It is official! We are moving to the San Luis Valley! (Aspen: homes, unemployed)

[Rainbow Demon]

No listing agent has ever made a deal FOR me or made us pay too much. I don't understand that statement at all.

best of luck with a purchase.

[Lunabell]

Basically, it means they were essentially representing the sellers and therefore, I don't feel we got the best advice and paid too much for the house because of it.

[LHS79]

Are you still in the SlV?

https://www.denverpost.com/2017/12/3...n-luis-valley/

[pikabike]

Originally Posted by Rainbow Demon

A few thoughts from someone who relocated within the last few years to a completely new area.

Re: "Realtors"

What worked here was to use the Internet extensively. Realtor.com...Zillow...Trulia....helped us zero in on location/prices/availability/how long things have been on the market. We also used Google Earth to size up the terrain/flora/etc. (or to see that the guy next to the house for sale has a huge junkyard in his backyard/etc.)

We found a few places we were interested in and then contacted the listing agent for more info. (In Colorado agents can represent either party...or both). Ask for more pictures/info if you find a place of interest. Most (good) realtors will go out of their way to help...especially if you are from out of town. I'm not sure how "hot" properties are in Monte Vista...but be aware that everyone is trying to cash in on the escalating prices here. We saw far too many places that had had no improvements done whatsoever..yet...they wanted top dollar as if it were newly remodeled. You'll often be able to tell by the length the property (and photos) has been listed if this is the case with certain listings.

Good luck in your search.

In CO, dual agency is illegal. An agent can represent either buyer or seller, but NOT both. There is allowance to serve as a transaction agent, in which case the agent processes the sale for both sides but does not act on behalf of one vs the other.

This outlawing of dual agency protects both buyers and sellers. We had a very bad experience in WA with a listing agent abusing dual agency.

[Rainbow Demon]

I can't remember if our agent called herself a transition agent or not. I do remember both parties signing a paper that allowed the process to happen. Each of us had a goal in mind. Either way...our agent acted on both of our interests...and bridged the gap in price we had at the onset by simply telling us the sellers had no equity/owed the asking price to the bank. For us, it worked well.

[Westbound and Down]

Originally Posted by Rainbow Demon

I can't remember if our agent called herself a transition agent or not. I do remember both parties signing a paper that allowed the process to happen. Each of us had a goal in mind. Either way...our agent acted on both of our interests...and bridged the gap in price we had at the onset by simply telling us the sellers had no equity/owed the asking price to the bank. For us, it worked well.

There is more to agency and representing your interests than the negotiation of price. The need for your own agent, solely representing your interests, in real estate dealings is essential. FWIW I am not a realtor, but have been around the block a time or two...

[pikabike]

TransACTION, not transition.

[wilberry]

enjoy being at 7,600 ft above sea level

[Rainbow Demon]

The agent represents themselves first and foremost in any/all deals...and you second. Just ask any of them to knock off a part of their commission to seal a deal for proof. Anyone who thinks differently >will< be taken around the block...repeatedly.

The Internet has lessened the agents power, IMO. No longer do you need to be led around to properties you aren't interested in. You can see the listings...unlike the days of old where the MLS was held tight and you needed an agent to even get started. This allows those buyers who know what they want to cut through a lot of the wasted time/energy of the past.

Life at altitude is a mindset....just as living in the city is a mindset. You simply need to embrace wherever you are and make the best of all of it. I'm guessing lunabell is doing fine....like most folks who think it all out well and know what they want.

[townshend]

Originally Posted by LHS79

Are you still in the SlV?

https://www.denverpost.com/2017/12/3...n-luis-valley/

Thanks for posting this article and the attached video. I watched the entire video, mesmerized at how difficult and primitive their living situation was, and yet admiring their "can do" attitude.

I am glad that not many others are doing this. If you can imagine just 80 families or so doing this, and all of them having to go and cut down trees for cords of wood to furnish heat in the winter, then we can imagine a forest gradually being wiped out.

I'm not complaining, mind you, because over all, their carbon footprint is miles smaller than that of most contemporary consumers.