appraisal fee. Before getting a loan, you will likely be required to get an appraisal of the home to determine its estimated value. This will be conducted by a third-party company and the cost can land anywhere between $300 and $1,000, depending on the size of the home.
4. HOA fees. Many communities have a homeowners’ association that enforces monthly fees. This money is used for general maintenance and updates to areas like pools, parks, and more. Typical HOA fees are around $200 per month.
5. Taxes. The taxes each buyer pays at the closing table differ, but it is not uncommon for it to be up to two months’ worth of county and city property taxes. Additionally, there may be taxes for the transfer of the home title.
6. I'm here to help make the process of buying a home go smoothly! Carrie Summers 970-759-2540

Cost of Living: Mancos vs Durango, Colorado

Mancos, nestled in between Durango and Mesa Verde National Park has a wonderful small town atmosphere.  From art galleries, breweries, a revitalized downtown, and endless supply of outdoor fun, Mancos is a great place to live.  If you are thinking of moving here, it's essential to know the cost of living.  Cost of living includes all the necessities like cost of transportation, housing, food and utilities. Knowing the cost of these basic items can help you decide how much you can expect to spend on a monthly basis, and how much you'll need to earn in order to live a good lifestyle.

Mancos housing costs are 48.8% lower than in Durango and it's only 30 minutes away.  That is huge when you are looking to move.  The median home cost for a home in the Mancos (81328) zip code is $326,400 vs Durango it's $470,800!  Your money goes a lot farther in Mancos!

Right now with 30 year fixed loans hovering around 3% and 15 year at 2.5%, now is a great time to move!

What makes Mancos magical?  The people.  We are an eclectic group of young farmers, ranchers, artists  and young families who want a slower pace and wide open spaces.  The town of Mancos now has about 1600 people, one stoplight, a grocery store, natural food store, several excellent restaurants, brewery, and an excellent school Pre K-12.

Let me help you fall in love with Mancos!

How to buy your first investment property

Home Chat

Turn your tax refund into a new home!

Excited about getting a tax refund and thinking about the 60" TV you can buy or thinking of buying that new couch?  Well how about using it to buy a home!

Renters are typically paying more per month than home owners!  Many people think they need a down payment equal to 20% of the purchase price to buy a house.  Well, that is definitely NOT the case! There are FHA programs than require 3.5% and also first time home buyers programs with just 1% of the purchase price!

Let's say you were looking to purchase a home for $250,000.  This means your down payment for a conventional mortgage of 20% would be $50k.  Many lenders have loans for less than 20%.  FHA program loans requiring 3.5% down payment would be $8750 or home assistance programs would be $2500!  There are also closing costs to be paid, but you may be able to negotiate for the sellers to pay a part or all of the closing costs.  

If you're tired of renting, use your tax refund to buy a place of your own. The 60" TV can wait until next year when you have your own place to put it in!  

I'm here to help!  Carrie Summers MancosHomes.com  970-759-2540

Priceless Memories

The 4 Corners is a great hub for day trips or weekend getaways to explore the desert of Canyonlands in Utah, get lost in the mountain peaks, and play in the many rivers and lakes, like the Dolores River and Navajo Lake.  With over 300 days of sunshine a year it's a great place to call home and make memories.

My parents gave me the love of riding horses and the mountains.  Each summer, our family would pack up and ride 20 miles into the mountains and camp for a week to 10 days.  My first pack trip was when I was two years old.  I rode my own horse.  When I got tired, my Dad would just put me in front of his saddle and I'd take a nap while we kept exploring the mountains.  Some of the best days of my life were there in the mountains.  There were 6 of us and we loved being so far up in the mountains that we would rarely see another soul.  Yes, there were times we spent the day in our tent, reading, playing cards and napping, while it poured outside. Many mornings there was frost, so hunkering around the campfire was a necessity! 

This is a picture of me when I was three on one of our pack trips.  The memories made are priceless from sitting with my Dad on the hillside watching the horses graze, sucking on lemon drops while we rode along, eating fresh trout that my brother caught, to cuddling in our sleeping bags and endless more.  My Mom journaled each of our trips, and yes I have them! 

Life is precious, so please take time to breathe in the wonderful world we live in.  MancosHomes.com

Are you a good neighbor?

This week I was suppose to close on 10 acres, however all things can change.  The potential buyer was walking around the property, noticed the fence was down and horses were grazing.  Horses were put back on neighbors property and fence was fixed.  The neighbor told the potential buyer that "the grass would go bad if not eaten" and that she'd take the fence down again and cut the gate.  Well needless to say, the buyer backed out of the sale and didn't want to have a neighbor like that.  

