Durango, CO March 2024

Lifestyle Letter

What does “home” mean?  Home is our grounding. Our base. It’s where we start and end each day. And while home looks different for each of us, it holds value in our lives.  It feels good to leave home at times, but even better to come back. As we thought about this issue, we wanted to highlight what makes “home” special to readers.

I have called Durango home for 25 years, and continue to love where I live.  My home is full of family, laughter, sometimes stress, but always love.  I am appreciative of all the people and places that make Durango home to me, and although I leave every now and then, I am always happy to return.

We feel lucky in this venture as we get to learn more about the businesses and individuals that make this small city our home, and we hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people in this community together.

As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you - in your city, neighborhood, and especially home.

We appreciate the monthly feedback from readers who have expressed appreciation for the content focused on our community, and who hold onto it as coffee table art representative of the beauty in Durango. We feel proud to create a resource that has value in our community, and we strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.

Happy March!

BRANDEN (BRANDY) MURRAY, PUBLISHER

March 2024

Branden (Brandy) Murray branden.murray@citylifestyle.com

Rachel Rosenthal rachel.rosenthal@citylifestyle.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Morgan Murray morgan.murray@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING

Hal Lott, Ryan Champion, Claire Attkisson, Janine Collins

Mathis, Candace Cross

WHY YOU NEED A TRUE EXPERT IN TODAY'S HOUSING MARKET

The housing market continues to shift and change, and in a fast-moving landscape like we’re in right now, it’s more important than ever to have a trusted real estate agent on your side Whether you’re buying your first home or selling once again, it’s mission critical to work with an expert who can guide you through each unique step of the process

The r eality is, not all agents operate the same way To truly make a powerful and confident decision as you buy or sell a home, you need a real estate expert who uses their knowledge of what’s really happening with home prices, housing supply, industry projections, and more to give you the best possible advice Someone who can provide clarity and trust like that is essential to your success

THE RIGHT AGENT CAN ASSIST YOU IN FIGURING OUT WHAT’S GOING ON AT THE NATIONAL LEVEL AND IN YOUR LOCAL AREA.

They can debunk headlines using data you can trust Experts have in-depth knowledge of the industry and can provide context, so you know how current trends compare to the normal ebbs and flows in the housing market, historical data, and more

After all, making a move is a potentially life-changing milestone It should be something you feel ready for and excited about And that’s where a trusted expert comes in

BOTTOM LINE

If you want sound advice and trusted information about our local housing market, let’s connect

business monthly

A ROUNDUP OF NEWS FROM LOCAL BUSINESSES

Handcrafted House Welcomes New Designer

Please welcome Jeramy Boik to our design team!  Jeramy is an expert in design and construction and has a Master's Degree in landscape architecture. His 3D modeling mastery and theatre scenic design experience will enhance our capabilities to create unique and aesthetically pleasing spaces. Jeramy's skills and experience, along with his passion for innovative designs, aligns with our commitment to deliver high-quality homes. Collaborating with Jeramy will push creative boundaries. Welcome to the team Jeramy!

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Toddler Art Classes at the Powerhouse

Bring your 2-5 year old to the Powerhouse for an art class made just for them.  The Toddler Art Class runs from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM every Friday in April.  The cost is $25 per child (with adult) and drop-ins are welcome.  Powerhouse members receive a 20% discount.  Not a member?  Go to powsci.org to find out how to become one.  Thank you to the Durango Cabinet Company for sponsoring the class.

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Cowboy Tuesdays are Back at the Strater

Starting on March 12th swing-in to the Strater Hotel to enjoy Cowboy Tuesdays at the Diamond Belle Saloon. The event runs from 12 PM to 3 PM every other Tuesday starting in March. Bring your friends and experience a good ol' Cowboy gathering in an open-mic format.  People are invited to share their ranching and cowboy stories, poetry and music.  Come enjoy the entertainment, food, and drink specials.

