Nov
30
2008
Like many small towns, in La Veta we have not experienced the enormity of real estate woes seen elsewhere. Buyers are sure down in total numbers but Market values are still within 90% to 95% of a year ago. Few people here are effected by toxic mortgages and forclosures are still pretty rare. So imagine our shock to recently find that our own small town Doctor was being foreclosed.
Like most small town “country doctors”, his practice was always busy but not highly profitable. We have our share of folks that can’t pay and even a few that probably just won’t, even if they can. Little did we realize that his property taxes have gone up, his malpractice insurance is up, his Medicare claims are up and his collections and reimbursements are down. Without malpractice coverage he also loses hospital practice privileges. And our small hospital is in no financial position to help him out either.
Our community has held fund raisers, auctions and bake-sales to benefit his clinic. Last week our grand total has now reached over $13,000 in donations. A nice gesture, but can it possibly be enough to rescue our doctor and his ailing clinic. I don’t think so. So in this time of thanks, holidays and giving, please remember to express your thanks and appreciation to your own small town doctor. And your preachers, teachers, butchers, bakers, firemen and mechanics too. You may never know who was really in need, but we truly need them all.
Nov
29
2008
Lots of La Veta holiday events in the works for December. Childrens Theater, Ricky Tims concerts and Excursion Train Rides. Check it all out at http://www.lavetacucharachamber.com/holiday_events.php
Nov
27
2008
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Our very best to all of you this Thanksgiving. We are beginning to receive a nice little flurry of snow and expect 4″ to 6″ accumulation tonight here in La Veta. We are joined for turkey by relatives from Albuquerque and friends from just down the road. Friends, family, food and football. What could be nicer?
With the month about over, if you haven’t seen our November Real Estate Newsletter yet, check it out at http://realtytimes.com/120/JerryHenson
Nov
25
2008
The nice weather and great inventory has spurred some recent activity for me. I already have a sales contract on the new listing for 43 acre parcel on School Creek Road. And last week I wrote contracts on a nice Navajo home and on a Cuchara lodge. So, the market is still alive out there.
Nov
18
2008
Our weather continues to be just wonderful here in the Valley. Clear warm days reaching into the 60’s and even 70’s. Cool crisp evenings near freezing at night. Grandote was even watering the golf course this morning and it’s still in fabulous condition. We are getting dry and beginning to wish for snowfall, but this is still a great time to come look at real estate here in the area. Winter will be here soon enough for most.
Nov
14
2008
In spite of the economic turmoil we are still seeing quite a bit of traffic interest on our website views. Sales are slow but we continue to get a few showings every week.
Weekly Property Views

Nov
14
2008
You may recall a few months ago I posted a small elk calving herd at Table Rock Ranch (just down the Wahatoya Valley road from my home).
This morning we had a light snow as I drove up into the horse pasture. And there they were, a herd of about 175 head of elk. Look carefully and you can see my sorrel horse in the right side of the first photo. Thankfully the horses didn’t follow the elk over the fence.

Nov
13
2008
I have just Listed a great property on School Creek Road (Cnty.361). A 43 acre tract with well, power and no covenants. Located 5 miles south of La Veta in nice rolling terrain with views in every direction. Lots of building sites taking advantage of the West Peak view. Priced to sell, at $235,000.

Nov
13
2008
Just a quick update to let everyone know, the proposed sale of the Cuchara Ski Resort continues to survive the national economic gloom and doom. Buyers continue to remain Under Contract and are working on the complexities of Forest Permits, taxes, plats, surveys, etc. So for the time being, we still find an attitude of a willing seller and willing buyer. We will keep our fingers crossed.
Nov
11
2008
A day of special thanks and recognition to all our military veterans and all military personnel now serving. What a sacrifice and commitment to freedom and security. Our thanks to each and every one of you.
