Ashley Blackmore

. Understand the Market and Seasonal Trends Southwest Colorado’s housing market is unique and highly seasonal. Inventory levels can fluctuate dramatically between summer and winter. Summer and early fall typically bring more listings, while winter offers fewer options but potentially less competition. Work with a local agent who monitors micro-market data for Durango, Pagosa Springs, Bayfield, and Cortez to help you time your search strategically. 2. Location and Lifestyle Drive Value Each community offers a distinct lifestyle: Durango: A vibrant town with a historic downtown, Fort Lewis College, restaurants, and proximity to Purgatory Ski Resort. Pagosa Springs: Famous for its hot springs and mountain views, ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle or vacation rental opportunities. Bayfield: A small-town feel with family-friendly neighborhoods and easier access to Durango. Cortez & Mancos: Rural and agricultural with access to Mesa Verde National Park and wide-open land. When buying, consider your lifestyle goals—proximity to trails, schools, shopping, or outdoor recreation. These factors significantly influence property values and resale potential. 3. Be Aware of Land Use, Water Rights, and Septic Unlike urban markets, many Southwest Colorado properties come with additional considerations: Wells and Cisterns: Confirm water sources, well permits, and flow rates. Irrigation Rights: Essential if you plan to garden, farm, or own horses. Verify rights through the Colorado Division of Water Resources. Septic Systems: Most rural properties rely on septic tanks. Inspections and state compliance are often required before a sale. Conservation Easements and Zoning: Some ranches or large parcels have restrictions that limit how the land can be used or developed. A knowledgeable agent will guide you through due diligence and connect you with local professionals for water, septic, and land surveys. 4. Altitude and Weather Impact Ownership Living at elevation has perks and challenges. High altitude may affect health initially, and you should prepare for snow removal, potential road closures, and increased heating costs. Homes at higher elevations may require different maintenance (roof pitch, insulation, driveways, etc.). Insurance costs may also vary due to wildfire risk or remote access. 5. Financing Can Be Different If you are purchasing rural or high-value properties, you may need specialty financing. Lenders familiar with agricultural land, horse properties, or vacation rentals can help. Some properties may not qualify for standard FHA or VA loans due to condition or acreage. Engage with a local lender early to understand what loan products fit your goals. 6. Work with Local Experts The complexities of this market make having an experienced, local real estate agent essential. A strong agent provides insight into neighborhood dynamics, county regulations, local contractors, and negotiation strategies tailored to the Southwest Colorado market. They also help identify properties that fit your lifestyle and long-term investment goals. 7. Plan for Future Growth and Resale La Plata and Archuleta counties are experiencing steady population growth, and major projects (like downtown Durango developments or airport expansions) can influence long-term property values. Consider not just how a home fits your current needs but how it will perform as an investment over time. 8. Inspect Thoroughly Older homes or rural properties may have deferred maintenance. Hire inspectors experienced with wells, septic, radon, and structural components relevant to mountain homes. Also review wildfire mitigation, defensible space, and any HOA or covenants impacting future changes. 9. Consider Taxes and Short-Term Rental Regulations Property taxes are generally lower than urban areas, but short-term rental rules vary widely by county and municipality. If rental income is part of your plan, confirm current regulations before buying. 10. Embrace the Lifestyle People buy in Southwest Colorado for its unmatched beauty and outdoor lifestyle. Whether you are skiing at Purgatory, soaking in Pagosa’s hot springs, or riding horses along the Animas River Valley, this region offers a unique quality of life. Know what matters most to you—views, acreage, community, or recreation—and let that guide your decision.