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Photography by The Strater Hotel

MORTGAGES Reverse

A STRATEGY TO BOOST YOUR LONG-TERM NET WORTH

ARTICLE BY RYAN CHAMPION

Conventional wisdom says a reverse mortgage is the last resort for senior homeowners to utilize when all other finances have been exhausted. However, research shows that you can use a reverse mortgage strategically as part of a retirement plan to increase your financial legacy at the end of your life.

According to Dr. Wade Pfau, professor at the American College of Financial Services and founder of Retirement Researcher, “The conventional wisdom is the worst way to coordinate spending with a reverse mortgage.” It leads to the “worst probability of financial success” in retirement, which other researchers back.

A reverse mortgage allows homeowners aged 62+ to access a portion of the equity in their home without requiring monthly mortgage payments. The funds can be taken as a lump sum, monthly payments, or a growing line of credit. A reverse mortgage never gives the bank the title to your home, although it does place a lien against the house as with a traditional mortgage.

Some strategies that you might use by opening a reverse mortgage at the beginning of retirement are:

1) You can improve cash flow by paying off your traditional mortgage and eliminate your monthly mortgage payment (taxes and insurance must still be paid).

2) You can use a monthly payment to delay taking Social Security until your maximum benefit is available or to manage taxable withdrawals from your portfolio.

3) You can open a growing line of credit to manage sequence-of-returns risk for your investments, to insure against unexpected spending shocks such as in-home care, or to protect the value of your home in case of a housing market downturn.

A reverse mortgage can be a powerful tool to increase your probability of financial success in retirement. However, there are also several instances where it should be avoided.

Ryan Champion (NMLS# 2294595) is a Mortgage Advisor and Loan Officer with GM Mortgage Group.

“A reverse mortgage can be a powerful tool to increase your probability of financial success in retirement.”

ARTICLE BY RACHEL ROSENTHAL

Home WELCOME

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OF LA PLATA COUNTY MARKS 30 YEARS OF MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Habitat for Humanity of La Plata County is in its 30th year of operation and has built or rehabilitated more than 75 homes during its tenure. In 2024, Habitat will see the completion of two more homes at Fox Farm Village in Bayfield, welcoming two more families home. What goes into these homes is nothing short of a miracle, and it is all attributed to the heart of the community.

What goes into these homes is nothing short of a miracle, and it is all attributed to the heart of the community. Habitat relies on many volunteers each year to help with a wide range of tasks that go into the construction of the homes they build.

Habitat relies on many volunteers each year to help with a wide range of tasks that go into the construction of the homes they build. Volunteer work can range from setting foundation blocks to framing, drywall to kitchen cabinets, painting, and beyond. Top to bottom, the volunteers make it happen. The entire project encompasses everything that makes being part of a community meaningful, with neighbors and strangers coming together to make good things happen for deserving families.

Habitat serves community members who fall between 30% - and 80% AMI to assist them with affordable homeownership. While partnering with Habitat is life-changing for families, it also takes a lot of effort from the potential homeowner, including 250 hours of sweat equity, financial training, and homebuyer classes required to complete the program. Once the process is complete, these homeowners have mortgages that are capped at 30% of their gross income, preventing them from becoming “stretched thin” by an unaffordable home loan.

If you are interested in supporting Habitat, you can easily find something that is within your comfort zone while making a real difference for families in La Plata County.

• A Volunteer Q & A will take place at the ReStore on March 14th at 5:30 PM and on March 15th at 9:00 AM. Prospective volunteers can learn about what Habitat does and see if it would be a good fit.

• The Habitat ReStore funds a portion of the building projects each year. They accept donations of gently used or new furniture, appliances, and building materials for resale. The proceeds go towards organization operations.

