Grand Valley Real Estate Today October 2023

REAL ESTATE TODAY GRAND VALLEY

OCTOBER 2023 | VOL 20 ISSUE 10

Live In the Emerald Ridge Community Presented by Janet Elliott, Broker/Owner, GRI, CRS, ABR

New Horizons Development, Inc. —Kitchen/Flooring 970-245-9434 30 Year Successful Business See page 5 for more details

Presented by ERA New Age Real EstateVALLEY PROPERTY SOURCE YOUR GRAND

Shilo Bartlett: 970-319-0064 See page 3 for more details

Photography by Estate Photo Video 970-963-4523

664 E Pagosa Dr | Grand Junction LISTED AT $535,700

PROPERTY FEATURES 3 Bedrooms 2 Baths 1,859 sq. ft.

3 Car Attached Garage

.28-acre Lot Grand View Subdivision Gorgeous Landscaping RV Parking

This beautiful ranch home surrounded by mature landscaping in Grand View Subdivision has it all. This 3 bed, 2 bath well-maintained home has a little of everything. Enjoy coffee on the back yard deck that comes complete with shades and planters or sit inside next to the light and airy bay windows for a sip of tea. Dining room or Office? Don’t miss the pristine 3-car garage. At 27 feet long, it can easily shelter your outside motorized treasures and still has additional area just for your RV! This home has paid for solar, and is sooo close to the future rec center!

“Our aim at Grand Scenic Homes is to earn the opportunity to become your life-long REAL estate professional”

Rachel Young REALTOR® 970.462.6741

Savannah Rogers REALTOR® 970.424-9914 2

GrandScenicHomes.com Real Estate Today | October 2023 | www.coloradorealestatetoday.com

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67575 Vega Vista Drive Collbran, CO

325,000 Lake Views • Fully Furnished Includes snowmobiles Garage and storage sheds Large lot

11356 46 6/10 Road Mesa, CO

$605,000

$825,000

$230,000

35 acres with irrigation Little Creek runs through Remote and private area 3 bedroom, 3 bath

12+ Acres Borders Public Land Home and Cabin

Own your own lot .14 acre Brand New Roof 3 bed, 2 bath

Workshop and Attached Garage

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481 Denver Aveue DeBeque, CO

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10396 60 3/4 Road Collbran, CO

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1438 53 1/2 Road Mesa, CO

15839 Charles Aveue Collbran, CO

67460 Vega Vista Drive Collbran, CO

70451 Highway 330 Collbran, CO

$140,000

$685,000

$339,900

$425,000

38 Acres Dry Cabin Amazing Views Private and Remote

11+ acres with irrigation 3 bd, 2 ba home w/ attached garage Plateau Creeks runs through Solar and energy efficient

Lake Views 1 bedroom 1 bath with loft Completely Furnished ATV Storage

36 acres Cabin with Septic Outbuildings and RV parking Harrison Creek runs through

8164 Bull Basin Road Mesa, CO

15672 View Point Court Collbran, CO

TBD Mesa, CO 3 Parcels With Acreage

TBD Kannah Creek Rd Whitewater, CO

$624,900

$79,900

Options

$585,000

35 acres Amazing views and privacy 2286 sq ft home with attached garage

.52 acre lot at Vega State Park Driveway access through Lariat Loop Building Lot Within minutes to Lake

Parcel #1 – 44 acres Parcels #2 and 3 – 40 acres $115,000 each parcel OR $299,900 all together

62 Acres • Borders Public Land Great Building Site 3 Separate Parcels Hunting property w/ access to trails

Real Estate Today | October 2023 | www.coloradorealestatetoday.com

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OCTOBER 2023 VOL 20 ISSUE 10

ADVERTISER INDEX

FEATURE ARTICLES:

Benefits of Energy Efficient Homes ................. 8 Stunning Report Shows Only 12% of Teachers Can Afford Homes Near Work ......................10 It’s Leef-peeping Season........................................ 12

