I have to say, I find this whole concept of unknown people reading my blog just quite amazing! I had gotten a call from the owner of Colorado Home Away From Home, which is a transitional housing venue right here in Pueblo West (see: http://www.coloradohomeawayfromhome.com/).  Now, I've stayed in some pretty fancy digs (like that time I stayed in the Marina Del Rey Ritz-Carlton in my pre-real estate days while working as a computer security consultant or some fancy-schmancy time shares around the world).  But, I have to say that NONE of those can touch the elegant comfort you can find at the Pueblo West Colorado Home Away From Home venue.  I thought at first that it was a little pricey until I saw what was included.  The owner has spared no expense to make sure every need and comfort is ... 03/20/2009

Obviously, I need to start attending the Pueblo West Metro District Board meetings (go to the calendar on the home page of my website:  http://wwww.mypueblowest.com or http://www.pueblowestmetro.com/mtgsched09.php to find dates/times).  I have to say that I am shocked that Don Saling was fired at the last board meeting.  I'll keep you posted when I hear who is being considered as a replacement. Here is some info from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on a recall of refrigerators due to fire hazard: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09145.html.  Please check to see if your refrigerator is included on the list! I went on a tour of the new Pueblo West library last Friday.  Wow, what a great building!    The library is now 28,000 square feet, an increase of 23,000 square... 03/13/2009

In the mid 1970's people were buying up land in Pueblo West, it was affordable and looked like a great deal. After all Walt Whitman said "buy land they aren't making anymore."   This was the place McCulloch thought people would retire to, raise families, start businesses, keep horses and enjoy the recreation of the Front Ranch including Pueblo Reservoir. McCulloch developed Pueblo West into sections, some city type lots, some commercial lots, some lake view lots and hundreds acre lots.      When the land first went up for sale you could buy land for approx $10,000 and up. The average probably being in the $12,000 - $15,000 range. Many of these lots were sold to folks from out of the area, even out of state. After McCullochs initial investment was paid for and a goodly amount of land was... 03/06/2009

This week I spent some time at the Pueblo Court House visiting the Motor Vehicle Office to get my husband's car titled.  Now, I can sympathize with Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) workers, since I worked for a short time at the DMV in Connecticut.  In fact, the monotony and sheer madness of dealing with the public caused me to join the Army, which I found a more appealing alternative (during the Vietnam War, no less).  While working at the DMV, my policy had always been to try to get the customer's business done as quickly as possible so it wouldn't be necessary to ever see them again.  Apparently, Pueblo has NOT adopted this policy.  I thought I had all of the paperwork I needed from the car dealership, but it seems that one little form was a problem for the DMV since the dealer had ... 02/06/2009

Well, last week, my orange tabby cat, George (as in Gorgeous George, Curious George, George of the Jungle), was having difficulty opening his left eye.  I called the only Vet listed in the little Pueblo West phone book (note to competition – it pays to advertise here!), Markway’s Animal Medical Center on 472 S. Joe Martinez Blvd.   They were able to take George at 8:00 on Saturday morning, checked him out, gave me medication and now George is back to normal (although the fight to get the drops in his eye has NOT been fun).  So, thanks to Markway’s for taking such good care of my kitty! Well, my husband and I dropped George off at the house and decided to have breakfast at the Hen House, which was absolutely packed with people with the same idea.  Good thing the Hen House moved to their ... 01/30/2009

Here is an update of land/vacant lots sold in Pueblo West during 2008: To describe the Multiple List Service area breakdown, Pueblo West Acreage includes those lots on one acre(+) on the south side of Highway 50, not including the Golf Course area (which are usually smaller lot sizes), Liberty Point (the areas adjacent to Pueblo Lake boundaries) or Pueblo West East (generally areas east of the first McCulloch with smaller lot sizes). Total vacant lots sold:  132             Pueblo West Acreage:  34             Pueblo West East:  24             Pueblo West Golf Course:  7             Pueblo West Liberty Point:  3             Pueblo West North of Highway 50:  57             Pueblo West Manufactured Homes:  7   Total vacant lots currently on the market:  810             Pueblo West Acreage... 01/26/2009

Here is an update of residential properties sold in Pueblo West during 2008.  This information does not include vacant lot status (I'll do that next week) or commercial property status. To describe the Multiple List Service area breakdown, Pueblo West Acreage includes those homes on one acre(+) on the south side of Highway 50, not including the golf course area (which are usually smaller lot sizes), Liberty Point (the areas adjacent to Pueblo Lake boundaries) or Pueblo West East (generally areas east of the first McCulloch with smaller lot sizes). Single Family homes sold:  554 Pueblo West Acreage:  113 Pueblo West East:  153 Pueblo West Golf Course:  61 Pueblo West Liberty Point:  11 Pueblo West North of Highway 50:  179 Pueblo West Manufactured Homes:  37 It is interesting seeing how ... 01/16/2009

