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 

Happy New Year! 2021!!

 

How To Make Your Home Smell Great

When it comes to selling your home, it’s important to make a good first impression with potential buyers. An important thing to work on is the way your house smells. Even if you have decorated and staged your home perfectly, if potential buyers walk in and detect an unpleasant odor, they could leave fast! On the other hand, good scents can entice them to linger.

 Everyone has different thoughts on what smells good, so it’s important to keep scents subtle and not overpowering. Here are some tips for making your home smell amazing before home buyers arrive.

Clean
 The first step to a good-smelling home is to get rid of any unpleasant odors. Scrub all surfaces, wash the rugs, clean the carpets, and take out the trash. Without doing this, you’ll only be masking bad smells.

Bake
Throw on an apron and bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies, or banana bread. The smell of freshly baked cookies can evoke a warm and homey feeling. Not only will this make your home smell enticing, but it can also double as a snack for potential buyers.

Simmer Scents
If you don’t have time to bake, you can create another appealing sweet scent by simmering vanilla extract diluted in water on the stove. You can also mix 5 cinnamon sticks, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 2 tablespoons cloves, 3 bay leaves, and an orange rind to a pot of simmering water for a pleasant fall-like smell.

Just Add Soap 
Take your unused bars of fancy soap you’ve been gifted over the years, and place them in a pretty bowl on the bathroom counter. Dove brand soap also works great for this. This can fill a room with a clean scent for weeks.

Essential Oils 
Essential oil diffusers can be very useful as well. Fresh, neutral scents such as lavender and lemon are best. If you don’t want to invest in a diffuser you can dab a drop of oil on cold light bulbs before turning them on. As the bulb warms up it will give off a subtle fragrance. Avoid using plug-in air fresheners or candles as they can be too strong.

Clean Air 
If you have an air purifier, use it! They can be extremely effective in removing any lingering odors. Also, open the blinds, and crack your windows to allow fresh air inside.

Fore more tips on how to make that first great impression, give me a call- Carrie Summers 970-759-2540.

What to Repair Before Your List

When you’re getting ready to list your home, it’s of the upmost importance to ensure you are showing it in the best light. Taking time to highlight its strengths and fix up some of its possible weaknesses can make a big difference in how fast it sells. Here are our top five recommended repairs to make before selling your home.

Repaint walls.

Giving your home a fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to spruce it up, and generally, it can be a do-it-yourself project. Make sure cover any walls with scratches and chips and consider updating any accent walls with a more neutral coat.

Repair floors.

Hardwood floors are a very desirable feature in a home, so you want to ensure they look their best by fixing scratches or dull areas. If your carpet is worn or stained, consider replacing them. And don’t forget the tile in your kitchen or bathrooms. Re-grouting can go a long way in making dingy tile work look brand new!

Refresh the landscaping.

Show buyers your home is the full package by dressing up the outside as well as the in. Clean walkways and driveways, plant seasonal flowers and plants, trim hedges and trees, install outdoor décor pieces and fill in mulch and gravel.

Fix your fixtures.

Leaky faucet? Rusted drains? Loose drawer handle? Making these small fixes can make a big difference to potential buyers with detailed-orientated minds. Improve your kitchen. An outdated kitchen can be a real eyesore in a home. Updating cabinetry, repairing or replacing countertops, and installing new faucets and sinks may be worth the investment

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Home Chat

Southwest Colorado Home For Sale!

Things to do in Mancos October 2018

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

Should I sell my home in the Fall?

Should I sell my home in the Fall?  This is a question I'm asked frequently. Many people think that the best time to sell a house is in the Spring.  Here's some things to consider.

1.  Less Competition- Usually the homes that were for sale in the Spring have sold, if they were priced right.  Simple supply and demand.  If there are fewer homes on the market, you will be getting more showings, which result in more offers  and ultimately top dollar for your home.

2.  Faster Transactions- Since appraisers and banks are not swamped, this means a quicker turn around on getting loans approved.

3.  Serious Buyers-  There are always buyers.  Your Realtor should be able to price your home right by doing a complete market analysis, and by having professional photography this will make your home stand out.  Don't forget curb appeal and that first impression is very important.