If you would like to find out more about our Homeownership Program or become a volunteer, please contact 970-382-2215 or email director@ habitatlaplata.org

ARTICLE BY CLAIRE ATTKISSON

From shabby-chic to modern elegance, ecofriendly home goods come in a myriad of styles, textures, and colors. Whether you shop for planet-friendly home products in big box stores or local spots like Durango Sustainable Goods, knowing what to look for will give you the best opportunity to make conscious shopping choices.

This primer will help take the guesswork out of your search for sustainable home and kitchen items so you can get to transforming your space into something special.

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2. SUSTAINABLE TEXTILES

Wood is a grounding, organic material that goes with every style and color. Choose products that are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, recycled or reclaimed, or bamboo (a highly renewable plant).

1 CONTINUED > 19 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/DURANGO MARCH 2024

While synthetic materials have come a long way from the scratchy, coarse fabric of the 50s, they are still the same toxic soup derived from fossil fuels. Textiles made with organic cotton, linen, and other natural materials are much better for the planet and your health.

Glass is an elegant, natural material and an excellent choice for lighting, drinkware, plates, pitchers, and mixing bowls. Recycled and second-hand glassware also add an element of charm.

1. WOOD PRODUCTS

5. LEATHER, CORK, AND APPLE LEATHER

Leather has received a bad rap in some sustainability circles. However, as regenerative ranching research and practices evolve, there are more reasons to choose leather for home furniture and fashion purchases. You can also look for new sustainable materials such as apple and cork leather.

Cast iron is sturdy and lasts forever when cared for properly. Choose recycled cast iron cookware, such as products from Kana, or other products containing recycled cast iron and aluminum.

If you want to stick with a budget while enhancing sustainability in your home, make your purchases over time. For example, swap out old polyester sheets and comforters for cotton or linen bedding, then swap out toxic pots and pans with recycled cast iron cookware when it works for you.

Sustainability and good taste go hand in hand when you know what to look for. Use these tips and bring your sustainable home vision to life.

4. CAST IRON

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Art by Becca

We go beyond your expectations to provide a range of treatments, wellness and spa packages to revitalize, restore and renew the body, mind and spirit so you can surrender to a state of pure bliss. Featuring innovative timehonored therapies-Hyrdreaux, Cryeaux and facial massage while incorporating native, holistic botanicals and indigenous plants unique to Durango Colorado. Theresa at Glow Durango Day Spa continues to seek out and will provide customized, personalized spa experiences, with continued knowledge, and wellness enhancing in mind.

Planting for Your

CREATE A GARDEN TO ENVY

ARTICLE BY JANINE COLLINS

Gardening can add many things to your life, from health benefits to environmental improvement. For some, it is a small hobby that brings quiet moments of joy. To others, it is a way of life that encompasses many of their daily routines. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, it is no secret that growing a garden in our climate can be challenging. If you don’t want the fruits of your labor to go to waste, there are a few tips and tricks to help you cultivate a thriving garden in Durango’s unique climate.

1. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.

Stay close to the house, somewhere you can enjoy the view easily, and keep an eye on it. Start on your home’s south/east side, where plants are protected from excessive wind, snow, and heat.

2. SOIL

The first building block of your garden is the soil. While the clay found in Durango gets a bad rap, it is loaded with minerals and is home to good bacteria and worms. When starting a new bed, don’t dig down. Instead, build up and layer in generous amounts of compost.

Vegetables thrive with composted animal manure. When used in moderation, bird manure is liquid gold, while cow manure works well when used in bulk to build beds. Composted bark builds biomass and is acceptable for starting any perennial garden. Worm castings supply the beneficial fungi and bacteria.

Lastly, food waste compost has the most long-lasting environmental effects. The key is to use a variety and add continually to create a magic environment where plants thrive.

3. KNOW YOUR ZONE

Your elevation determines your zone. Zones vary around Durango and surrounding areas between 4a and 7a, with the highest elevation at 1a and the lowest at 13a. The USDA has an interactive map online where you can determine your property’s zone.