Well here are some updates for you on what's going on in Pueblo West. All of that activity on the end of Oro Grande (south side of Highway 50) is for a new Catholic Church.  The Bishop of Pueblo, aka the Catholic Church, owns a very large parcel of land there.   I've decided to take a Zumba class from Pueblo West Parks and Recreation.  Zumba is a high-energy exercise class which promises to tone and sculpt the body (See flyer for other classes:  http://www.pueblowestmetro.com/images/spring09broch.pdf).   The "Ball and Band" exercise class, which sounded a bit kinky, was already filled up.  Classes start next week.  You can register for classes at the Parks and Rec office at 340 Hahn's Peak Ave.   The Committee of Architecture is holding a special meeting on January 15 at 6:30 pm to gath... 01/08/2009

I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!  I hope your 2009 is happy and healthy.  One of my 2009 goals is to try to reconnect with people this year.  So, CALL or EMAIL me, and let’s set up a breakfast (another of my New Year’s resolutions is to eat breakfast!) or coffee date to catch up, review current market conditions, and to answer any of your real estate questions. My January 2009 blogs will be a review of the gyms/fitness facilities in Pueblo West (yet another resolution!) and report back to you on what I find.  I’ll also be giving you a recap of Pueblo West real estate activity for 2008.  And I’m investigating what the heck is going on at the end of Oro Grande (are they going to build a school, church, what?). If you have any suggestions on what you’d like to see in this blog – l... 12/31/2008

Pueblo West Acreage Jan 1 - Dec 1, 2008 Residential Statistics(100 listings)             Low High Average Median Total List Price $95,000 $474,900 $226,939 $214,816 $22,693,909 Selling Price $96,500 $470,000 $222,698 $208,750 $22,269,799 List/Sold(%) 88.93% 111.24% 98.33% 98.09% -- Price/SqFt ($) $54.33 $210.76 $125.10 $124.00 -- Days on Market -1 575 129 81.5 -- 　 Pueblo West East Jan 1 - Dec 1, 2008 Residential Statistics(147 listings)             Low High Average Median Total List Price $72,000 $267,900 $139,405 $134,900 $20,492,504 Selling Price $70,000 $267,900 $136,745 $131,900 $20,101,571 List/Sold(%) 70.63% 110.01% 98.24% 98.85% -- Price/SqFt ($) $41.48 $168.49 $93.99 $90.54 -- Days on Market 22 429 112 85 -- 　 Pueblo West Golf Course Jan 1 - Dec 1, 2008 Residential Statistics(5... 12/16/2008

I know enquiring minds want to know - what was the final auction price on the house at 1223 South Skyline Lane mentioned in last week's blog?  Well, first, let me tell you that I went with a couple of friends/clients to take a look at the house.  I thought from the pictures in the mailer that there was a lake view but, unfortunately, that was not the case.  There was no lawn or landscaping so to speak - the house seemed to be built on a hill of shale.  When you first walked in, the foyer and entrance hallway were HUGE (huge as in I could have fit most of the first floor of my house in there).  There were three bedrooms (which included the master) on the main level.  The master bedroom had an inset/cove ceiling with a large screen TV inserted, so you could watch TV while prone on the bed... 12/12/2008

You may have gotten a glossy brochure in the mail about the December 9th Absolute Auction of 1223 South Skyline Lane, Pueblo West.  There is more info on the auctioneer's website at http://grandestatesauction.com/ (couldn't find the address though) and there was an ad that ran in the Pueblo West View (also without address).  The viewing dates and times before the 2:00 Auction on Tuesday are show below.  It's not too often (OK, never - all my real estate clients are normal people) that I get to see a 12,000+ sqft home with all the amenities overlooking Pueblo West Dam.  So, I'll be checking this house out sometime over the next couple of days.     Viewing Schedule: Saturday, Dec 6             11am - 3pm Sunday, Dec 7               1pm - 4pm Monday, Dec 8              11 am - 3pm Tuesday,... 12/05/2008

Hi Everyone, For my loyal followers, sorry I didn't get to a blog last week.  My hubby was sick and I was following behind his every sneeze and cough with a can of Lysol spray.  Which should be a reminder to those of you that haven't got your flu shots - it's not too late! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Holiday Season can be a difficult time for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.  Grief over old losses can resurface and recent losses can make the Holiday Season a confusing and difficult time.  Come and discuss how to cope with grief during the Holidays. When: Tuesday, December 9, 2008, 6:30 - 8:30 pmWhere: SonRise Church421 E. Spaulding AvenuePueblo West, CO 81007Call Sallette Thomps... 11/26/2008