GRAND JUNCTION AREA

EXP Realty, Rachel Young ......................................... 2 For Sale by Owner, John Behrs ............................. 4 New Horizons Development – Janet Elliott...................................................... 1, 5, 6, 7 New Beginnings, New Homes .................................8 Next Home Grand, Nathalie Ames ........................9 Sandstone Realty, Bonnie Walker ........................ 11

COLLBRAN/MESA AREA

Next Home Grand, Nathalie Ames ........................9 United Country Real Colorado Properties Julie Piland ....................................................................3

FRUITA AREA

Shaffer Real Estate .....Western Colorado side 3

WESTERN COLORADO SIDE DELTA/MONTROSE COUNTIES:

Aardvark Realty, Delta................................................. 12 Chapman Real Estate, Delta..................................1, 7 Cinajones Real Estate, Delta .................................... 16 Coldwell Banker Distinctive Properties — Valerie Meyers, Montrose ......................................5 Interwest Real Estate, Delta.....................................10

Needlerock Mountain Realty ..................... 13, 14, 15 Norris-Snell Real Estate — The Boren Team ....................................................... 26 RE/MAX Alpine View, Montrose ..............................4 RE/MAX Mountain West — Cedaredge.................................................................... 19 Marsha Bryan.............................................................. 21 Paonia .............................................................................18 Shaffer Real Estate Delta, Austin, Montrose, Fruita/Loma ............3 Western Colorado Real Estate, Delta ................20 WesternColoradoRealty.com Hotchkiss/Paonia........................................................2 Myles Roberts .............................................................. 11 United County Colorado Brokers — Hotchkiss .............................................................24, 25 Valerie Siler ................................................................. 16 Vision Real Estate, Montrose ................................... 8

RIDGWAY/OURAY

Ouray Real Estate .......................................................... 17

CIMARRON/GUNNISON

Pick up your copy today or read the digital version online at:

www.ColoradoRealEstateToday.com To find out more about advertising OR to REQUEST A COPY OF THE MAGAZINE email:

ads.realestatetoday@gmail.com Call 970.527.7400

TE REAL ESTA TODAY GRAND VALLEY

VOL 20 ISSUE 10 OCTOBER 2024 |

ON THE COVER: New Horizons Development

unity Emerald Ridge Comm Live In the Broker/Owne r, GRI, CRS, ABR

9434 ooring 970-245-en/Fl Inc. —Kitch Development, ssful New Horizons Year Succe 30 E ess Busin PROPE RTY SOURC YOUR GRAND VALLEY Presented by Janet Elliott, See page 5 for more

details

Age Real Estate Presented by ERA New

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Shilo Bartlett: 970-319-0 See page 3 for more details

Tamarack at Arrowhead ................................... 22, 23

ROARING FORK VALLEY:

RE/MAX Mountain West Mike Kennedy, Carbondale ................................10 Vicki Lee Green Realtors Michell James, Glenwood Springs....................6

YOUR GRAND VALLEY PROPERTY SOURCE

2023 Advertising Rates Full Page - $350 • Half Page - $210 • Quarter Page - $140 • Cover + Full Page - $625

Photography by Estate

Janet Elliott 970.250.0765

Photo Video 970-963-4523

NEXT ISSUE: NOVEMBER 2023 AD DEADLINE: October 12 Columbine Publishing & Media, LLC P.O. Box 1356 • Paonia, Colorado 81428 Real Estate Today is not responsible for typographical or production errors or the accuracy of information provided by advertisers. ©2023 Columbine Publishing & Media, LLC. No part of this publication may be re-produced or transmitted by any means without written permission from the publisher. The Publisher re-serves the right to reject advertising which may be objectionable by law or considered undesireable by the Publisher. Real estate advertising in this magazine is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitations, or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.” We will not knowingly accept any advertisement for real estate which is in violation of the law. All dwellings advertised in this magazine are available on an equal opportunity basis.