I'd love to sit down with you and discuss the pros and cons.  If you are overwhelmed thinking about selling I can help.  I can orchestra cleaning and all the details to help you sell your home less stressful.

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

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!

Let's talk real estate. Did you serve??

All you need is love....but

Do you have a will?

A will is the last gift you will give to your family.  It's a legal binding document that gives you control of what happens and what won't happen to your estate.  You spell out exactly who will watch over your children, and your assets.  It is a gift since it will make the whole process of dying easier for your loved ones since they know your wishes.

There are software programs that can walk you thru it just as easy as Turbo Tax.  You can also go to a lawyer or just google it and you will find many options.  Make this a priority.

Shortage of homes for sale in Mancos Area

If you are looking to sell, now is a great time.  Inventory of homes in the Mancos area are super low.  Currently, there are only 3 homes on the market in the $300k-$400k range!  That's a 3 bedroom/2 bath home with some acreage.  With the weather being sunny and warm there are buyers looking.  Why wait to list your home this summer when there is more competition?

If you would like to know what your home is worth, just give me a call for a free market analysis.  I'm here to help.

Thinking about selling?

Mountain Biking in the Winter

This winter is unusual with very little snow, so it's time to forget about waiting for skiing to be good and get on our bikes.  Southwest Colorado offers a plethora of options.

Phil's World located between Mancos and Cortez off of Hwy 160, offers well defined single tracks over high desert terrain.  There are several options of short loops with 8 miles or a full 15 mile loop.  Terrain is mostly easy to moderate however there are several great jumps that my boys love.   https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/621788

Carpenter and Geer Natural Areas offers 170 acres on the North and West side of Cortez.   For the beginner rider there is a broad paved 1.5 mile trail.  For the intermediate rider there are many dirt paths that veer off.  Views are amazing. This is a perfect place to take a ride during your lunch or on the weekend with the kids.  It can be assessed from two locations.  On the East side, it begins as the sidewalk on the northwest corner of Mildred Road and Empire Street and heads north.  On the West end, the trail may be accessed on Lebanon Road north of Highway 491.

Sand Canyon Trail located down McElmo Canyon southeast of Cortez offers intermediate riding thru canyons with ancient Puebloan sites.  During the winter this is a nice warm ride over slickrock and on single tract.  One way is about 6.5 miles.  To reach the McElmo Canyon trailhead, head south of Cortez on Highway 491. Turn right (west) on County Road G at the signs for the airport and/or Hovenweep National Monument. Go 12 miles, and trailhead is on the right.

Time to get outside!

Is Fall/Winter a good time to sell?

Have you been outside doing Fall clean up?  The weather has been wonderful - 60's and bright blue sky.  Have your needs changed?  Do you need a smaller house, or a larger house?  Maybe you have always wanted to build your dream home.  Now is a great time to sell!

1.  You have fewer competitors.  Many homes that were on the market have either sold, or have taken it off and wait till next Spring.  You might think Spring is a good time, however since there is such a bombardment on the market, its hard for your home to stand out.
2.  Serious buyers.  Many buyers right now are preapproved and or have cash in hand.
3.  Fewer homes on the market means you have the upper hand.  When buyers are looking and there are few homes on the market, there just isn't much of a choice for them.  Generally you will get closer to your asking price.
4.  Interest rates are low.  The 30 year fixed conventional rate is hovering around 3.75 %.
5.  Curb Appeal.  Fall and Winter make it a great time to decorate.  Just don't go hog wild with the Christmas lights.
6. Price it right.  Have a market analysis done on your home.  Get to know your competitors.  What makes your home a better deal? Call me for your free market analysis.  970-759-2540  MancosHomes.com

Carbon Monoxide Detection Tips

Time to clean your chimney

Time to clean your chimney and fireplace so you can be safe and warm.  It's important to do this regularly.  Lots of people don't know who to call.  I recommend for super tall steep homes Slavens True Value in Cortez and for fairly flat roofs I will do it for you!  Just call me 970-759-2540.