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.

Are you living in a former meth house?

Before you buy or rent, get wise.  It's sad to say but meth houses do exist.  Recently, I had some clients who were going to buy a home, until they found out what prior renters were doing.  The risks of living in a home where there was meth is huge.  The chemical smells penetrate walls, furniture, floors, and everything.  Many think that just cleaning out a home will fix the problem.  It doesn't. Headaches,stomach aches, feeling ache all over, and not being able to sleep are just a few of the health risks.  Usually a complete overhaul of the house is needed.

So how do you find out about your potential new home?  First of all get a realtor who can become your trusted adviser.  I've lived in the area for 27 years and  I will find out the history of the home as well as the previous owners.  I'll talk with neighbors, cops and help you make a wise decision. Buying a home is a huge investment so don't risk your health! 

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??

5 Tips for Selling Your Home

Selling your home is a very important decision.  Here's some tips to help it go smoothly.

1.  Interview Realtors.  Do your homework.  Google them, ask friends, check out their website.  Look at their reviews on Zillow.  Pick a Realtor who can become your trusted advisor.

2.  First Impressions are huge.  So declutter.  Make the cabinets and closets 1/2 empty.  Depersonalize your home. Wash windows, clean carpets, oil squeaky doors, and paint if needed.  Make the front porch inviting. 

3. Take a big whiff.  Are there odors?  If so, try to eliminate them. Clean curtains, stains, and crack a window.

4.  Turn on all the lights for a showing and open up the curtains. 

5.  Leave the house during showings.  The potential buyer wants to feel comfortable looking around and you want them to linger.  Have a snack for them and water.  Also have a sheet explaining all the features of your home. 

Need to know what your home is worth?  We are here to help.  970-759-2540  MancosHomes.com

Thinking of Selling?

Have you been thinking of selling?  Here are 4 signs that now is the right time.

.     1. You can afford to move.  Sure, when you sell your home you will have money but do you have the money now to help you get top dollar for your home?   Tips to making your home look it’s best:
-         Paint is the #1 investment.  Buyers love the clean look.
-         Curb appeal-  Need to do some minor repairs?
-         Kitchen and Bathrooms- upgrade faucets and fixtures.
-         Declutter

2. Your current home doesn’t fit your lifestyle.  Do you need more space or is it time to downsize?  Do you like your neighborhood?  Have you been daydreaming of building or been looking at other homes?

3. How’s the market?  Do you know if there are buyers looking for your type of home?  How long will your home be on the market till it sells? Did your neighbor’s home sell quickly?

4. How much is your house worth?  Do you have enough equity in your home that once you sell, you can buy another?   

      Selling your home is a big decision.  Want to know what your home is worth? Call me for a free market analysis.  I also have a seller’s guide to help make the transition smoother.  One thing I offer my clients is that I will help you get your place ready to sell by orchestrating handymen, cleaners and even provide the trailer.  I look forward to helping you.