The livery stables near Denver CO homes contained some of the best and fastest animals in the West.  But what set Denver apart were the saddle horses.  There were 50 first-class saddle horses in Denver’s livery stables while in most cities, saddle horses were hard to find. 

The Mr. George being interviewed remarked, “The Queen City of the Plains is entitled to first place as the greatest horseback riding city in the United States.”  He said that 90 percent of the men who lived here for 6 months even knew how to sit a horse.  And they picked up a lot more than that.  “There never was a city where the people liked to ride horse back or knew how to do it better than they do here,” George continued. 

The horses were nearly all single-footers.  Not that they only had one foot, but that each foot of the animal is able to move independently.  Single-foot was the new gait of the day.  Horses were trained to comfortably employ the pretty new gait.  Some thought that the new gait was a sign that young riders were deteriorating in riding skills.  However, the gait comes with difficulty.  Horses must first be broken of the regular gait and the unnatural single-foot must be cultivated.

Single footers could be seen every evening moving along at a pleasant and speedy gait carrying their lady and gentleman riders.

For more information about farms, horse properties, and real estate in the greater metro area, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

For several reasons, there is improvement in the housing equation.  The number of homes in Denver Colorado that are available for sale declined 20 percent between the end of summers 2007 and 2008.  Since the number of homes sold decreased from 5,123 to 4,542, we did not just sell more real estate in Denver.   In fact many homeowners simply decided not to put their homes on the market.

More good news comes from the reduction in foreclosures of Denver CO homes and mortgages along with fewer delinquencies.  By the end of August 2007, Colorado had about 6,550 foreclosure filings compared to approximately 4,700 by August 2008.

Since January 2005, the rate of Denver homes sold has ranged from about 12 percent to 22 percent.  During summer 2008, the rate reached 20 percent, harking back to the summer of 2005 when the inventory in the Denver metro area was reduced by a record-breaking 22 percent. 

According to Realtor.org, the entire nation saw a 7-percent decrease in inventory.  At the end of August 2008, the United States had about 10.4 months of inventory on hand, down from 10.9 months in July 2008.  Nationwide, overall new construction starts declined August 2008.  But in the western part, housing starts increased 10.8 percent.

Another plain and simple reason for the improvement is that many of us have learned some necessary lessons during the housing crisis.  Buyers, sellers, lenders, and realtors are better informed than they were a few years ago.  Many are more cautious.  But smart buyers are taking advantage of the market while it is dipping a bit to move forward with their investment goals.  It may take a few years for the marketplace to see the dramatic changes that we saw in the last five years, but prices will keep rising in the long run.

Real estate continues to be a good, practical investment when we buy for the right reasons, in the right places, and for the right price.  Buyers are into their home investments for the long-term benefits, more so than the house flippers from a few years ago.  For more information about horse properties and real estate in the metro area, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

As the fastest growing sport in the equine industry, reining events are designed to showcase the maneuvers of a working ranch horse.  The judging of what is called “Western Dressage” highlights the athletic ability of a horse through the performance of required elements such as small slow circles, large fast circles, flying lead changes, roll backs over the hocks, and 360 degree spins.  Watching the horses execute sliding stops is a highlight of the competition.

This year’s includes a full slate of ancillary classes, the NRHA Mountain Regional Affiliate Finals, Mile High Derby, Stallion Select Futurity, and Challenger’s Cup Freestyle Reining.  Athletes from all corners of the globe participate in the world-class equestrian event.  The International also includes an expansive trade show, numerous hospitality events and outstanding spectator experiences.  New this year is the $100,000 Lot for Grassroots Non Pro Awards Program.

Located near the intersection of Interstates 70 and 25 and the Denver International Airport, the National Western provides educational opportunities and provides opportunities for producers and consumers throughout the world and hosts the premier Stock Show, Rodeo, Horse Show and other year-round events.  In 2006, the first International Reining Festival offered a thrilling equestrian sport and the reining discipline is now an Olympic sport. 

