Our country seems to be in a state of disorganization and confusion. We desperately need strong leadership now and no one seem able to do that. All live matter, all personal property worked for..matters! The sheeple need to wake up!

Right now, at this current date (April 14, 2020) real estate all over the nation is at a stand still because of the "fear" of this damn corona virus. I understand that the numbers of those dying from the common flu are down and those numbers have been added to the number of corona virus deaths. Emergency hospitals in Washington state are coming down for lack of patients. The governor of this state who has never ran a "bingo" game in her life, who is just a political shill for the Nancy Pelosi arm of the democratic party, has the state locked down tighter than a drum and so does the "new" Mayor of Las Vegas. Every life is a valuable life but there has to be some balance here. I am looking to the day we are emancipated and told, "Go to work, my sheeple."

test run

This is a test run.

In a few weeks 2015 will be in the history books. As far as I am personally concerned, this was a momentous year because there were no major health concerns for myself or my wife which is so very wonderful. It was a good year for real estate and for our insurance business. The Bed and Breakfast was equally active due to the many activities of the summer. We are thankful and blessed. Soon we plan to open a new insurance company in Dripping Springs, Texas. We are looking forward to the new adventure of moving back to our roots. My wife and I hope all of you many readers of this blog have a healthy, happy and prosperous new year!

Holiday Season, 2015

Fall in Northeastern New Mexico is a beautiful time of year. All of the deciduous trees are brilliant in the color, the elk are bugling, migratory birds are headed south, snow is in the highest peaks. Although it was a good summer, fall brings a natural slow down in real estate business. Fewer people are out looking for property, most people are wondering where and what they will be doing for the holidays, they are not concerned about major purchases of tens of thousands of dollars. Most people by this time have put out the fire and called in the dogs. As I have said many times, this little town does not do "new construction" very well whether it is of a residential or commercial nature. With that thought in mind, I would like to discuss three commercial endeavors that are taking place. First, at the intersection of University-Grand Avenue major renovation is taking place in preparation of placing Del Norte Pharmacy into the old convenience store location. It is a welcome business to those situated along Grand Avenue. Secondly, at 200 and 202 Plaza a new art gallery is going in at that location. The remodel job is beautiful and will be a welcome addition to all of the improvements in the Plaza area. Finally, on the west side of the Plaza the owner of New York pizza is placing a sports bar complete with a three lane bowling alley. It will be so very welcome. Hopefully it will convince our citizens to stay in Las Vegas to support our local businesses. In addition two these commercial improvements it should be noted that our national congressmen helped obtain a grant to keep the Amtrac train running through Las Vegas. It is wonderful news for Las Vegas and Raton. I only wish that they would have obtained enough money to fix the tunnel between Raton and Trinidad. That tunnel is preventing freight trains from running north and south, and if we are getting enough to maintain the track why not fix the tunnel as well? Also, Mainstreet, Inc has gotten a 50K loan to help reinvigorate and renovate the railroad district area. Through the years it has suffered the neglect of time and has been a great source of crime in our fair town. It is hopeful that changes can be made in that area as has been done in other parts of the city. Finally, we at Rocky Mountain Real Estate, Crow Insurance, and Crow's Bed and Breakfast hope that all of our friends and customers have a happy and safe holiday season. We say to everyone out there in computer land...MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy New Year.

Successful Summer trends to an expectant Fall

It has been many, many years since the town of Las Vegas has experienced as many tourists as we have had this summer. The retail and service industries had a very successful year. Old Town Plaza and the general Bridge Street area had a number of events that were very successful this year. The increased flow of tourists no doubt has increased the Lodger Tax revenues rather substantially as well as income from the gross receipts tax. Those two sources of income should be used to enhance the tourists to come to Las Vegas, NM which has been called the "Wildest of the Wild West". Is that happening? Hell, no! What is the City in it's infinite wisdom going to do with this increased revenue? Replace a roof that blew off the pool at the "rec" center. I don not know this for a fact, but the roof blew off due to improper maintenance, and now we will use lodger tax money to replace that roof! How damn dumb can we be! Rather than give money to the Chamber, the City prefers to "divide and conquer". Such short sided thinking from a mayor who is afraid of delegating too much power. It seems as though every time we take one step forward we move two steps back. City elections are coming up and it is time to make massive changes.