12 ACRE COLORADO VINEYARD || $525,000 12COLORADO ACRE COLORADO VINEYARD $525,000 ACRE COLORADO VINEYARD | $525,000 1212ACRE COLORADO VINEYARD | $525,000 12 12 ACRE ACRE COLORADO VINEYARD VINEYARD | |$525,000 $525,000 3107 A 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction 3107 A 1/2 Rd, Grand Junction 3107 1/2 Rd,Grand Grand Junction 3107 AA1/2 Rd, Junction 3107 3107 AA1/2 1/2 Rd, Rd, Grand Grand Junction Junction Opportunity to own established production Colorado vineyard with the Opportunity to own an anproduction established production Colorado vineyard Opportunity ownananestablished established production Colorado vineyard with Opportunity totoown Colorado vineyard with thethe with the potential for RSF4+ development.

Adjacent to sewer and utilities.

Opportunity Opportunity totoown own an anestablished established production production Colorado Colorado vineyard vineyard with the the potential for RSF4+ development.

Adjacent to sewer and other otherwith utilities. potentialfor for RSF4+development. development.

Adjacent sewer other utilities. potential RSF4+ Adjacent to to sewer andand other utilities.

Outstanding building sites.

Senior water rights on the Colorado river. potential potential for for RSF4+ RSF4+ development. development.

Adjacent Adjacent totoColorado sewer sewer and and other otherutilities. utilities.

Outstanding building sites.

Senior water rights on the Colorado river.

Outstanding building sites.

Senior water rights on thethe Colorado river.

Outstanding building sites.

Senior water rights on river.

Includes 8.5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Outstanding Outstanding building building sites. sites.

Senior Senior water water rights rights on on the the Colorado Colorado river. river.

Includes 8.5 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Includes Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Includes8.5 8.5acres acresofofCabernet Cabernet Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Riesling, Rkatsiteli, and Merlot grapevines.

Includes Includes 8.5 8.5acres acres of ofMerlot Cabernet Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon, Chambourcin, Chambourcin, Riesling, Rkatsiteli, and Merlot grapevines.

Riesling, Rkatsiteli, and Merlot grapevines.

Riesling, Rkatsiteli, and grapevines.

Riesling, Riesling,Rkatsiteli, Rkatsiteli,and andMerlot Merlotgrapevines. grapevines.

John John Behrs Behrs John Behrs John Behrs 4

Real Estate Today | October 2023 | www.coloradorealestatetoday.com

(929)223-1198 (929)223-1198 (929)223-1198 (929)223-1198 John John Behrs Behrs johnbehrs@voicedatac.com johnbehrs@voicedatac.com johnbehrs@voicedatac.com johnbehrs@voicedatac.com (929)223-1198 (929)223-1198

johnbehrs@voicedatac.com johnbehrs@voicedatac.com

Emerald Ridge Estates 855 Fire Agate Lane, Grand Junction

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TOPAZ MODEL

(under construction)

(North, off H Road & 26 1/2 Road)

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emeraldridgegj.com CALL TO SET APPOINTMENT

UNMARKED LOTS ARE AVAILABLE

U = Under Contract

We look forward to working with you to design and build your new home in Emerald Ridge!

For more information, contact New Horizons Development, Inc.

JANET ELLIOTT GRI, CRS, ABR Broker/Owner

REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI 970-250-0765 N1323D@msn.com Real Estate Today | October 2023 | www.coloradorealestatetoday.com

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852 Fire Quartz Lane | $689,900 SAPPHIRE MODEL • 2114 SF • 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath • Covered Front and Back Porches • All kitchen appliances included • .25-acre Lot • Large RV Parking • Front Yard Fully Landscaped • Includes Timed & Pressurized Irrigation System U

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(North, off H Road & 26 1/2 Road)

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CALL TO SET APPOINTMENT

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VIEWS!

