First day of winter.We need a good cold winter to set the fruit trees and kill off the bugs and keep people from looking at homes.  It used to be that in the winter sales (in this area) did slow down, in the past boom times it was busy even in the coldest time.  Sales statistics show a modest increase in sales in November.  Remember you can look at my web site and see the sold stats.  This will help you as a seller to know what you are up against and as a buyer you can see that it is a good time to buy. 

What will the New Year bring in Real Estate?  As a Realtor I get this question a bunch.  I look at the person, put on my best smile and say “I don’t know”.  Not to informative.  Well I don’t know.  It seems to change from day to day. What you hear out of Washington and the banks seems optimistic; however the street news is a bit more realistic and dire.  If you have been trying to sell your home for the last 8 months with no offers and the creditors are at the door, I don’t think you are too optimistic. 

Perhaps as readers and people who are interested in Real Estate have a better feel for the market, or would at least like to prove to yourself that you are smarter than the rest. So here how this works, send me your 2010 Real Estate forecast.  Categories (to keep it simple) are;Housing market will stay the same.Housing market will improve at least 10%Housing market will continue to decline ( more foreclosures, prices will decline) 

Try to get me your forecast via e-mail scott@montrose-realestate.com by the end of Dec. and I will post the percentages for the three categories.  By midyear 2010 we should have a good idea where we are going.  You will know if you were right and I will know who I should contact for more good advice. 

A couple of marketing items.  We have a really nice custom, professionally decorated vacation rental here in Montrose.  If you are looking at skiing in this area and would like a 2500 S.F. home with 3 beds and 3 baths let me know.  We can save you a bunch of money over resort lodging.  We also can arrange shuttle service to Telluride from here.  If you are a qualified buyer coming out to look at homes we will give you a substantial discount on the rental while you are in town.  

We also have some very nice rentals, starting at $950 going up to $2500.00 per month. 

Ok enough business; take some time to enjoy the Christmas and New Year’s Holidays.  Back on board in Jan. 

Sincerely,Scott ScarboroughOwner/BrokerMontrose-realestate.comIf you do not want to receive these e-mails, please let me know.