255 Storey Boulevard
Fed Cuts Rates by .5%
IT’S SWEATER WEATHER:
Cinnamon Rolls & Chili
Likely if you aren’t from the West (or Mid-West, depending on which map you use), you might not have had this pairing as a school lunch before.
No one knows the true origin of pairing chili and cinnamon rolls, but a few theories exist*:
• LOGGING FOR EXTRA CALORIES: It’s probable that early 20th-century logging camps served this high-calorie combo for workers, to keep them sustained through aggressive and manually demanding work;
• SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM ADD-ON: Some believe it started in school lunch programs post-World War II as a way to feed a large number of children affordably. Chili is a costeffective means of protein, and the cinnamon rolls really just satisfied kids’ love for sweets.
• FARM-TO-SCHOOL-TABLE-ESQUE: In the West, farming culture may have played a key role in the combination, as farm wives—who often transitioned to work in schools later in life—regularly baked homemade bread. The pairing made sense to carry over into school kitchens, as they often cooked for the school kids what they’d cook at home on the farm.
Wherever the origin, Cheyenne is definitely home to this pairing (some of the CB real estate agents have reminisced about having it in their school lunches 50+ years ago!). Here’s some of our fav recipes for you to test this Fall:
In September 2024, the Federal Reserve slashed half a percentage point off rates. It’s easy to assume that your interest rates would lower by that amount, too—but that’s not the case. Mortgage rates aren’t directly tied to the Fed’s benchmark rate. While this rate cut doesn’t instantly lower mortgage rates, it does create favorable conditions for homebuyers:
• POTENTIAL FOR LOWER MORTGAGE RATES: Mortgage rates are influenced by the bond market, particularly the 10year Treasury Bond. When the Fed cuts rates, it signals to investors that borrowing costs will be lower, which often leads to lower bond yields. As bond yields fall, mortgage rates tend to follow. You may see mortgage rates decrease.
• AFFORDABILITY AND SAVINGS: If mortgage rates drop following the Fed’s rate cut, monthly mortgage payments could be significantly lower. Any decrease in mortgage rates can lead to considerable savings over the life of a 30-year loan. See below.
• INCREASED BORROWING POWER: Lower interest rates could allow you to afford more house for the same monthly payment. If mortgage rates drop, you might qualify for a larger loan without increasing your monthly payment.
• REFINANCING OPPORTUNITIES: A Fed rate cut often creates an opportunity to refinance and lower your monthly payments or reduce the term of your loan.
• STIMULATION OF HOUSING MARKET: Lower borrowing costs typically stimulate demand in the housing market. As more buyers take advantage of lower rates, home sales may increase, and this can help stabilize or increase property values.
UNDERSTANDING WYOMING’S PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAMS
In late August, the Laramie County Treasurer mailed property tax statements to all property owners—and most of us received them the first week of September. For individuals struggling with property tax expenses, Wyoming has property tax relief programs to help alleviate financial burden and assist residents in managing their living expenses. The below programs are currently available resources in Laramie County. We’ve included one you can look forward to in 2025.
APPLICATION PROCESS: If you think you may qualify for one of these programs, Laramie County residents should contact the County Treasurer’s Office at 307.633.4225, or the County Assessor’s Office at 307.633.4307.
RESIDENTIAL EXEMPTION
This act provides for an exemption of any increase greater than 4% on the residential, singlefamily structure. The exemption does not apply to properties which have transferred ownership or had structural changes to single-family residence. For 2025, this exemption will also be applied to the associated land.
Auto-Adjustment:
• If your recent property tax statement reflected more than the 4% cap, there was a market adjustment to the market value.
• Adjustments are shown on the assessment letter.
• No action needed.
VETERAN’S EXEMPTION
This exemption currently allows for $3,000 of assessed value to be exempted from the property. Veterans and widows of veterans must confirm their exemption status by the 4th Monday in May to continue to receive their exemption. Starting in 2025, the exemption amount will be $6,000 assessed value.
Process Info:
• Apply at the County Assessor’s office, bring DD214.
• Assessor’s Office will verify if you qualify based on dates, medals, or disability.
• Must live 3 consecutive years in WY.
GUNNAR MALM
Gunnar is a sixth-generation, lifelong Laramie County resident; County Commissioner; and Managing Broker for Coldwell Banker – The Property Exchange in Cheyenne.