• Homes starting at 1800 square foot • 3-6 bedroom • 3 car garage minimum • RV parking and storage on site • Stucco exteriors with optional stone accents • Architectural 30-year shingles • Nature’s Composite fencing A • Pressurized irrigation S • Parks & walking paths • LOTS FOR SALE ON-SITE OFFICE LOCATED AT 2649 Emerald Ridge Lane Grand Junction, CO 81506

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MALACHITE MODEL

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835 Country Lane | $824,900

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for Purchase A = Available • 2792 SF • 4 Bedroom, 3-1/2 Bath (under construction) • Open Living Area • Primary & Jr Primary Suites = Sold • All appliances includingS wall ovens, cooktop, DW, Ref U = Under • .52 AC • FrontContract yard landscape UNMARKED LOTS ARE AVAILABLE • 6’ Composite Fencing

We look forward to working with you to design and build your new home in Emerald Ridge!

For more information, contact New Horizons Development, Inc.

JANET ELLIOTT GRI, CRS, ABR Broker/Owner

REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI 970-250-0765 N1323D@msn.com 6

Real Estate Today | October 2023 | www.coloradorealestatetoday.com

car garage garage minimum minimum •• 33 car •• RV Stucco exteriors with optional parking and and storage on site • RV parking stone accents storage on site Stucco exteriors exteriors with with optional optional •••Stucco Architectural 30-year shingles stone accents accents stone •• Architectural Nature’s Composite fencing 30-yearshingles shingles • Architectural 30-year •• Nature’s Pressurized irrigation Composite fencing fencing • Nature’s Composite •• Pressurized Parks & walking paths irrigation • Pressurized irrigation •• Parks LOTS & FOR SALE walking paths paths • Parks & walking ON-SITE OFFICE LOTS FOR FOR SALE SALELOCATED AT •• LOTS 2649 Emerald Ridge Lane S ON-SITE OFFICE OFFICE LOCATED LOCATED AT AT ON-SITE Grand Junction, CO 81506 S A 2649 Emerald Ridge Lane 2649 Emerald Ridge Lane (North, off H Road & 26 1/2 Road) Grand Junction, CO 81506 L AS Grand Junction, CO 81506

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We look forwardBroker/Owner to workingDevelopment, with you to design JANET ELLIOTT GRI, CRS, ABR ForBroker/Owner more information, contact REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI New Horizons Development, Inc. 970-250-0765 JANET ELLIOTT GRI, CRS, ABR REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI N1323D@msn.com Broker/Owner 970-250-0765 JANET ELLIOTT GRI, CRS, ABR N1323D@msn.com REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI Broker/Owner 970-250-0765 N1323D@msn.com REALTOR®, ABR, CRS, GRI 970-250-0765 N1323D@msn.com Real Estate Today | October 2023 | www.coloradorealestatetoday.com

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COMING FALL 2023

QUALITY-BUILT UALITY-BUILT

AFFORDABLE HOMES!

Located in South East Grand Junction

STARTING IN MID $300’S* Pa o 16 x 8 Dining Kitchen 20 x 10

Master Bedroom 14 15

Bedroom #3 10 x 10

Living Room 17 x 21

Covered Porch

Bedroom #2 10 x 10

Bath 2-Car Garage 22 x 20

1551 SF

Lo 6x14

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• 28 LOTS • 4-6 FLOOR PLANS • RANCH OR 2 STORY • 3 & 4 BEDROOMS • MASTER SUITE ON MAIN LEVEL

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DESIGN & BUILD THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS Our professional staff will work with you through every step from finding a lot, securing financing, choosing and designing your home, and selecting colors and finishes.

CALL TODAY & START YOUR NEW HOME PLAN!

DESIGN • BUILD • CONSULT

970.712.9982

303-525-2966

www.PCNewHomes.net

970-985-1738 text/call • www.tjmortgagepro.com NMLS# 1154149

www.NewBeginningsNewHomes.com *Photos for example only and do not represent the base model. Many upgrades available, call for details. Prices subject to change.

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Real Estate Today | October 2023 | www.coloradorealestatetoday.com

The Benefits of Energy-efficient Homes Consumer efforts to be more eco-conscious are more and more noticeable. For proof of that, one need look no further than the increase in vehicle charging stations. Such stations are more accessible than ever and illustrate that consumer preference is increasingly leaning toward products that leave as small a carbon footprint as possible.

