I use a byline on each of my webpages that says: Pray as if no work would help and work as if no prayer would help. That has been something I think about every single day.  I wonder what each of you use for a mantra in your daily lives? Second place has to be Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah that I sing all day long and drives my wife crazy! 01/05/2013

This is sunrise on January 1st, 2013 in Westcliffe, CO.  The Sangre's have come and gone in the clouds this morning and currently it is overcast.  Wait 30 minutes and the mountain tops will shine above the clouds.  Always changing!  Happy New Year!   12/31/2012

What influenced me in the past is a question I ask myself a lot. I read a lot and watch a few good movies with my wife, Mo. Looking back in life (it's that time of year) I feel certain books and movies have had a great influence on me. The Bible is a given. The Razor's Edge by W. Somerset Maugham I remember the phrase "You will not be missed!" I've got a 1st edition! Dreams by Akira Kurosawa (movie) Eight short vignettes of life as seen by the director Cinema Paradiso (Italian flick, original version) that reminds me of the many mentors I have had in my life...and to try and be one. QUESTION: What (books/movies/experiences) have been an influence on you to bring you to where you are today? The Bible's a given!     12/31/2012

New Year's Eve in Westcliffe, CO is glowing in the PARADISE it is.  This picture is taken from the school athletic field showing the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in the background.  We expect 2-5" of fresh snow today.  The Sangre's are the highest, longest, staightest mountain range in the world.   Please drive and stay safe this holiday so we can enjoy you in 2013.  Happy New Year AR!         12/30/2012

How valuable are for sale signs? What if there were no signs? There is probably a big difference between cities and rural America. In cities I would assume many buyers do drive past open houses and look at yard signs. But, in rural America there in not much driving around. Most buyers come from out of the area and have no clue where they are. Think of your last vacation and what did you know about that area? New York, LA, Las Vegas, San Antonio...all great spots to visit. What value do the for sale signs in the yard have? Don't most buyers find an agent from the internet and go from there? My question is with the internet today how much value does the sign still have in marketing our product? My guess in much more in the cities than rural spots. How valuable are for sale signs? What if ... 12/30/2012

Cliff Lanes and Rancher's Roost in Westcliffe, CO is open 7 days a week.  The bowling alley is a popular entertainment spot and several leagues are always rockin' and rollin'.  Rancher's Roost is the local hot spot diner for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Personally, I like the "Spare".  They will close early (7:00pm) on New Year's Eve and be closed New Year's Day.  They are located on the westside of town on the Bluff.  719 783-2031   12/29/2012

Candy's Coffee in Westcliffe, CO is the gathering place for the locals to share coffee, the internet and stories...not to be believed...by anyone!   12/28/2012

Gereld Merfeld's Brookwood Gallery in Westcliffe, CO ranks as one of the foremost galleries in this area.  Gereld hosts workshops and his gallery is top of the line.  Visit:  http://www.brookwoodgallery.com/  to see more. 12/28/2012

For sale by owner in Custer County, CO just got easier.  If you are an owner of property in Custer County, CO and thinking about selling, talk to me first.  It could save you thousands of dollars.  The old way of doing real estate just doesn't work.  Putting a sign in the yard that only your neighbors see and having open houses that no one attends doesn't sell your home.  This is a buyer's market and has been for years.  There is a new way to do business, come talk to me.   12/28/2012

Where is the agent?  I showed property on Christmas Eve to serious buyers.  We looked at 3 scheduled appointments and driving back to the office they asked if there was anything else before they made an offer on the one they really liked.  I commented there was one over the price range they gave me to work with.  They loved it and we wrote the offer.  I presented the offer via email today.  I called the: office, answering machine; agents home, left message; agents cell phone, left message.  MIA for the whole office. Routinely, I update my clients with an email every step of the way.  I have sent my clients 3 updates today with the only message....waiting for the listing agent to acknowledge the offer. On another contract the listing agent would not return my calls or calls from the sell... 12/26/2012

After spending 50 years in Ft. Worth, TX I finally found PARADISE!  People vacation to see what is out my office window 300+ days a year.  Besides deer, we have elk, antelope, bear, bobcat, mountain lion, coyote, fox, bighorn sheep and wild turkey.  Did I say this is paradise? 12/25/2012

In this day of modernization there is one thing capable of taking you back to the real world...your heart.  Every time you look at your watch (or a clock) think of someone you love.  Say something nice when you can.  I give this advice to a Groom on his Wedding Day...look at the time ~ say something nice to your Bride.   MERRY CHRISTMAS ACTIVE RAIN 12/24/2012

Buyer's Tips To Save Time and Money Most buyers simply call the agent with the sign in the yard or has the listing on the internet. OK, what advantage does that give a buyer, NONE! The listing agent isn't going to know more about the property than anyone else and even if they did they are not going to share that with a buyer if it is detrimental to the sale. Yes, any good agent will disclose things that are required by law. But, will they disclose something that would discourage you from buying their listing. Example: traffic is really loud or bad during certain times of the day. If you ask about traffic and noise any good agent will answer the question honestly. But, part of sales is YOU DON'T ASK, THEY DON'T TELL. It's BUYER BEWARE! A Listing Agent or Seller's Agent is legally and eth... 12/09/2012