4.  NATIVE AND XERIC PLANTS

There are a million reasons to plant native species. They are good for the environment, help bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, and are more resistant to deer and rodents. These plants are also easier to grow in our local soils and more drought-resistant.

5. WILDLIFE

Do not let deer-resistant labels fool you. Durango Deer eat almost anything, and our gophers will make you feel like Bill Murray in Caddyshack. Fences are your best deterrent or blood meal that you can spray on. It soaks into the vascular system and stays for three months. Herb plants with pungent smells also help deter pests, especially those in the salvia family.

Lastly, talk to your neighbors! Take neighborhood walks and look at their gardens. In the summertime, the true gardeners –ones who do it themselves – will be out working. They love talking about their creations.

If you are new to your climate zone, take your time and see what the seasons bring. Start by throwing out some perineal or reseeding native seeds, and see what blooms. Go to the Durango Botanical Gardens, see what they are growing, and get inspired.

Coconut Key Lime Pie

The Yellow Carrot’s Taste of Spring

Makes 1 Deep Dish Key Lime Pie

Special Equipment: 8 inch Spring Form Pan

Cook Time: 30-40 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups finely crushed rice crispies

• (Use a Cuisinart with blade)

• 2 cup finely ground walnuts

• 1 cup agave

• 1 cup melted pure coconut oil

• 3 tsp salt

• 2 egg yolks

• 4 cans sweetened condensed milk

• 2 c. lime juice

• zest of 2 limes

DIRECTIONS

The Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350 °F and set an oven rack in the middle position.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed rice crispies, walnuts, agave, melted coconut oil and salt; stir with a fork first, and then with your hands until the mixture is well combined. Using your fingers and the bottom of a glass or dry measuring cup, press the crumbs firmly into the bottom of an 8 inch spring form pan. The crust should be about 1⁄4-inch thick.

3. Bake for 10 minutes. Let crust cool in freezer.

The Filling

1. Beat yolks on high in a mixer with whisk attachment until yolks are pale yellow and fluffy. Slowly add sweetened condensed milk. lime zest, and lime juice. Pour the thick mixture into the cold crust.

2. Bake for 40 minutes, until the filling is almost set; it should wobble a bit.

3. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then place in the refrigerator to chill thoroughly overnight.

ARTICLE BY SARI SEEDORF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CANDACE CROSS PHOTOGRAPHY

How to Prepare Your Home to Sell

Expert Tips and Tricks

Selling a home may sound like quite a beast to tackle. For inexperienced or less-than-enthused sellers, it can sound downright painful. However, there are practical and relatively inexpensive techniques to increase buyer appeal and make any home stand out from the pack.

We want the Buyer to make their own informed decision to purchase your home. Sometimes, the simplest tasks can maintain Buyers’ interest and make the decision easy for them.

Hal Lott is a 23-year Durango resident and a licensed Realtor™ with Legacy Properties West Sotheby’s International Realty.

ARTICLE BY HAL LOTT

1. Finish the Project Remember your plan to re-configure the storage in the bedroom closet that you just haven’t gotten around to? Get it done. It doesn’t need to be grandiose or expensive, but clever features may be a measurable boost to the home’s appeal.

2. Consider a Pre-Inspection A pre-inspection by a certified professional inspector can help a homeowner take care of things that need attention and help a Buyer see the home is in good physical shape.

3. Perceived Value Eliminates Doubt Subconscious doubts about the condition of a property can be like Kryptonite for a potential buyer. Simple tasks like replacing light bulbs, coiling the garden hose, touching up paint, and decluttering personal effects give the aura that you care for your property.

4. Don’t Leave It To the Buyer’s Imagination Put that decorative art niche to use. Label the ‘mystery’ light switch that illuminates the cove lighting in the dining room. Remove any guesswork so Buyers stay focused on the big picture.

5. Be Prepared to Answer Questions Your Realtor should be able to compile answers to frequently asked questions, but as a resident of the home, you will know the ins and outs of specific property characteristics.