Over the next couple of weeks we are asking our friends, clients, family etc what they think about our website.  We are considering making some changes to make it more user friendly and sleek!

We want your input! 

We like our website but we want to make sure it’s easy to use, full of useful information and looks great.  Who better to ask than YOU!?

- How easy or hard is it to navigate the site?

- How do the colors, images etc pop up on your screen?

- Does it ever take a long time for the screen to load?

- Can you easily find the info you are looking for?

- Any topic or suggestion you feel would be pertinent is greatly appreciated!

***Email, comment or call us to let us know what you think.

Thanks a million! 

Shaheen Hangval and Claudia Williams

Shaheen@blueribbondurango.com

Claudia@blueribbondurango.com

Realtor,  Blue Ribbon Properties

Durango, Colorado Real Estate for sale

835 Main Ave. Suite # 214
Office: 970-247-8388 Fax: 970-247-8360
Shaheen’s Cell: 970-769-2441

—
In a recent interview with a top agent in Massachusetts, I asked how things were going in his local area. “Our market is really a tale of two markets,” he said. “Eighty percent of the homes are overpriced and twenty percent are well-priced.  The well-priced properties are getting multiple offers.  The overpriced properties are getting none”.

I immediately realized that in every market, in every time, there are two markets – one where properties are priced to sell and another where properties are priced to sit.  A seller is either in the market or out of it.  And unlike a sellers’ market where time on the market can pull overpriced homes back into the market, after a downshift, every day just pushes the overprices homes farther and farther out of the market.
—

There are two markets in every market, Durango is no different.  Which market are you in?

If you are trying to sell your home and are frustrated with the current market, don’t worry you are not alone. We need to remember to adjust to our surroundings constantly.  If we do not change and whats around us does, where does that leave us?  In the past and stagnant.

Now is the time to get creative, strike your progressive thinking and put it to action!

There will always be changes in markets, clothing styles, environmental changes, technology advances etc.  Stay up to date, do your homework and make adjustments to what will work for your lifestyle.

If you are looking for up to date information on what’s happening in the local Colorado market, give us a call, we can help.  We can discuss creative marketing strategies and we are happy to provide you with a free market analysis at any time.

With the turning of the new year just around the corner, this is the prefect time to point yourself in the direction of progression!  Stay motivated be positive!

Happy Holidays!

–
Shaheen Hangval
Broker Associate/EcoBroker with Blue Ribbon Properties

835 Main Ave. Suite # 214
Office: 970-247-8388 Fax: 970-247-8360
Shaheen’s Cell: 970-769-2441

Zia Taqueria’s Fresh Mex

This is probably one of my favorite “quick stops”.  If I have a client I am driving around and we need a fast lunch or if it’s 7:30 pm and I really don’t feel like making dinner…Zia is my answer.
Located at 3101 Main Ave. on the West side of the street.
100% kid friendly and great food made fast.
Expect to spend around $10 a person, $5.00 for kids.

One of my biggest pet peeves is when a Mexican restaurant doesn’t have good, fresh salsa, your salsa is you staple and foundation. With that said, Zia has great choices in salsas! From the mild avocado tomatillo to the truly HOT mango habanero, you won’t be let down!

The menu consists of items such as burritos, tacos, quesadillas with daily changing specials such as enchiladas, chili rellenos etc. On this visit I had the ever-so-delicious Mahi Mahi fish tacos, Baja style with added cilantro pesto dressing ($8.50). The Mahi is grilled which takes about 7-10 mins extra ~ but well worth wait. Tempura fried Cod ($6.50) is an option too and cooks a little faster.  Beef, chicken or pork is already on the line ready to go.

Looking for a healthier choice? Get meat or fish in a salad bowl instead of a tortilla. This is a great way to still get plenty full and feel like you are not having to make a big sacrifice.

Don’t want the meat? Grilled veggies (zucchini, squash, corn and peppers) are an option!

This is a line, counter service set up, meaning you go through the line while they make your meal with your custom choices of ingredients and toppings. The set up and design of this restaurant is genius for consistency in quality and taste as well as efficient food production.

