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Laramie, WY Real Estate News

By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
As soon as I say Laramie doesn't have cockroaches, I'm sure someone else will have a tale to refute my claim.  But as long as I've lived here (31 years) at many different locations (18) I have personally never seen an actual, live, "wild" cockroach.  As a  matter of fact I don't think I've ever seen one anywhere - even on my travels . . . I've had friends who had cockroaches hitch a ride in their belongings when they made a move from another climate. However, it was easy enough for them to get rid of the beasts once they settled in here.  For whatever reason, they didn't propagate and invade the whole town or even their house and were soon gone for good. We have only one exterminator listed in the phone book and even he drives over from Cheyenne. How can we have such good fortune? I vie...
Comments 11
By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
In the past, I loved making fancy cakes for the kids and their birthdays.  I still do, but have much less time to do it.  Thankfully, the kids see things with a creative eye and our daughter, who was turning 9 that year, was plenty happy with this haphazard cake she helped me put together for her that year... So . . .  while the cake is not particularly pretty, the question remains:   As long as it is chocolate, does it really matter what it looks like?  
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By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
A crisp Wyoming dawn slowly pushes the darkness away while I sit reluctantly away from the blankets that I'm sure are still warm. Today is one of those days where I'm not feeling particularly loquacious.  Just the fact that I used the word "loquacious" is a sign that today is, indeed, a day where I should  just stop and reflect...   Let's hear it for Saturdays!
Comments 8
By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
Based on the number of homes shown as sold on the Laramie Board of REALTOR's MLS from January 2012 through October 2012, it looks like our home sales will be holding steady but slightly lower than 2009 and 2010. The total number of homes sold in 2011 was 332,                                                                   in 2010 was 360,                                                           and in 2009 was 343.         The total number of homes sold this year through October has been 298.  Projecting sales over the next couple months factoring in the usual seasonal drop, puts us on pace for about 330 - 340 home sales for the entire year. Since we live in a non-disclosure state however, numbers from any of those years do not include for-sale-by-owners or new construction that was ...
Comments 0
By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
Local veterans will soon have improved access to health care right here in Laramie.  In the past, choices for Laramie veterans were limited to a mobile clinic that came over a couple days a week or driving to our closest VA Medical center which is in Cheyenne. (http://www.cheyenne.va.gov/). Of course, making the drive to Cheyenne will still be the only option for certain services or some types of specialized care but the option to be seen in town will likely be appreciated and utilized by many clients. Veterans and the public are invited to an open house on: Monday, Nov. 19, 2012   from Noon to 2:00 P.M at  112 South 5th Street (1 block south of the Post Office). The program model used for the clinic will take advantage of modern technology and communication to better serve the needs of...
Comments 4
By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
Tuesday morning's MLS (Multiple Listing Service) Tour is the place to be if you are a REALTOR member of the Laramie MLS.  Tuesday's are the day we all meet, then head out and view the newest listings on the MLS. If you are not familiar with the concept of MLS, it is a members only organization whose members agree to share information on their listings with one another to better facilitate finding a buyer for the properties more quickly than they could on their own.  In other words, working together to get properties sold.  If a property is listed on the MLS, no matter who the Brokerage is that is selling the home, any active member of our MLS can show and assist you in purchasing an MLS listed home. Winter must be in the air because there were only 3 homes on tour today, November 13, 20...
Comments 2
By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
There is almost always a bit of disparity between what Sellers list a house for and the actual price the house finally sells for.  Though, there will always be a few lucky sellers who get their full asking price.  This isn't really just luck but a result of good pricing, the homes appeal and a willing and able buyer who recognizes a good value when they see it. This chart shows an average of how close listing prices were to the actual selling price in all categories of properties sold through the Laramie MLS from January 2010- October of 2012.  It shows nothing about the home values themselves - just how close listing and selling prices were to each other. So what do the numbers mean? For one it shows that listing prices have generally been within 96% of the value the properties finally...