Another indicator of a growing interest in eco-friendly products is the popularity in energy-efficient homes. In fact, a recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders found that energy-efficient features are among the most sought-after “must-haves” among homebuyers.

Among those surveyed, 83 percent desired Energy Star-rated windows, 81 percent wanted Energy Star-rated appliances and 80 percent preferred energy-efficient lighting.

Though eco-conscious sensibilities compel millions of homeowners to make their homes more energy-efficient, that’s not the only reason to upgrade your home. The following are a handful of the many benefits of energy-efficient homes.

Save Money Inflation was one of the biggest stories of 2022, as the cost of living rose dramatically in the wake of world events.

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation led to an overall 6.5 percent increase in prices. But that increase was dwarfed by the cost of electricity, which increased by 14.3 percent in 2022. Energy-efficient appliances can help homeowners overcome that spike, as the U.S. Department of Energy indicates upgrading to such products can help homeowners reduce their energy costs by as much as 30 percent.

Improve Resale Value As the NAHB survey indicates, modern homebuyers want energy-efficient homes. They’re also willing to pay more for such homes. Research from the mortgage lender Freddie Mac found that homes with energy-efficient ratings sold for nearly 3 percent more on average than homes without such ratings.

Live Healthier The benefits of energy-efficient homes aren’t just economic, though health-related benefits certainly produce an economic incentive as well. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, insulation and air sealing protect individuals from heat waves and other ripple effects of climate change. The ACEEE notes that weatherization can improve indoor air quality and comfort, a notable benefit for asthma sufferers and seniors. In fact, the ACEEE estimates that integrating energy efficiency programs in homes could reduce seniors’ risk for falls in their homes, potentially saving $2 billion in fall-related health care costs over the next decade, and improve asthma outcomes, which could reduce health care costs by as much as half a billion dollars.

Energy-efficient products and practices pay numerous dividends, making them a worthy expenditure for any homeowners looking to upgrade their homes.

970-314-3920 Broker/Owner

names@nathalieames.com

50076 Bear Run Court | Mesa | $2,650,000 •4 Bedroom, 4 1/2 Bath, Main Residence, •Sold Fully Furnished •Separate RV Garage, Shop and Entertaining Lodge •35 Acres with Coon Creek and Abundant Wildlife •Near Powderhorn Mountain Resort

TBD 52 1/2 Road | Mesa | $699,000 •274 Pristine Acres •Surrounded by BLM Land •Perfect for a private Retreat •Stunning Views and Abundant Wildlife

11011 Highway 65 | Mesa, Colorado 81643

9683 48 1/2 Road | Mesa | $1,499,000 •Gorgeous 18 Acre Estate •4 Bedroom, 2 Full Baths, 2 Partial Baths, 5,460 sq ft •Separate, Charming, Two Bedroom Guest Cottage •Ample Water Rights for Irrigating the Mature Gardens and Two Hay Fields

5149 Ski View Drive | Mesa | $599,000 •2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Mountain Home •Located on 1 Acres of Land •Well Maintained, Lock & Leave •Located near Powderhorn & The Grand Mesa

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50150 Bear Run Court | Mesa | $299,000 •35 Acres of Land with Many Building Sites •Stunning Views of the Grand Mesa and Mountains •Electric Lines have Been Buried to the Property •The SE Corner is Adjacent to BLM Land •Coon Creek Runs Along the Bottom Boundary Line

409 Powder Ridge Circle | Mesa | $120,000 •.5 Acre Building Lot in Powder Ridge Subdivision •Main Water, Sewer & Electric at the Lot Line •Close to Powderhorn for Skiing and Mountain Biking •Close to the Grand Mesa National Forest Real Estate Today | October 2023 | www.coloradorealestatetoday.com

Each office is independently owned and operated.

Subject to errors, omissions, price change, prior sales and withdrawal without notice. Dimensions approximate.