Colorado law states that property owners have to fence animals out, however that doesn't give the right for a neighbor to cut down the fence.  So who's fence is it?  Well, whoever has maintained the fence!  The property owner had installed a 4 string, slick wire fence 5 years ago along with stays.  Pretty nice fence until it was cut down.  

Last month I also had a crazy experience while showing a home.  The neighbor was beating on the drums, yelling and when we walked over, the dog bit me. We learned from another neighbor that there has been many problems with them, in which cops have been called.  The buyers loved the home, but wouldn't buy it due to the wild card next door.  

So the question is, "Are you a good neighbor?"  Remember to treat people like you like to be treated and it's a happier world!  Tip of the week- If your are buying, be sure and meet the neighbors!

Time to plan your Easter Weekend!

Easter is almost here and there are plenty of fun activities for the whole family to enjoy this weekend! Check out the events below to see what there is to do in the area!Mancos: VFW Easter Egg Hunt: Kids from toddler age to fourth-grade are invited to an Easter egg hunt and bake sale at 10 a.m. at the Mancos Community Center, 130 W. Grand Ave, Mancos, CO. The event is sponsored by the Montezuma County Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Post 5231. Mesa Verde Free Entry: Fees are waived this Saturday at Mesa Verde National Park! Cortez: Cortez Rotary Club Easter Egg Hunt: Annual Easter egg hunt at the City Park in Cortez on Saturday at 10 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt in the Pool: Thursday, April 18, 5:30 p.m. at the Cortez Recreation Center. Ages 10 and under. Come dressed to swim. There is no charge for this event. Questions: Call Michelle 564-4084. Hop Into Spring Hunter Jumper Show: Easter themed hunter jumper show in the outdoor arena at the Cortez Fairground. Open to all ages, abilities, and breeds with classes from leadline up to 3' FOCUS ON FUN! Stalls are available through MCFG. First in a series of 6 with points toward year end awards. see www.durangohorseshows.com for prizelists and entry information.Easter Sunday ServicesCortez Church of the Nazarene: Potluck- Style Breakfast at 9 a.m. followed by a Worship Service at 10 a.m. with an Easter egg hunt for the kids following the service. 514 N Chestnut St, Cortez, CO 81321.Lighthouse Baptist Church: Sunrise service at the MCHS Practice Field at 6:30 AM. There will be two morning worship services at 8:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. There will be an Easter egg hunt following the 10:45 a.m. service. 11502 Highway 145, Cortez, CO 81321. Rock Springs Church: Services at 9:00 a.m  and 11:00 a.m. 32233 Highway 160, Cortez, CO 81321. Summit Lake Community Church: Breakfast at 9:15 a.m. Worship service at 10:30 a.m. 36501 Highway 184. Mancos, CO 81328. For more great ideas including biking and hiking trails, give me a call. Carrie Summers 970-759-2540. Let me help you fall in love with the area!

Are you ready to sell your home?

Should I sell my house?  If you have been asking yourself this questions, I've got great news.  It's a great market for sellers.  There are a shortage of homes on the market which drives home prices up.  

Here's some things to ask yourself.

1.  Are you emotionally ready to sell your home?  Are you ready to put in the work to get your home ready for sale?  Yes, it's a big chore and I can help you declutter and make that first impression a good one.  Are you ready the reasons potential buyers don't like your home?  Are you ready to leave those memories created in the home?  

2.  Do you have equity in your home?  You need to know what your home is worth.  Look at your mortgage statement balance and call me for a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).  With these two things I can help you determine your equity.    Do you owe more on your home than it's worth?  Probably not since the last several years home values have been rising and that means you are building equity.  

3.  So how much equity do I need?  You want to have enough equity to pay off your current mortgage with enough left over to provide a 20% down payment on your next home.  Having this 20% will help you keep your next private mortgage insurance (PMI) down.  

4.  Are you out of debt and have cash in the bank?  This is super important that you have money to pay for emergencies.  So how much?  You should have at least 3 months of expenses saved up.  Need help working on a budget or figuring this out?  Call me.

5.  Does your current home fit your lifestyle?  Is it too small for your family or too far away from the school?  Do you really want to spend all your time shuffling kids around?  Maybe your home is too big, now the kids are out of the house or there are just too many stairs.  

These are really important things to consider.  I'm here to be your trusted advisor.  Call me, Carrie Summers and lets talk.  970-759-2540

5 Reasons to Pick Carrie to help you sell your home

Are you ready to sell your home?