Spectacular late spring weather!

As of 5-20-15 we have had some beautiful spring weather with regards to moisture. We still have a considerable amount of snow in the highest mountain ranges which is great for the irrigation, and also beautiful to look at. Trees are all beginning to come out. The aspen and the cottonwood trees are looking to blossom forth, the oak brush (encinoso) is also taking on new leaves and growth, and many fruit trees managed to miss the last killing frost. The irrigation ditches are flowing with new life, the "vega" land is full of moisture, and many stock tanks are filling up. Damn, it looks good. Even Storrie Lake is taking on some water. We have a number of new listings that are absolutely beautiful and priced right. Adjacent to the Santa Fe National Forest we have some property that is high mountain property. It is heavily timbered with fir, ponderosa pine, and aspen which could be harvested to help pay for the property. In addition the Sellers are willing to sell 50% of the mineral rights of the property. In the middle of the property or there abouts is a beautiful meadow which is home to turkey, mule deer, and elk. The owner is willing to sell all or part. Call me, Mack Crow, for a showing of this exceptional property. On the South side of the Santa Fe National Forest near Mineral Hill is a 92 acre tract with a beautiful seasonal creek running through it. It too has ponderosa pine and cottonwood trees and is so very peaceful. It has mountain meaadows that are as calming as the creek. It has good acess and is just about a half mile from the national forest for your motorized riding or if you prefer, a horseback ride or hike would be just as enjoyable. We also have a 500+\- acre tract 38 miles east of Las Vegas on the Northeast Highlands caprock. It is 60% "llano" land and 40% canyon country. Perfect horse\cattle country. It has a 114 year old residence that has been restored, a great barn, and it is off the grid with modern innovations. It is priced to sell. Again, call Mack. Good properties. Call for a showing

Musings and Observations

Today is the day after April Fool's Day, and it is appropriate that I am going to mention the local real estate market and the directions of our fair city, Las Vegas, NM. With regards to real estate the year has started out with a bang, and so far has continued so. Most of the Buyers that we have had the pleasure of dealing with have been outside the Las Vegas area. They are attracted by the beauty of our Sangre de Cristo mountains, the peaceful solitude of mountain cabins, and the general friendliness of our town. Prices continue to fall, but the fall is not near as precipitous as before. As the spring season continues we hope the snow melt will help our water situations somewhat especially the acquias for our local farmers. According to channel 13 out of Albuquerque, we are supposed to have above normal precipitation and average temps for late spring and early summer. That suits me just fine. Although some things are looking up, one thing just wears me out, and that is our local and county governments. I'd like to ask, "What the hell do they do to attract tourists and business to Las Vegas?" I can answer that-damn little. Both governmental entities get money from the Lodger's Tax, the city about $260K and the county substantially less, but what does the Lodger's Tax Board do? Not too much in my humble opinion. Do we have an ad in the New Mexico magazine? NO. Do we have a billboard on I-25? NO. Who is promoting Las Vegas? Not those with the money, I can tell you that. Thank God, we will still have our Amtrak rail service. To have lost that would have been a killer. Sunday is Easter. Have fun, be careful, and do not drive drunk!!!I know you drunks think you can do it because you are so handsome, intelligent, and bullet proof, but please, please don't do it. In the meantime, keep your nose clean and your butt in the saddle.

Odds and Ends...

We are getting a good snow today, January 21. The ski areas are really going to have a nice snow which will hopefully mean more economic benifit for the resorts. That will be good for all of us. We have a 90% chance of snow today and about a 65% tomorrow with a low of 5 degrees predicted in the morning. If that is so, it will be a treacherous drive for folks. I know some ranches are calving right now and that is quite problematical for the ranchers. Had a Design and Review Board meeting yesterday. The local muscians want to place granite monuments around\in the Plaza honor 500 living and dead muscians. No action was taken. Presenters are to come back with more on what they propose. I saw that a federal judge ruled against the anti-frackers. I am sure we will here more on that. Well, adios to my many readers--ha, ha!

