Helping 1st time home buyers: Is lender a good fit?

This past week I have had the privilege of helping two 1st time home buyers.  Both wanted to be close to Durango for work but couldn't afford anything in that market.  After looking at several homes, Ben found the perfect home where he can live in the country, and have some critters.  Going thru the process of a VA loan, was tedious and he learned to have patience.  Got a great home with no down payment.

Stephanie found a home in downtown Mancos, which will fit perfectly since it's close to Phil's World, a favorite mountain bike trail for her.  Stephanie's loan was with a bank out of the area.  The process was very stressful and very little communication between the bank and her.  Even though she wanted to switch banks, the appraisal had already been done and starting with a new bank would require a new appraisal.  We finally closed, however the process could have been way better.  She did a get a home with only a 3% down payment.

Lesson learned is to always speak with 2 different lenders and ask valuable questions.  How long will the process take? After the appraisal is in, how long will it take underwriting to approve?  Do you have a local representative? Compare different loan options and interest rates.  If you don't understand something, ask questions.  Ask for referrals of buyers in your area.  

I highly recommend Alpine Bank in Durango and Dolores State Bank, which has a branch in Mancos, Cortez and Dolores.  Having a lender that you can see face to face sure helps ease much of the stress.

Mancos River not affected by the mine spill in the Animas River

While the mine spill in Silverton, Colorado has had huge affects on the Animas River, the San Juan, and  Lake Powell, we are very thankful that our river is safe! Mancos is located 30 miles west of Durango and is not in the same watershed.  

Colorado mountains are full of old mines so we need to count our blessings.  What can we learn by this disaster?  How can we seal old mines?  My heart goes out to everyone affected  by the Animas River.

Mancos Days!!!

Woo Hoo!!  Mancos Days this weekend!  The fun starts Thursday evening with the Farmer's Market and then Friday is for the kiddos!  Put them in the parade with horses, bikes, or wagons!  After the parade lots of games for the kids-three legged race, gunny sack, and greased pole are just a few of them!  Then in the afternoon kids and fish the river for free!  Yes, we are getting it stocked!  Let them dance the night away by my office at the corner of Grand and Mesa!

On Saturday the grand parade starts at 10am then head to the park for arts and craft vendors and food while listening to music.

Hope to see ya around town this weekend!!

Time to escape the rat race!!

Are you tired of your busy, hectic life?  Here's a great video on why Mancos, Colorado is a great place to live! Clean air, no traffic jams (except a few cattle drives), innovative schools, and great people!!

Happy 4th of July!!

Happy 4th of July!  July 3, 2015

I am fortunate to live in a country where people are willing to fight for our freedom.  May we always remember the people who sacrificed their lives.  I'm blessed to live in Mancos where there is no crime, great schools, fresh air, and no traffic!  I am thankful that I am able to raise my children here.   I will be enjoying the weekend in the mountains with the kiddos: hiking, sitting around the campfire, and star gazing.  Live today like it's your last so be sure to tell the people around you that you love them!!

Green Grass!

May 28, 2015
Summer is here, school is out and families are moving.

 I have been fortunate to help several first time home buyers buy homes here in the Mancos Valley.  What a wonderful experience!!  Mancos has been such a great place for me and  my 3 kids. I'm happy to share it.

Being a single parent of three: 19, 17 and 13 definitely has it's challenges but is full of smiles too.  I've recently been taking a car load of boys to the rec center in Cortez so they can play basketball while I get in some exercise too.  My daughter finished her 1st year in college and is now in Costa Rica on a mission trip helping with tutoring.  I just wished I could have squished into the suitcase.

For the month of May we have gotten oven 3 inches of rain and weather has been cool.  Jackson Lake is now 70% full and hasn't been that full in years!  Farmers are happy.  With all this rain, the grass is green and growing high.

If you are thinking about moving, I'd love to help.  Just give me a call!

How's the Real Estate Market in SW Colorado??