The NWC has recently completed a $30 million expansion program and with more than 600,000 square feet, it one of the most modern, user-friendly facilities anywhere.  So, when we host an event at the National Western Complex, it is well attended by happy crowds.  The metro trade area showcases a growing market with disposable income.  Besides residents of real estate within the Downtown and Greater Denver regions, affiliates come from the Reining Horse Associations of the Central Plains, Cowboys States, Eastern Plains, Idaho, Intermountain, Montana, Northern Rockies, Rocky Mountain, Western Slope, and Yellowstone, in addition to the Snake River Reining Alliance.

Maybe we can transfer skills developed reining in a horse to reining in our spending habits and our economy?   For more information about horse properties and real estate in the metro area, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

Owners of this luxurious Greater Denver real estate can opt to have up to six horses.  Ideal for equestrian use, the nine Douglas County Colorado horse properties at the end of a road offer sunset horseback rides through a community trail easement as well as designated access to the planned Douglas County regional trail easement.

Nestled between rolling hills and water lands, the fairytale setting on the renowned Banbury Cross Farm harkens back to the English countryside.  It is recognizable by its turret monument and ornamental iron gates along tree-lined Plum Creek on Old Banbury Road.

The lovely community features elegant white fencing, rich terrain with grasslands, gently sloping hills, meadows, and extensive grasslands that allow for ideal grazing.  Options exist for outdoor arenas, barns, and a select few sites may also accommodate indoor arenas.  Each site features individual characteristics and unique views, offering owners a variety of creative choices for site plans.

Conveniently away from it all, Banbury Cross is only three miles south of Titan Road with easy access along Highway 85 and just ten minutes from the Light Rail Station at Santa Fe and Mineral.  The quaint town of Sedalia is two miles south where residents can pick up mighty fine hamburgers, groceries, and tend to some business.

The Banbury Cross Development Company and Banbury Cross Home Owners Association assure that Design Guidelines and oversight enhance and maintain the quality of life for all residents.  There are no restrictions on building timelines and this is a great opportunity for luxury retirement.

A few select builders have been approved as custom builders and one gorgeous home graces the land.  The home sites are serviced by underground electrical service, individual wells, and septic systems.  Propane gas may be used if the receptacle is buried.  Geothermal heating and cooling is recommended.  Fire protection is in place and each home will be equipped with internal fire sprinklers.

Families will be delighted to know that the Douglas County progressive academic opportunity includes Sedalia Elementary, Castle Rock Middle School, and Douglas County High School.  Several private academies are also within easy reach.

For more information about farms, horse properties, and real estate in the metro area, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.

The average sales price in August 2008 for single-family Denver CO real estate was tracked as follows:  Denver $245,753, Aurora $167,069, Englewood $293,399, Highlands Ranch $336,810, Littleton $295,640, Lone Tree $710,768, and Parker $322,258.  In most of these communities, Denver CO homes are selling to smart buyers at a slower pace than a year ago.  However, Aurora and Highlands Ranch real estate actually sold more units August 2008 than in 2007.

Below are the total numbers for existing home sales from January 1 through August 31, 2008:  Denver 8977, Aurora 4,923, Englewood 483, Highlands Ranch 1,211, Littleton 1,915, Lone Tree 123, and Parker 1,204.  Quite a few families are taking advantage of the positive aspects of today’s market.

Something must be going right in our communities.  Even though unemployment rates have been edging up in Colorado this year, Coloradoans have a history of morphing to meet the changing needs of the hour.  Some who came out for the gold rush decided to build farms and Colorado horse properties and Colorado ranches.  Traders settled down into mercantile stores and other businesses, one community applied to open a university, and many built places of interest to attract tourists.  We’ve landed several government offices and military training operations.  Our citizens creatively moved into the high-tech industries, into transportation and recreation.  Our creative communities can meet to solve problems and challenges.  After all, who hasn’t moved to this state to find excitement and a better quality of life?

So we see that in our state this year, the number of jobs has increased—in spite of everything going on.  Jobs have increased in Boulder-Longmont County and we are waiting to see just how the rest of the counties in our metropolitan area discover new ways to serve the sectors of need in today’s world during this challenging time.

For more information about horse properties and real estate in the metro area, call Michael Paul of Realty Oasis at (303) 268-6052.