New Year-Rocky Mtn Real Estate, Las Vegas, NM-Blog It is hard to believe that 2014 has just flown by. That is what anyone over the age of 40 says. Children believe the time just drags. There is a scientific reason for this, but it escapes me just now. It has gotten very cold here in NE New Mexico. The mountains have a considerable amount of snow making the ski resorts very happy. It is so stupid, the weather folks have started naming winter storms like they do hurricanes. Every thing has to be a big event so they can get viewers on TV. For country people it makes not one single rat's ass, or that is what some of the old timers say anyhow.

Doggone summer is Gone

As far as I am concerned summer is overwith, kaput, no mas; and now we look with anticipation to the fall season. I have a chinese tallow tree near my house and it is beautiful with the leaves resplendent in their fall colors. By the end of the month the Aspen will be shimmering in their yellow plumage. The summer was good for real estate in our area as it usually is. It is still a buyers market; however, it is difficult to "qualify" for loans. As of September 1st we had 422 active listing in our Las Vegas MLS, as of January 1st we had sold 99 listings which is 23% of the listings. So, for Sellers it is still tough. We have some great listings. We have great in-town listings that are priced in the market. We have some restored historical homes near the Plaza area, we have good homes in the ETZ, and we have some great rural homes. Call us for more information.

Let me see if I can get this darn thing to work...

Benificial Rains so far in the summer of 2014

This summer of 2014 has been a good one for the town of Las Vegas. July has been good for the ranchers, farmers, and even the city folk who want to see their trees and yards look green and pretty. Many of the seasonal creeks in the country are now flowing and the tanks and playa's are full and soon the gramma grasses will head out. Even as nature has blessed us with bountiful rains the town has had some positive things happen also. The Castenada has sold and will be rennovated into a Harvey House. Thankfully, the new owners have hired local contractors to work on the resoration and that is so positive. I believe we will see a renaissance of interest in things historical. The Plaza Hotel and the Ilfeld building have also been sold to the same person who bought the Castenada and we hope that the resurgence in history will keep those establishments also reap the benifits of new growth and excitement. On Douglas street, the owners of Dick's restaurant and bar have renovated the old Serf theater next to it. It is so beautiful and will host weddings and the like.

Beautiful rain and mild temps-we are blessed

Today is the first of August, it is hard to believe that the summer has flown by so quickly. It has been years since I have seen the pastures look so green and the creeks, which for the most part are seasonal, are flowing and sending that water to the great State of Texas. Many homes and businesses have leaks they have not know about until now. Even so, I have not anyone complain about the rains we have received. Many of the rains have been precipitated by "back door" cool fronts, which of course, keep our temperatures on the cool side. Our weather is probably our best kept secret. With our weather blessing us, we have also been blessed with a resurgence of interest in the historical aspects of Las Vegas. The sale of the Castenada coupled with the sale of the historic Plaza and Ilfeld building has caused many to have hope in a revival of our historic past. It would be nice if that were the case. If you are thinking about purchasing a house, come by our offices and let one of our sales people help you with a VA loan, a FHA loan, or other traditional methods of obtaining a loan. It is rumored that loan rates which have been low since 2008 will begin to edge upward. We can help protect you in the process of purchasing a home or business. Homes are still slightly declining in value, so if you are a Buyer now is the time to flex your economic muscle. If you are a Seller, patience is the by word. The days on the market is still extended, and is more than 2\3 of a year. If you are a seller your property must be priced right or else I assure you, it will languish. According to our Las Vegas MLS we have 417 active listings, since January we have sold 47 properties and in the month of July we have 8 properties under contract. Here at Rocky Mountain Real Estate we will protect you in your real estate purchase or if you desire to sell a property we will help you determine a fair value.

Texas has its bluebonnets, but we have verbenas.

We have had some blessed rains, and as a result, as you travel north on state hwy 518 you see purple verbenas on both sides of the roadway. It is stunningly beautiful. I see tourists stopping to take pictures of its natural beauty. The rains are so beneficial for a myriad of reasons. The snow in the Sangre de Cristos mountains are just about melted. The acequias are flowing and we hope the summer rains will continue to provide the needed run-off of water to bless and make the land fruitful. Irrigation rights are so very important to New Mexico's history. If a property has irrigation rights then that is an added value to the land, and sometimes the water rights are more valuable than the land itself. We have land listed in our agency that has water rights. Many local farms need these water rights to make the land fruitful. In addition to land with water rights, another important value is if property borders a national forest. That land is also very valuable. Many people come here looking for land bordering the national forest so they can then use the forest for their playground. When a person wants to buy a ranch they often look for BlM land to lease or state lease land. That adds value to a ranch because the ranch can purchase grazing rights from the respective government agency. All of these things make New Mexico what it is--The Land of Enchantment. If you are looking for properties give us a call and we would be happy to help you find your land of enchantment!