Comments 6
By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
Lucky us ...when a science teacher retired at the end of May last year we volunteered to take ONE Madagascar Hissing Cockroach home, temporarily - we thought....  Boy were we surprised when we found out that our androgenous, six-legged curiosity turned out to be a she.... a she who gave birth to about 30 babies!  Yes, birth.  Apparently this species' eggs hatch while still inside the mother and develop into miniature versions of the adults while still inside... then when the time is right, out they come... After the shock wore off we researched this critter on the internet and found that after mating only once, she was capable (under good conditions) of giving birth every two months for the rest of her life.  Yikes! So far, so good - no more litters, until... today... when I received a...
Comments 11
By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
What would you name this building? A sight we are all used to here is often likened to a modern rendition of a tipi.  I imagine, given our regional heritage, that this was done on purpose by the designer/architect, but I don't know for sure. Below the picture is what the real name of this is and what it is used for.        This building houses the American Heritage Center and is located on the University of Wyoming Campus. Their website is located at: http://www.uwyo.edu/ahc/ Here is what the AHC homepage says:  "The American Heritage Center (AHC) is the University of Wyoming's (UW) repository of manuscripts collections, rare books, and the university archives. Many universities have primary source repositories. Few have repositories as extensive and significant as the AHC. More importa...
Comments 3
By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
Is now a good time to buy? With interest rates lower than ever and home prices leveling out, now is an excellent time to buy - but frankly there is more than market conditions to consider when buying a home or moving up to a bigger home.  First and formost your own financial health should be the main thing that guides your decision.  Questions you may ask yourself: -Are you in a stable job that you expect to keep for the next few years? -Would buying be better for your life situation than continuing to rent or staying in your current home? -If your job changes or you transition to a new job would you be able to make the mortgage payments? - Are you planning on staying in the home for 4 years or more? Of course, there are many other factors to consider but the main idea is that at some p...
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By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
Coming soon to Laramie - a chance to come out and view the work of local artistis!   Who:   Laramie Artists Project                                          What:  Art Exhibition and Sale Where:  Marriott Fairfield Inn on Centennial Drive When:  November 17 from 10:00 AM through 5:00 PM              November 18 from 1:00 PM through 5:00 PM Why:  To highlight the diversity and talent of local artists   Go to:   http://www.laramieartistsproject.com/   for more information about the Laramie Artist Project and its history.  You can also view some amazing and beautiful examples of their artwork by clicking on the "Artists" link.  
Comments 1
By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
As with any seasonal market, winter can be a nerve racking time for sellers. It feels like there are no buyers out there anywhere and the home will never sell.  Interestingly, local statistics show that winter isn't as dismal as it may seem when it comes to home sales.  There may be less people buying than in the summer months but there is also less competition on the market - increasing your home's chances of getting noticed! So consider the winter months to be the time to optimize your homes appeal.  Make sure your price is on target, your home is clean, clutter-free and appealing to the buyers that do come through.  With less homes available this is the time to make your home shine above the rest...
Comments 4
By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
Here I sit with the TV on, working on the computer while awaiting all the election results to come in..... This is not the post I anticipated today but it's hard to focus on little else.  At this time it is all about exit polls as few states have yet closed their polls, or if they have closed they don't have actual results tabulated yet.  Frankly, I don't take much stock in exit polls - I want to see the actual results!   Aside from wanting my candidate (who shall remain unnamed) to win, there were also some local issues on Laramie's Ballot that I want to know the outcome of.  No matter what the outcome, I will be glad that we will all be able to move forward and leave all the uncertainty of wondering who our leaders will be behind.  Let the final countdown begin!               
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By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
A search of today's active residential listings showed 207 properties available.  This is a good number for Laramie this time of year.  Even better for sellers, a graph of absorption rates since the beginning of 2012 shows that we could be heading back towards a balanced market. If you don't know what an absorption rate is, it is a number that tells how long it would take to sell all the existing properties on the market or how long it would take the market to absorb the current inventory. Today's absorption rate is about 18 months compared to a whopping 86 months back in January. What does this mean for you? Between 5 - 6 months of inventory is said to be a balanced market. It is considered to be a seller's market if there is 1 - 4 months of inventory. It is considered to be a buyer's ...
