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!

Reasons to buy now!

REASONS TO BUY A HOME

1. House prices tend to rise over time; a home purchase is one of the best investments you can make.

2. You won’t be throwing your money away by renting.

3. Interest rates are currently low.

4. Pride of ownership.

5. Low down payment options available with lenders.

Call me 970-759-2540. I’m here to help. MancosHomes.com

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.

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.

Tips for buying land

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!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

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

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.

Bike Riding thru the Aspens in SW Colorado!

                                                    Need a place to ride?  MancosHomes.com

Freemanimages.com

Summer Bliss in Mancos, Colorado

Home Construction!

Home building has been busy this summer!  In Cedar Mesa subdivision just opposite of Mesa Verde National Park in Southwest Colorado, there are several homes getting built.  Right now contractors are getting about $120 a sq. foot. Many home buyers haven't found their "dream" home and now are looking to build.  This is good news!

There is an abundance of land for sale in Montezuma County.  Currently there are 202 parcels of land for sale ranging from $10k for a lot intown Cortez to 1200 acres north of Mancos for just shy of $8m.  Many of the parcels have restriction/covenants however there are still some that do not.

Are you looking for a new home or thinking of building?  Give me a call 970-759-2540.  I'm here to help you fall in love with SW Colorado!  MancosHomes.com