PROPERTY TAX REFUND PROGRAM
Your refund will be adjusted based on your income as it compares to 125% to 145% of the median income for Laramie County. This also may be adjusted due to funding available.
Qualifications:
1. Own your home, paid 2023 property taxes, WY resident for past 5 years, occupied the residence for 9 consecutive months.
2. Total personal assets do not exceed $156,900/ adult household member or total property tax bill exceeds more than 10% of total reported income.
3. Household income is equal or less than 145% of median household income for Laramie County.
COMING IN 2025: LONG-TERM HOMEOWNERS
This exemption will provide for a 50% reduction of the assessed value of the property for tax years 2025 and 2026 if the following qualifications are met.
Qualifications:
• 65+ years of age.
• Must have property taxes paid in the state of WY for the last 25 years.
• Primarily residence only, lived in for 8 months of the year.
• There is 1 app per household, due before the 4th Monday of May 2025.
• Separate application needed for 2026.
255 STOREY BOULEVARD, CHEYENNE, WY 82009 WWW.PROPERTYEX.COM | 307.632.6481
PUMPKIN PATCHES AND FESTIVALS
Windy Creek Farm 3700 Campstool Road, Cheyenne, WY 970.901.6913 windycreekfarm.com
The Bartels Farm 3424 E Douglas Road, Fort Collins, CO 970.493.3853 thebartelspumpkinpatch.com
Something from the Farm 8020 S Timberline Road, Fort Collins, CO 970.282.1135 somethingfromthefarm.com
Jack Lantern’s Corn Maze 2318 S Co Rd 5, Fort Collins, CO 970.308.5843 nococornmaze.com
Spooky’s Pumpkin Patch 2601 S College Ave, Fort Collins, CO 970.388.7625
Osborn Farm 1230 S Boise Ave, Loveland, CO 970.541.1212 osbornfarm.com
Hometown Harvest Patch 7710 Weld Co Rd 62, Windsor, CO
Tigges Farm Pumpkin Patch 12404 Cty Rd 64 1/2, Greeley, CO 970.686.7225 tiggesfarmllc.com
Pumpkin Pickin’ Paradise CO-257/Weld Co. Rd 52, Miliken, CO pumpkinpickinparadise.com
Anderson’s Patchwork Pumpkins 15415 Co-14, Ault, CO 970.227.4661
Fritzler Farm Park 20861 Co Rd 33, La Salle, CO 970.737.2129 fritzlerfarmpark.com
Hankins Farms Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch 26745 Weld County Rd 17. Johnstown, CO hankinsfarms.com
Anderson Farms 6728 Cty Rd 3 1/4, Erie, CO 303.828.5210 andersonfarms.com
NOVEMBER EVENTS DECEMBER EVENTS
Art Walk – Nov. 1 @ 5–8pm Free | Located at Westward
Mr. Critters Reptile Expo – Nov. 2 @ 9am, 3rd @ 10am. Tickets Required | Located at Archer Event Center
Turkey Trot 5k & Kids Gobble Wobble – Nov. 9 @ 9am | $25 fee. Located at Comea Shelter | Proceeds go to Comea
Heroes & Harmony Holiday Market – Nov. 30 @ 10am – 4pm. Free | Located at Little America
Small Business Saturday – Nov. 30 @ 10am – 8pm Free | Located in Frontier Mall
Christmas Parade –Nov. 30 @ 5:30pm. Free | Downtown. Scan for Parade Route:
Street Railway Holiday Lights Tours – Dec. to Jan. 1 @ 6– 9pm. Tickets Required | Departs from Cheyenne Depot Plaza Need’s Inc.’s 1st Annual Tamale Throwdown –Friday, Dec. 6 @ 6-9pm | Tickets Required. Located at The Louise | Proceeds go to Need’s Inc Holiday Magic presented by The Cheyenne Symphony – Dec. 14 @ 7:30pm. Tickets required. | Located at the Cheyenne Civic Center
Christmas Classic 5k –Dec. 14 @ 9am. $25 - $30 fee | Located in Lions Park
Merry Markers Market –Dec. 21 @ 9am – 9pm, & Dec. 22 @ 11am – 4pm. Free | Located in Frontier Mall
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop – Dec. 31 @ 11:45pm –12am. Free | Located at Cheyenne Train Depot