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Stunning Report Shows Only 12% of Teachers Can Afford Homes Near Work

By PORTIA VIGIL Guest Writer, High Country Spotlight In the midst of an ongoing education crisis, a shocking revelation has emerged – the housing affordability crisis is playing a a role in the shortage of teachers in our schools.

A recently released report has shed light on the alarming fact that only 12% of teachers can afford homes near their workplaces. This dire situation is not only affecting the educators but also the quality of education our children receive.

A Burden Too Heavy to Bear The report, conducted by the Housing and Education Research Institute (HERI), highlights the grim reality faced by teachers across the nation. In major metropolitan areas, where teaching positions are often abundant, the cost of living has skyrocketed. This has placed an unbearable burden on teachers who are struggling to make ends meet in these areas.

Teachers, traditionally known for their dedication and passion for nurturing the minds of the future generation, are being pushed to their limits. A combination of student loan debt, stagnant salaries, and the inability to afford homes near their workplaces is causing many educators to reconsider their career choices. This vicious cycle has resulted in a dearth of qualified teachers in our schools, ultimately affecting the quality of education our children receive.

The Teacher Exodus The housing affordability crisis is forcing educators to make tough choices. Many teachers are forced to live far from their schools, enduring long commutes that eat into their personal time and energy. The cost of housing in proximity to their workplace is simply out of reach, leading to grueling daily journeys that impact their overall well- being and job satisfaction.

Furthermore, this crisis is contributing to a phenomenon 10

Real Estate Today | October 2023 | www.coloradorealestatetoday.com

known as the “teacher exodus.” Educators are leaving the profession in search of better financial stability and improved quality of life. The lack of affordable housing near schools is pushing talented teachers to other careers or to relocate to areas with lower living costs. This brain drain is hitting our schools hard, depriving our children of experienced and passionate educators.

The Ripple Effect on Education The consequences of the housing affordability crisis extend beyond the teachers themselves. When schools struggle to attract and retain qualified educators, the quality of education inevitably suffers.

Larger class sizes, overworked staff, and reduced resources become the norm. Students are denied the individual attention and support they need to thrive academically.

Furthermore, a lack of teacher diversity is another concerning outcome. Affordable housing options near schools are often even scarcer for teachers from underrepresented backgrounds. As a result, our schools become less diverse and less equipped to meet the needs of a diverse student population.

A Call to Action Addressing the housing affordability crisis is not just a matter of providing teachers with a place to live; it’s about ensuring the future of our education system. Policymakers, educators, and communities must come together to find solutions. This may include offering housing subsidies, providing affordable housing options near schools, or increasing teacher salaries to match the rising cost of living.

In an era where education is the foundation of our society’s progress, we cannot afford to overlook the hidden factors that are compromising the quality of our schools. The housing affordability crisis is not only a teacher’s problem; it’s a problem for every child who deserves access to a highquality education.

As the report from HERI has illuminated, unless we take swift and decisive action to address this crisis, the future of our education system and, by extension, our society as a whole, remains in jeopardy. It is time to ensure that the next generation has access to the best educators, and that starts by making sure teachers can afford to live where they work.

The above content is for informational and educational purposes only, readers should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Portia Vigil is a mortgage broker with Guild Mortgage in Delta, Colorado.

Sandstone Realty, LLC

Bonnie Walker, GRI Broker/Owner

(970) 201-4050 bewalker74@gmail.com

710 Curecanti Circle • $875,000 * 25 Acres in the prestigious River Terrace Subdivision. * Covenant controlled * Minimum square footage of 2,500 sq. ft. * Pressurized irrigation system, each parcel has .50 acre for irrigating around house area, remainder in natural landscape. * Requires an engineered septic system. * Views of the Grand Valley * Aerial View: https://youtu.be/w1KPvM50eZ8 MLS#20221597

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1266 Marigold Avenue • $555,000 Rare opportunity of a detached home in the Village at Country Creek 55+ community. This rancher built in 2005 offers a split bedroom design, three bedrooms, 2 baths (on main level), formal dining room, living room with gas fireplace, large screened in patio overlooking back yard which backs up to a field and open space on the east side of home. This home also has a bonus room over garage which could be a hobby/ work out room which has 3/4 bath. Home is priced at $548,000 without furniture, or $555,000 with furniture. Home has many features not mentioned. OE#23-95-01.