Advice for Home Sellers in Southwest Colorado 1. Know Your Market and Buyer Pool Southwest Colorado attracts a diverse mix of buyers: local families, retirees, outdoor enthusiasts, and affluent out-of-area buyers seeking ranches, vacation homes, or investment properties. Understanding who is most likely to purchase your home is essential. Each community has its nuances: Durango: Buyers often seek walkability to downtown, proximity to Fort Lewis College, and access to Purgatory Ski Resort. Pagosa Springs: Mountain views, hot springs proximity, and short-term rental potential are major draws. Bayfield: Buyers look for family-friendly neighborhoods and acreage at more approachable price points. Cortez & Mancos: Attract rural buyers, farmers, and equestrian enthusiasts seeking open land and water rights. A local agent with data-driven insights can position your home for the right audience. 2. Presentation Matters More Than Ever Homes that perform best are those that connect emotionally and visually with buyers. Invest time in: Pre-listing improvements: Fresh paint, decluttering, yard work, and minor repairs make a big difference. Professional staging: Even light staging helps buyers visualize lifestyle potential. High-quality marketing assets: Professional photography, drone video, and 3D tours are standard in today’s market and critical for out-of-state buyers. Mountain homes, ranches, and unique properties need storytelling that highlights their lifestyle value, not just square footage. 3. Highlight Lifestyle and Unique Features In Southwest Colorado, buyers purchase a lifestyle. Emphasize aspects like: Scenic mountain views or river frontage Proximity to trails, ski resorts, and outdoor recreation Acreage with irrigation rights, barns, or equestrian facilities Custom craftsmanship and local builder reputations Energy efficiency or off-grid capabilities Lifestyle marketing makes your property stand out and helps attract qualified buyers across the country. 4. Pricing Strategy is Critical Pricing in this market is both an art and a science. Overpricing can lead to extended days on market, while underpricing leaves money on the table. Use a detailed comparative market analysis with adjustments for unique features such as land, water rights, or development potential. Be mindful of seasonal trends; spring and summer typically see the highest buyer activity. 5. Understand Land, Water, and Compliance Issues Buyers will scrutinize: Water sources and rights: Well permits, cisterns, and irrigation rights must be documented accurately. Septic compliance: Colorado and New Mexico require certain septic inspections and certifications before closing. Zoning and easements: Buyers need clarity on use restrictions, conservation easements, and access agreements. Getting ahead of these details can prevent deal-killing surprises. 6. Work with a Local Marketing-Focused Broker Southwest Colorado is not a one-size-fits-all market. Choose a broker with a track record in luxury, ranch, and lifestyle properties who uses multi-channel marketing. Effective brokers deploy custom websites, social media campaigns, targeted digital ads, and press releases to reach qualified buyers far beyond the local MLS. They also maintain relationships with out-of-state brokers and relocation specialists. 7. Be Prepared for Due Diligence Buyers in this region often conduct in-depth inspections, including radon, roof, water quality, and septic. Addressing known issues before listing helps maintain negotiation leverage. Disclose honestly; transparency builds trust and prevents litigation risk later. 8. Factor in Timing and Market Conditions While homes sell year-round, timing can impact your strategy. Summer and early fall bring relocation buyers and second-home shoppers. Winter can bring serious buyers with less competition. Stay flexible and have a strategy that accounts for market fluctuations, interest rate trends, and buyer behavior. 9. Plan for Tax Implications and Next Steps Discuss with your tax advisor the implications of your sale, especially if you are selling a high-value property, ranch, or investment home. Plan ahead for your next purchase or relocation to avoid rushed decisions. 10. Tell the Story of Your Property Every property has a unique story. Whether it is a historic ranch, a contemporary home near Purgatory, or a farm with deep family roots, sharing the lifestyle and legacy resonates with buyers. Professional marketing paired with authentic storytelling drives higher perceived value and better offers.