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By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
While there are many grand things in Wyoming that we celebrate, we're not ones to neglect the marginally noteworthy as well.  After all, we have a much shorter recorded history than many other areas in the United States so we have to find history where we can.  Thus you'll find curious highway pull-outs all over the state that are devoted to remembering random moments in history - grand or not.  On I-70 between Laramie and Cheyenne people can stop, stretch their legs and take a gander at this tree in a rock.  The accompanying signs explain what it is all about. If you're ready to hang on to your hat and bear the wind for a bit, you'll enjoy reading about how this particular stop came about.                 If you get to drive through Wyoming, take the time to stop at the odd little turn...
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By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
What a busy day in Laramie today!  The weather was fantastic (in the 50's) and people were everywhere. Here are just a few of the activites that were taking place:    -Big Laramie Valley Country Fair/Bazaar at Harmony School      - 33rd Annual Beta Sigma-Phi Holiday Bazaar at the     Albany County Fairgrounds     -Friends of the Library Book Give Away at 310 S 8th in the    Library basement.     - University of Wyoming Cowboy Open Wrestling Tournament      lasting all day at the Multi-purpose gym      And last but not least:    - The University of Wyoming Cowboy Cowboy Foot ball team      defeated the Colorado State University Rams with a score      of 45 to 31 at the War Memorial Stadium here in Laramie.   I'm sure there were other things to do but no matter what you chose, today was t...
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By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
The Annual Toys for Tots Drive will kick off with a flourish tomorrow at the Wyoming Cowboys Football Game.  The Wyoming Cowboys will be playing against the Colorado State Rams on Saturday, November 3 at War Memorial Statium at 2:30 PM.  I have always known about Toys for Tots but was surprised to learn that the Marine Corps Reserves are the ones responsible for coordinating and carrying out this wonderful event.  Volunteers will be on hand to collect donations at the game.  For those unable to attend the game or donate at this time, there will be over 40 collection locations around Laramie from now through December 20.  Century 21 Real Estate Center  is proud to announce that we will be one of those sites.  So come on by, say hello, and bring your donation by anytime.  We'd love to see...
Comments 6
By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
Laramie's newest large, apartment complex, The Grove: I have to admit I was a bit of a sceptic as I saw construction begin on "The Grove".  It didn't seem that the concept - "fully loaded college living" would appeal to notoriously budget conscience Laramie renters. It seems, though, that they have found their niche and it is reported they are rented to capacity.  Their concept, though pricey, is simple.  Tenants rent rooms that come with their own private bathrooms.  Rooms are in 3 to 4 bedroom apartments and tenants who want to room together may be able to rent in an apartment all together.  If you don't have a roomate then the management will work toward putting tenants in apartments with people whom they can get along with.  If you go to The Grove website, you'll see they do seem to...
Comments 2
By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
        Second only to Christmas, Halloween is more popular than ever.  Here are a few thoughts for all the little and not so little trick-or-treaters in Laramie this year: An adult should accompany ALL children who trick or treat from door to door. Older trick-or-treaters should go as a group, have a planned route, carry cell phones and be alert of the people around. Keep track of your children even if they are attending sponsored indoor events. Even though we live in Laramie, we still need to excersize common sense and caution. So, here's..... Wishing you a safe and Happy Halloween from our wonderful little city on the windy plains of Wyoming!  
Comments 11
By Brenda Whitman, Live in Laramie Real Estate, Broker/Co-Owner, Laramie, Wyoming
(Live in Laramie Real Estate, Laramie, Wyoming)
        Last year our University of Wyoming Cowboy  football team got to go up against the Nebraska Cornhuskers.  Yes, we were a bit outmatched but the Cowboys played a respectable game even though we lost in the end . But the most astounding thing was those CRAZY Nebraska fans!  What a fun, devoted bunch of people!  They came out in droves - filling up the parking lots around the stadium the night before the game.  And not with just cars.... they came fully loaded with campers, RVs and the like. Full size barbeques, gazebo style tents, flags and banners popped up before it was even dark. I think half of Laramie drove down 22nd Street that night just to get a look at all the people in red!  As quickly as they came.... they were gone.  By the time I took these pictures the morning after ...
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