Selling your home is an emotional issue. Before you plant the "For Sale" sign in the front yard, take a minute to answer just a few questions:

• Are you ready to put in the work to get your house ready for house hunters?
• Are you committed to keeping it ready to show for weeks or months?
• Are you ready to hear the reasons why potential buyers believe your home is not perfect?
• Are you ready for honest—and sometimes hardball—negotiations over what buyers are willing to pay for your home?
• Are you really ready to move out and leave the place where your family has made memories?

Don't get me wrong; I'm not trying to talk you out of selling your home! I just want you to be completely ready when you do decide to move on to the next stage of your family's life.

Selling your home is a big deal.  A real estate agent does more than just schedule showings of your home.  They bring experience and confidence to the table when they handle their many job duties, which include:

• Giving you advice about updates or repairs that will make your home more attractive
• Helping you set a price for your home
• Marketing your home so it receives as much exposure to potential buyers as possible
• Scheduling showings with potential buyers
• Advising you as you negotiate offers
• Handling all the required paperwork

Make sure that your real estate agent can be reached via phone and not always texts.  Make sure they return your calls in a timely matter.  Google your prospective realtor.  How are their online reviews?  Do they have a good online presence?  Get referrals.  Do they live in your town and have sold any similar homes?  It's really important that you do your homework.  

If you are thinking of selling your home, I'd love to sit down with you and show you how I can help the process go smoothly.  Call me, Carrie Summers 970-759-2540 MancosHomes.com

Things to do in Mancos October 2018

        Carrie Summers  145 Grand Avenue Mancos, Colorado  970-759-2540  MancosHomes.com

Fresh Fruit

One of the best things about summer is fresh fruit.  Even though we had very little snow over the winter, several apricot trees are loaded throughout Mancos.  Yum!  Also Oalthe Sweet Corn is now $8 for a $1!  Woo Hoo!  Don't miss the Farmer's Market on Thursdays next to my office from 4 to 7pm for your veggies and live music. Yes, I love living in Mancos.  If you are looking for a small town with a big heart come fall in love.  Just recently Mancos helped a family that was down on their luck to find a place to live, get it furnished and even do landscaping for them.

I'm here to help!  MancosHomes.com

The Heart of a Mother

Today is the first Mother's Day, since my Mom died.  Been super hard, so I kept super busy.  Hike at dawn, church and then unpacking stuff from my parent's home.  The above picture was a simpler time.  My kids were little and we did lots of adventures.  Now they are off creating lives of their own.

The heart of a Mom is quite unique and the good thing is that everyone can learn from it.  Whether you are a mom or you tend to "mother" your co-workers or friends, God designed us with a mission.  No matter what curve balls life throws at us, I know that I have a God that has the final word.  This is why I talk with God throughout the day, and try to keep my eyes focused on Him.  Yes, the devil is a liar, and tries to rob me of my peace, however I have God on my side.

My Mom was an excellent listener.  I'd call her several times a day to vent and she wouldn't put in her two cents.  I know that she prayed for me and my kiddos daily.  My Mom's love was consistent and never based on my actions.

I was with my Mom, my best friend for the last chapter of her life.  I saw her strength as she organized her affairs and she even planned her funeral and wrote her obituary.  She did the dirty work, as unpleasant as it was so that her kids wouldn't have to.  Now that's being selfless.

I hope I will be more compassionate to the people who are difficult, slow to speak, and love others for just the way they are designed.

Happy Mother's Day.

Looking to buy?

Have you been looking at homes online and dreaming about a new home?  If you have started searching, you might be frustrated.  Buying a home is a very important decision and you want to make sure you are doing everything right.   Here are some tips.

1.  Get prequalified for a loan-  I recommend talking to a few lenders and see what they offer.  First time home buyer, or veteran?  There are no down payment loans out there for you!  Once you are prequalified than you are ready to start the search.
2.  Hire a Realtor who will become your trusted advisor.  They should know the area,  are easy to reach, and can work around your schedule. Get references, and google them.  Do they have a website,  and Facebook page? Get a list of their homes they have sold, and speak to their buyers.
3. Your Realtor will search all listings on the internet, for sale by owners and will be able to help you narrow down your search.  They will be able to tell you if a home is over priced, the history of the home, and do comparisons.
4.  If after searching for a home you just can't find a suitable home, you might want to consider building.  Builders in Mancos are getting $125 a square foot, and a typical 5-10 acre lot will cost you around $50-90k.

Check me out on Zillow and ask about me at the coffee shop.  I'm here to help!

All you need is love....but