Who I Work With Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with an incredibly diverse range of clients across Southwest Colorado and Northern New Mexico. My business is rooted in building relationships and helping people reach their real estate goals, whether they’re buying, selling, or investing. Luxury Buyers and Sellers I specialize in representing high-net-worth clients looking for luxury homes and estates throughout Durango, Pagosa Springs, Bayfield, Cortez, and Farmington. Many of my clients are relocating from out of state and are searching for mountain views, privacy, and one-of-a-kind architecture. I market their homes with a focus on lifestyle and guide them through each step of the buying or selling process with discretion and expertise. Ranch and Equestrian Clients As someone who has lived and breathed the equestrian lifestyle, I understand the complexities of buying and selling ranches and horse properties. I’ve worked with families selling generational ranches, investors adding income-producing properties to their portfolios, and horse owners looking for the perfect arena, barn, and irrigated acreage. My deep knowledge of water rights, land management, and equestrian facilities allows me to represent these properties better than most. Relocation and Second-Home Buyers Many of my clients are moving to Southwest Colorado for the first time or are purchasing a vacation property. I love helping them learn about our communities, from the historic downtown of Durango to the hot springs of Pagosa. I walk them through everything they need to know about mountain living—altitude, seasonal access, short-term rental regulations—so they feel confident in their purchase. Investors and Developers I advise investors and developers seeking opportunities in residential subdivisions, income-producing commercial properties, and mixed-use urban projects like the Nighthorse Development in downtown Durango. These clients rely on my market data, zoning knowledge, and innovative marketing strategies to position projects for success and attract buyers nationwide. Farm and Agricultural Clients I’ve represented clients buying and selling farms, hobby farms, and agricultural land with or without residences. These transactions often involve water and mineral rights, conservation easements, and long-term land use planning, and I enjoy guiding clients through the due diligence required to ensure a smooth sale. Golf and Resort Lifestyle Clients I also serve clients seeking lifestyle-focused properties in golf course communities and resort-style developments. Many buyers prioritize amenities such as skiing, hiking, private fishing, and golf. I market and find homes in premier neighborhoods like Dalton Ranch and Hillcrest that match their lifestyle goals. First-Time Buyers and Local Families While I focus on luxury and niche properties, I love helping local buyers purchase their first home or move up into a larger property. I believe education is key and walk my clients through every step so they feel confident and informed throughout the process. Retirees and Downsizers Southwest Colorado attracts retirees and downsizers looking for beauty, community, and low-maintenance living. I help my clients find homes that meet their needs today and in the future, whether that means a downtown condo or a single-level home with incredible views. Nationwide Referrals and Collaborations Because of my extensive agent network and marketing reach, I regularly collaborate with agents and clients from across the country. I work well with co-brokers and referral partners and pride myself on being agent-agnostic. My focus is always on what is best for the client, wherever they are located.

Spirit Bear Ranch will always stand out as one of my favorite properties I’ve ever had the privilege of representing. Nestled in the heart of Southwest Colorado, this ranch embodied everything I love about our region — privacy, natural beauty, and the lifestyle that only a legacy property can offer. From the moment I first stepped foot on the land, I was struck by its serene presence. The property offered hundreds of acres with private river frontage, spring-fed ponds, lush meadows, and stands of old-growth timber. It was the kind of place where you could ride horses for hours, fly-fish in your own backyard, or simply sit on the porch and watch the sun dip behind the San Juan Mountains. Every corner of the ranch told a story, and I knew that whoever owned it would be part of something truly special. What made Spirit Bear Ranch so unique — and why I was so fond of it — was how perfectly it blended rugged authenticity with the potential to create a generational retreat. It wasn’t just land; it was a sanctuary. It appealed to my love for equestrian living and my belief that real estate is about more than just homes — it’s about lifestyle, legacy, and connection to place. Marketing Spirit Bear Ranch challenged me creatively in all the best ways. I leaned into lifestyle storytelling, creating campaigns that showcased horseback riding through the meadows, fishing on the private waters, and evenings spent under endless stars. It reminded me why I built my business around properties that offer something extraordinary and why I feel so passionately about connecting buyers with land that speaks to them on a deeper level. Spirit Bear Ranch will always hold a place in my heart because it wasn’t just a property — it was a reflection of what I value most: authenticity, lifestyle, and the opportunity to build a legacy that lasts for generations.

I didn't have a great experience with a realtor and figured I could provide a marketing agency built for real estate.

Yes, I have been in coaching for over 5 years, have gone through guild, luxury marketing institute, GSI, and attended over 10 conference related to education