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 

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!

The Difference between Home Warranty and Home Insurance

When purchasing a new home, it’s important to do in-depth research on all facets of the homebuying process. One thing you’ll need to understand is how to best protect yourself and your investment if anything were to go wrong. Check out the information on home insurance versus home warranty below to educate yourself on your options.

Home Insurance

Homeowners insurance pays for any accidental damages and loss that are caused by fire, lightning strikes, windstorms, and hail, however, damage from earthquakes and floods is typically not covered. It also covers the replacement of personal property in case of theft or damage and liability if a person were to get injured in your home or on your property. According to American Home Shield, the average annual cost of a homeowner's insurance policy ranges between $300 and $1,000, and the bank usually asks you to obtain a policy before the mortgage is issued. Make sure to keep in mind that each type of coverage in the policy is subject to a limit and, in most cases, you will have to pay a deductible.

Home Warranty

A home warranty is designed to cover the cost of repairs and replacements of larger appliances and crucial systems in your home that may fail or break due to age and wear and tear. This includes but isn’t limited to HVAC, electrical, or plumbing components, kitchen appliances, and your washer and dryer. With a home warranty, you are required to pay premiums year-round, even if you do not use it, and it won’t cover damages if appliances were not maintained properly or if the damage is from a fire or other disaster.

Time to Prune!

Curb appeal is very important.  If you are thinking of selling, now is the time to take a look at your place thru new eyes.  Do you have trees that are growing too close to your home, or fruit trees that need trimming? 

I highly recommend Underwood Forestry.  Steve Underwood and his crew do an excellent job.  I had Steve do fire mitigation around my home and my pear trees at my office are prolific due to regular pruning.  Call Steve at 970-560-9800 for all your tree business.  This is money well spent because a home that has beautiful trees is more valuable than a house with trees that are dead or unruly.  

Need other ideas?  Call me, Carrie Summers with Colorado Ranch & Home Realty 970-759-2540.  I'm here to help!

Southwest Colorado Home For Sale!

Are you looking for a new home?

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.  Once you find a possible home,  drive by it and go see it at different times of the day.  Are there barking dogs,  strange neighbors or outside lighting that you don't like in the area?  This step is so important.  Many people don't want to live in a subdivision with covenants.  Well if you don't there is nothing stopping your neighbors property to become junky, loud or a pig farm.  
5.  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 $150 a square foot, and a typical 5-10 acre lot will cost you around $65-90k.

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

Thinking of Selling? There are things for you to do!

Thinking of selling?  

Are you thinking of selling your home?  There are several things you should do.

1. Get it pre-inspected and tested for radon.

What is radon? Radon is a cancer-causing radio-active gas. You cannot see, smell or taste radon, but it may be a problem in your home. The Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today. If you smoke and your home has high radon levels, you're at a high risk for developing lung cancer. Some studies of radon exposure indicate that children may be more sensitive to radon. This may be due to their higher respiration rate and their rapidly dividing cells, which may be more vulnerable to radiation damage.

According to the US EPA, nearly 1 in 3 homes in 7 states tested have screening levels over 4 pCi/L, the EPA's recommended level. Recently, I had buyer under contract for a home that tested for radon and it was at 55 pCi/L! The highest the inspector has seen. Also this same buyer had the house inspected and several issues arose: mold in attic, deck not secured properly, electrical issues and roof issues. The seller was not willing to fix the problems to my buyers satisfaction, so my buyer made the choice of picking a safer home for his family.

As a seller, you can be proactive and get it pre-inspected so that you can get things fixed. Once you do find a buyer, and they do their inspection there won't be any issues and you can more forward to the closing.

2.  If you are on a septic system, get it inspected.  As of January 1st, 2019 homes in Dolores, Mancos and Cortez will be required to have it inspected prior to closing.  For more info montezumacounty.org/web/departments/public-health/environmental-health/

3.  Have your best friend do a "smell test".  If your home is smelly, this will not help it sell.  Address the odors.  Is it coming from liter box, mold or stinky carpet?

These are just a few ways to help you thru the selling process. I would love to tell you more and help your transition go smoothly.

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

Tips for buying land

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!

New Year New Home- Why you should consider building

NEW YEAR NEW HOME

Buying any type of home can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be.  It is never advertised if a home will need a new water heater in six months, or if the roof is going to leak. Buyers often don’t know past problems with appliances or the last time things were replaced. Often times, already built homes come with the headache of repairs, replacements and reconciliation. Why settle for something that’s less than perfect? Building a new home in the New Year can offer a plethora of benefits.

Build it Your Way!

Brand new homes offer that used houses cannot: a realized dream. Why settle for months of costly changes when the perfect design is possible? Selecting your land, favorite cabinets, countertops, flooring, and fixtures empowers families and ultimately, creates a forever home.

Building a hew home will reflect your style!  A new home will reflect your choices and style, not someone else’s.  Your floor plan the way you like it!  Maybe the bedrooms all together, or maybe the bedroom for the kids downstairs.  Do you like natural light and want to save on energy bills?  Need a pantry or a walk in closet? A new home offers a layout that meets your needs.

Fewer Maintenance Headaches

One of the biggest benefits of building is the lack of maintenance. New home are more energy efficient, require less upkeep and everything is new so fewer headaches.  

How Much?

Several builders in the area can have your home done in 4 months!  Right now the average building price per square foot is $125.  That means a home that is 1500 sq. feet with standard cabinets, furnace, and windows costs just $187,500!  Then add the price of a lot.  Right now there are several lots in the Mancos  area that are $75,000 for 3 acres and that includes great views, natural gas and close to town.  

I'm here to make your dreams a reality!  970-759-2540

House sold in Mancos, CO in 26 days!

12010 Road 38, Mancos, Colorado  SOLD in 26 days!

Need to sell?  Call me 970-759-2540  

MancosHomes.com

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.

The Life of a Realtor in Mancos, Colorado

I've been blessed to welcome some incredibly great people into Mancos and at the same time my heart broke when I had to sell a cabin for the Nelson's who've owned it for 27 years and since they are in their 90's it's just too hard of a drive from Louisiana. 

 Another great friend who lives in Calif. and been renting his house here in Mancos needed to sell.  I helped him clean the property, replace flooring, take loads to the dump and get it ready for the new buyers. 

 I am so happy to help others and able to juggle my 3 kids, my two horses, chickens, dogs and a couple of kittys!  God knew this was the job for me!  Here's a picture of me riding my horse in the mountains.