Below are the year to date numbers for Pueblo West. The numbers are deemed realiable, but not guaranteed. The Pueblo West numbers this year aren't very different than last year with the exception of Days on the Market. Pueblo West is still a great place to move to!     List Low $80,800 List High $499,900 Average list $181,042 Median list $169,642     Selling low $80,845 Selling High $470,000 Selling Average $177,296 Selling Median $165,175   List /Sold % Low - 70.63% High 111.24% Median 98.65% Average 98.23% Price Per Square Foot Low $41.48 High $210.76 Average $106 Median $106 Days on the Market Low +/- default High 641 Average 136 Median 102 For more information about Pueblo West : http://activerain.com/blogs/dena/tags/pueblo%20west 　 　 　 　 　 11/09/2008

Well, this blog originally started out to be about real estate so I figured it is time to give you some residential property statistics.  The following information was taken from the Pueblo Association of Realtors Multiple List Service for residential properties sold in Pueblo West for the months indicated.  Although the figures are down slightly for this year as compared to last year, Pueblo West properties are still selling!   2008 2007 Jan 37 41 Feb 44 43 Mar 48 67 Apr 53 74 May 56 86 Jun 42 59 Jul 62 64 Aug 68 56 Sep 47 57 Oct 36 40 Nov   52 Dec   50 There are currently 396 active listings plus 56 properties pending sale.  Here is a breakdown of the price ranges currently active: <$100K $100-$150K $150-$200K $200-$250K $250-$500K $500K-$1 Million Over $1 Million 17 55 127 83 101 10 ... 11/07/2008

An update on last week's blog.  Right after I released the blog, I got a call back from Michelle Peulen, Public Relations specialist for Parkview Hospital.  She told me the new Pueblo West medical facility will be opening on November 15.  On that day, they will be hosting a flu-shot clinic.  On Nov 13, from 3-7 pm, there will be a community preview of the new facility. Don't forget, set your clocks back an hour this weekend.  I sure will hate driving home in the dark after the time change.  This weekend is also a good time to check your smoke alarm batteries.  For any current or former Army members who were part of the CONUS Communications Support Center (CCSC) stationed at the then Pueblo Depot Activity (now Pueblo Chemical Depot), send me an email - we are planning a reunion! Deb 10/31/2008

Well, we are now a 4-stoplight community.  The stoplight at the intersection of Purcell and Industrial Boulevads is now in operation.  This will make it so much easier to turn left out of the Safeway parking lot at "quitting time".  The stoplight is also in preparation of the opening of the Parkview Medical Facility on the Northwest corner of Purcell and Industrial.  This facility is an 18,000 square foot, one-story building to be used as a 24/7 emergency and outpatient facility, including laboratory and radiology services.  If construction is on schedule, it should be open before the end of the year.  Right now, the landscaping is going in.  For anyone who has had to pay for an ambulance ride to the hospital in Pueblo, this will be a very welcome addition to our community. 10/24/2008

A special meeting of the Pueblo West Metro District Board of Directors will be held on Oct 21, at 6:00pm, at the metro district office.  The meeting will discuss expansion of the water and wastewater treatment facilities to include proposed rate hikes.  The board will be receiving public comment at this time.  Get Involved! Where I'll be this weekend: Saturday, October 18, Fort Carson Military Retiree Appreciation day at the Special Events Center , Building 1829, Fort Carson from 7am to 12pm. Saturday, Oct 18, Pueblo West High School 9th Annual Crafts Sale from 9am to 4pm. Sunday, Oct 19, Pueblo West Fire Department monthly pancake breakfast, 8am to noon. Sunday, Oct 19, Pueblo West High School 9th Annual Crafts Sale from noon to 4pm. There is so much going on, I've decided to post the ... 10/17/2008

Summer is just about over, so it's time to get your house and yard ready for winter.  1.  Remember to winterize your sprinkler system.  You'll need to turn off the sprinkler system controller and turn off the water at the main valve.  Then, to drain the system, open the drain valves to release the pressure on the system.  Consult with your irrigation system installer or manual for specific instructions for your system. 2.  Drain and store garden hoses. 3.  Remove leaves and debris from gutters and drainpipes. 4.  Clean, cover/put away your BBQ and lawn furniture. 5.  Reset any automatic timers for the change in daylight hours.  6.  Do touch up painting and caulking. 7.  Schedule your heating system for cleaning and servicing by a qualified HVAC service person.  Deb 10/13/2008

Never in our country's history has exercising your right to vote been so important.  Additionally, there are 18 state-wide ballot questions that will need to be answered so long lines are expected on November 4, Election Day.  Voters are encouraged to cast mail-in ballots or vote early.  Here is a recap of important Pueblo election information: Oct 6 - Voter registration deadline to vote in this election Oct 20 - Oct31 - Early voting 8:30 am to 4:30 pm at the Pueblo County Courthouse, Pueblo County Conference Room at 1001 N. Santa Fe Ave. , (former Spradley building downtown) or the Colorado State Fair Events Center Oct 28 - The last day registered voters can request a mail-in ballot to be mailed to them Oct 31 - The last day that voters may pick up a mail-in ballot application at the c... 09/26/2008