Great friendly atmosphere with a semi-contemporary design, well decorated with some traditional Mexican pieces and some local art.  A comfortable but fun “new age” setting.

Feel free to comment on this review.

One thing I know, Spring is here and there are more and more listings again, I have 23 new ones today on my MLS home screen, and 3 solds. Keep checking back for more.

Here is Shaheen’s Market Pulse of the day:

“Has ANYTHING on the market been selling?”

This is a question I am often asked by clients, friends and family. Everyone says nothing is moving in this market. So what do you think? Has anything been selling? If properties are selling, what kind of property is moving?

Looking over MLS records:

*** 57 Residential homes 9 vacant land listings have sold in LaPlata County since January 1st. (Up today; 3/16) Average home price that has sold in LaPlata County since January 1st 2009: $347,000.Average days on market: 211Sold home prices ranged from $29,500-$1,275,000

Click here for these properties:

*** What about in the last 2 weeks? Here are the homes that have sold in March so far:
12 residential homes 2 vacant land listings

Click Here to View Sold in March Listings

Yes, properties are still selling but not as many and the properties in lower price ranges appear to be more popular. From the clients I have had in the last few most the majority were locals. All in all, the Durango market is not as bad as some may think.

That’s that from Shaheen, thank you! I agree, there are a few more closings and more and more showing going on and pending sales. If you’d like to see any listing/comps in particular just email or call, or you can even leave a comment here on our blog without signing in.

Claudia Williams
970 247 8388

P.S. Did you know that 111,111,111 x 111,111,111 = 12,345,678,987,654,321 ?

“What is so special about Durango?,” my family asked me after I told them I had decided to move to from a big city to a small mountain town. Growing up in a large city in Texas, I had acquired many “city life” comforts, why all of a sudden was I drawn to a small Colorado town?

The first time I experienced Durango was when I was driving through on a road trip to California with a dear friend. It was late and we needed to stop and rest. “We’ll stay at cheap motel once we get to the next town” suggested my friend. As we turned down the winding road, the town lights of Durango popped out of the town nestled between the surrounding hillsides. “Wow, this must be Durango”. We stopped at what seemed like one of the most affordable motels to get a good nights rest. In the morning we got a wake up call at 8:00am and were asked if we wanted to get on the 9:00 free raft ride through town. “What?! Free rafting with a cheap hotel stay? Sure!” The next thing you know we are enjoying an adventure down the Animas river and we hadn’t even had breakfast yet. The first lesson I learned about Durango was if you are here, adventure will find you. One year later I was an official Durango resident.

The memories I have acquired in the 6 years I have been in Durango are full of wonderful friendships and great adventures. There is a strong sense of community for all ages. It seems as though any time you have a question or need a hand there is always someone right there ready to help.

Outdoor activities have always interested me and Durango offers a wide variety of options year round. There are paved walking trails along the Animas river that runs through town and miles of mountain biking and hiking trails up by the college. In the summer, all ages and lifestyles can enjoy the river. Here you will see families in rafts riding along extreme kayakers and in the low season you will see people in inner tubes soaking up the sun. In winter you can snowboard or ski at the resort that is only 25 miles from town or snowshoe on the hiking trails. Snowmobiling or cross country skiing is also accessible. Sledding is also a favorite past time of mine, all you need is a little hill with snow on it and a cardboard box!

Geographically the four corners area is truly unique. If you need a change of scenery, like mountains to desert, it’s not too far away. The town is only 4 miles across which makes commuting a breeze. It’s only a short car ride anywhere in town, fun bike ride, accessible walk or bus ride. We are also known for our wide variety of restaurants from steakhouses to middle eastern cuisine. Fun events like the Film Festival, Taste of Durango and Tour De Fat are celebrated in Durango each year. There is plenty of entertainment and food even for a “city girl” like myself.

Being in real estate I see all types of people with different interests coming and going here.
I have seen Durango draw the young and adventurous, people getting ready to retire, ambitious students beginning a college career, families and single business professionals.
Even coming from a large city, I know everything I need right now in my life is already here. I love this town, this community and all of the adventure that comes with it.

Shaheen Hangval
shaheen@blueribbondurango.com