Can real estate agents be blamed for a bad local market?  I think so.  If you take a market whether it is a large metropolitan area, a medium sized city or small town you will find a group of people by profession that work together to promote their market.  It might be a local association of legal professionals or a political party, but you have a group of individuals working together for a common cause.  They bring their talents to the table for whatever organization they represent.  United we prosper, divided they (the sellers) lose. Your local board should be the backbone of the local real estate market.  The ability to share information and help each other speeds us toward a successful career.  AR is a shining example of that!  But, what happens if agents and brokers do not want to ... 12/02/2012

Our family would like to wish you and your family the Happiest of Thanksgivings! Locally, you may wish to attend any of several events. A free Thanksgiving Dinner will be provided by Rainbow Trail Lutheran Camp.  Dinner is served at noon and reservations are required by calling 719 942-4220. On Friday, there will be a Turkey Trot, hosted by Club America.  The 3 mile fun walk/run starts at 9:00am at Club America.  A donation of choice is requested. Friday & Saturday night the Jones Theater will show "Here Comes the Boom".  Showtimes are at 7:30pm. Saturday, Bill Gillette and Gerald Merfeld will co-host a Winter Solstice show.  Their respective galleries; Gillette's Silverlight Gallery and Merfeld's Brookwood Gallery will provide Libations and Hor Dourves from 4:00 to 7:00pm. Our small an... 11/21/2012

The easiest way to explain how property taxes work in Colorado is to think about a hotel.  The day you check out is the day the seller stops paying the property taxes.  The day the buyer closes (buys) on their new property is the day they start paying property taxes.  That, and the taxes for this year are due next year.  So, if you sell your property this year you will credit the buyer with your share of the taxes for this year. 11/20/2012

Sellers, so you want to sell your home. There are many things to consider before picking a listing agent. One of those is will the listing agent use a lockbox? A lockbox allows your home to be accessible and maintain optimum security. My clients have viewed homes online (another something to consider before picking an agent) and asked to view 5 or 6 homes. They have sat in my office looking at pictures and we went over other options. They ruled out 1 or 2 and selected 1 or 2 others. I cancel 1 or 2 appointments and make another 1 or 2. Now, we are driving around viewing homes and we drive past yours. HEY! WHAT ABOUT THAT ONE? No problem, I'll call the listing agent and make an appointment. GREAT, WE CAN SEE IT IN A COUPLE OF HOURS! THEY LIKE IT! CONTRACT OFFER!! NO, WAIT! The other agen... 11/19/2012

Where do you start? First is to pick an agent.  A SELLER'S AGENT!  Attorneys, doctors, housekeepers, employees, real estate agents all come in different shapes and sizes.  If you are going to have heart surgery you want a heart surgeon, right?  And don’t pick the 1st agent you interview.  Find an agent that works well with other agents.  And never hire an agent because they say they can get you more money than anyone else.  Your home is worth what it is worth.   1.       Is the listing agent full time?  Do they answer the phone when you call them?  Do they return calls or emails in a timely manner?  A good agent is not always available every time you call but they will get back to you in a timely manner.   2.       Do they use a lockbox system if it is available?  Almost every MLS board... 10/28/2012

Price: $797,000 FIZBER.com ID 14345708 Farm/Ranch with 3 bed, 3.0 bath, in CR 192 Westcliffe, CO, 81252 http://www.fizber.com/14345708/ CR 192 - For Sale By Owner Property Details: Type: Farm/Ranch Address: CR 192, Westcliffe, CO, 81252 Sq footage: 2700.0 Floors: n/a Bathrooms: 3.0 Bedrooms: 3 Year built: 1989 View full property details and seller's contacts. View more Colorado homes for sale. Homes for Sale by Owner. Description: Ten Peaks Ranch 12" Swedish Cope Log Home on 40 PRIVATE acs. Surrrounded by over 14,000 acs of Trust and Conservaship Lands. Lush Lush Land and 15GPM well. Over 7300 sg feet of Log Home, Barns, Shop Bldgs, Garages. Spectacular Property as photos show. Priced well below Fall 2009 Appraisal. For the Descrimantiong buyer who wants the BEST location The West Side... 02/10/2010

Jay Carden | RE/MAX Properties, Inc | 719-322-4939 4550 Mitchell Mountain Rd, Westcliffe, CO Price Reduced!!! Colorado Mountain Horse Property with VIEWS!!! 4BR/3BA Single Family House offered at $589,000 Year Built 2002 Sq Footage 3,400 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 3 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 35 acres HOA/Maint $20 per month DESCRIPTION 35 Acres of pure Colorado Mountain Pleasure. View of the Sangre De Cristo Mountains to the West to enjoy a perfect sunset while sipping wine on your deck. Private Lake and National Forest access. House is fully equipped with High speed internet, Wet Bar with a beer tap and wine fridge. The master suite has a 5 piece bath that is sure to please. One of the only truly master suites in the area for this price. Call today 1-888-481-8641... 07/04/2009