01 Sep Happy September 1st!

Happy September 1st! It’s hard to believe we’re already turning the calendar again. The mornings are starting to feel a little cooler here on the Western Slope, even though Mother Nature clearly isn’t quite ready to give up the warm afternoons yet!

Labor Day weekend is coming up, and whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, getting out into the mountains, heading to the Ouray County Rodeo or simply enjoying an extra day to relax, I hope you have a safe and wonderful weekend. September is one of my favorite times in Western Colorado — beautiful weather, changing colors and plenty happening throughout our communities.  Be sure to follow my Facebook and Instagram pages because I’ll continue sharing local events, activities and fun things to do as we head into fall!

They are saying this year’s El Niño will be a big one! So, does “super El Niño” automatically mean a monster snow year for us? Not necessarily. It increases the odds of certain weather patterns, but it certainly doesn’t guarantee them. We’ll have to see what Mother Nature has planned this winter.

Market is steady: Buyers are still looking, homes are selling, and well priced properties continue to move. As we go into fall, it’s important for sellers to remember that pricing, presentation and good marketing matter.

Mortgage rates remained fairly steady heading into September. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage was 6.66% as of August 27, while the 15-year fixed averaged 5.98%.  Rates are still higher than everyone would love to see, but more inventory and slower price growth in many markets are helping create better choices for buyers. And remember — your actual rate depends on your loan type, credit, down payment and lender, so talking with a trusted local lender is always the best way to know what YOUR numbers look like.

Please call if I can help with any questions!  Have a wonderful September and beginning of fall.  You may want to plan to head up to the mountains to look at colors a little early this year – we are starting to see some changes already!