Call for an appointment at 970-201-4050.

Virtual Tour: https://youtube.com/watch?v=ATLZzGaph0k

VILLAGE AT COUNTRY CREEK - THE PREMIER 55+ COMMUNITY * New Ranch Style Patio Townhomes * 7 Well Designed Floor Plans * Customer Selects Interior Finishes * Phase 6 with only 3 remaining to sell Prices range from $465,000 up to $486,000, and are subject to change without notice. *Call for availability and completion times View Website www.villageatcountrycreek.com See virtual tour of club house at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EC2u5n151c Real Estate Today | October 2023 | www.coloradorealestatetoday.com

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It’s Leaf-peeping Season — Find Fall Colors at Colorado State Parks Courtesy of COLORADO PARKS & WILDLIFE Colorado’s vibrant “leaf-peeping” season has officially begun as patches of color pop among the trees. While the stunning fall foliage display is worthy of the annual crowds at Colorado state parks, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) encourages park visitors to protect our natural resources while enjoying them.

“We ask that folks “rushing for gold” plan ahead and have location backup plans because parks get crowded and parking is limited at certain trailheads,” said Todd Farrow, park manager at Golden Gate Canyon State Park. “Please only park in designated areas and remember that parking along roads is prohibited because it destroys vegetation, can ignite wildfires and blocks emergency vehicles.”

All Coloradans and visitors can contribute positively to conserving our natural resources by respecting our outdoor shared spaces, as outlined below.

Know Before You Go The fall season is busy at Colorado state parks and parking lots get full. If a parking area is full, move on to the next designated parking area and follow instructions given by park rangers. Park rangers can issue parking tickets to people who park illegally or block traffic. CPW also recommends having a backup plan if your desired trailhead, park or location is crowded or closed.

Use CPW’s Park Finder Tool to see a Colorado state parks map. To learn more about outdoor activities at Colorado state parks, visit cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo.

Leave It As You Find It Parking in designated areas is critical — undesignated parking can destroy vegetation, ignite wildfires in dry grass and block first-responder vehicles in case of an emergency.

Show you care about our state parks by not driving over plants, flowers, rocks or through water streams.

Colorado’s trees provide beautiful leaf-peeping photos, shade and oxygen. Help keep them thriving by not carving

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Real Estate Today | October 2023 | www.coloradorealestatetoday.com

into them or pulling down branches that may kill or disfigure them.

Stick To Trails Shortcuts and that perfect selfie can be tempting, but staying on the path will decrease your risk of injury and protect trailside plants and local wildlife.

Download the COTREX app to discover Colorado’s extensive network of trails.

Keep Wildlife Wild Many species call Colorado home, making it the perfect destination for wildlife watching on state park trails. Protect yourself and your loved ones from potential wildlife conflicts by watching wild animals from a safe distance to avoid startling or forcing them to flee.

Keep dogs leashed when enjoying dog-friendly trails and put waste bags in a trash can. Do not hang waste on trees or put waste bags in toilets.

Do not feed or approach young wildlife and be bear aware on trails. If you see wildlife that appears sick or injured, leave it alone. Call a Colorado Parks and Wildlife office and consult a trained wildlife officer for guidance.

Share our Trails and Parks Being kind and considerate to others outdoors helps build more inclusive spaces and allows everyone a personal connection to nature.

“We want everyone to have a great time experiencing the vibrant colors and the natural wonders our beautiful state has to offer,” said Farrow. “No matter where you plan to explore this fall, please respect our natural resources, park staff, volunteers and fellow recreationists out searching for Colorado gold.”

Join us in keeping Colorado, Colorado. Read about the Keep Colorado Wild Pass and how it benefits Colorado’s wildlife and state parks at cpw.info/keepcoloradowild and cpw.info/ keepcoloradowildpassspa nish.

Photo courtesy of Visit Grand Junction.