Is the "past" the only thing Las Vegas, NM can sell?

The history of Las Vegas, NM is amazing.  The founding settlers (all Hispanic) had to fight the Comanche and plains Indians just to gain a foothold.  General Kearney stood on a roof in the Plaza to declare New Mexico\Arizona was now American and no longer Mexican.  The defining factor was the railroad.  Those iron tracks brought "Doc" Holiday, Jesse James, Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett.  There is a book that calls us the "Wildest of the Wild West".  I believe that is true.  Those were the good old days, now we need to attract people for other reasons than gambling, whiskey, women and land grabs.  We are a great community to attract Senior Citizens who are looking for a place to retire.  To do this we need top notch hospitals, shopping centers, and some degree of "culture".  As a community, we need to put forth our best face.  We need our leaders to do all that is reasonable to attract people.  Our young people trying to raise a family need to have jobs.  Are we attracting business?  Is our Chamber of Commerce attracting new business?  Is our Economic Development Corp. attracting new business?  Does the city offer incentives to a new business?  I believe I know the answer to these questions and it is not "yes".

What is the identity of Las Vegas, NM

At one time Las Vegas, NM was the largest town in the territory of New Mexico, but when the railroad went south so did the future of Las Vegas.  We, like all small towns in NM, have a myriad of problems and not the least of which is water. The State Legislature appropriated $10 million to apply to our water issue.  I pray that the $10 million does not go down a million little rat holes.  That appropriation will go along way to solving the water issue.  Another positive thing was the sale and renovation of the Castenada, a former Harvey House.  Its restoration should help the revival of the entire RR district.  We need to make sure we do not loose our RR connection.  It is important to us, but more so for the Philmont Boy Scout Ranch located south of Raton.  It would be nice for Las Vegas to position itself as the retirement center of Northeastern NM.  We need to attract new jobs, new opportunity for business, and we need to seriously reconsider our position on fracking.   

Crows Nest

The information that will be in this Crow’s Nest comes from the 2008 State of Housing Report as presented to the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA). This report was presented as a valuable resource by Lieutenant Governor Diane D. Denish, and it is very interesting.

Research projects that the state’s population will increase to 2.6 million by 2030. Since 2000 the greatest population in the state has occurred in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe, and Farmington. Sandoval County is the fastest growing county. It should be noted that the state’s population has been “graying” and that fact has been projected to influence all aspects of the state’s economy.

In New Mexico, home equity is 80% of lower income household net wealth. Residential real estate sales activity has slowed in most of New Mexico. However, many markets have retained their value especially in rural New Mexico where inventory has not changed and new construction is non-existant. New Mexico’s housing challenges may be characterized by three general components: affordability, availability, and sustainability. Many New Mexico housing markets are increasingly unaffordable to working families as home prices have simply increased faster than wages. Many communities, like Las Vegas, lack sufficient housing for families across the income spectrum, causing extreme difficulty recruiting and retaining essential employees and stifling economic development initiatives.

The states economy slowed in 2007. The economic outlook for 2008 is mixed considering the rising costs of fuel and food. The state has seen growth in the healthcare sector, rapid expansion in Native American gaming, an influx of call centers, and a booming oil and gas sector. A factor that has influence Las Vegas is the increase in film industry, although there is some question as to how much it affects economic growth in Las Vegas. New Mexico, however, has the largest contingent of trained film crew outside of the West Coast.

The federal government is still the largest industry in the state. White Sands Missile Range is expected to receive 6,000 new troops. Also, Fort Bliss is expected to expand by 45,000 new troops by 2012, and some of that expansion will spill into New Mexico. Growth, therefore, is expected in the southern part of the state, but 13 of the states 33 counties have lost population between 2000 and 2006.

Next month we will discuss NM homeownership and the real estate market in Las Vegas. In the meantime, “keep your nose clean and your butt in the saddle”. Make sure you are registered to vote. Your voice needs to be heard.