Newly added features

I would  just like to briefly bring attention to a couple helpful new tools I have provided in the sidebars. 

In the left sidebar you will find:

• A Mortgage Calculator and Wyoming Mortgage Rate figures.  After much searching I finally settled on the Mortgage Calculator you see now.  It is more detailed than many others I frequently ran across.  I hope this will be greatly helpful to some of you!
• There is a link to find the lowest gas price available in Laramie.  This is a great resource as it is possible for gas prices to differ in cost by quite a bit even within one town.  If you click on the link it will take you to a website where you can find the same information for the entire country, gas price trends and other information.  I thought this would be useful with the rising gas prices as of late.  
• Laramie's Walk Score.  Laramie scores 88 out of 100 and gets the rating of "Very Walkable."

In the right sidebar you will find:

• What's the Weather Like?  If you click on "Laramie, WY Weather" it will take you to a page detailing further the forecast for that day and week.
• Local Area Information.  This tool takes you to Google Maps for contact information and directions to the link you click 

I have also put a few entertaining widgets such as:  Quotes, and at the end of the blog page are some interesting functions showing the World Sunlight Map, Current Moon Phase and current weather illustration.  The wind is blowing of course, just in case you don't want to look out your window. :)

Hope this adds value to your reading experience here and I will continue to search for other possibly helpful features.  Let me know if there is something you would like to see on this blog, too!  If you can think of it, it has probably been created.  I want this to blog to be useful, while remaining uncluttered. :)     

Integrating the old

The following is a compilation of select old posts I had previously made on our first, and now retired blog.  I thought some of them worthy for architectural and historical value.  

The first post I also, wanted to include because of the way this historic bungalow was remodeled and how layout problems were solved.  If a home has a functional problem it can be corrected with a little imagination and passion!  It is no longer for sale as it was at the time I wrote the following post:  

  

1001 Sheridan- A gem just waiting to be snatched up! (It was sold- no longer on the market)

There is a home on 10th and Sheridan that I am sure many have passed and even perhaps taken a tour to view: 1001 Sheridan. This home has been given an incredible renovation by its owners! The integrity of the Bungalow style home has been maintained while transforming the living space into a modern, spacious and logical layout plan perfect for any family of today.

One of the most notable features of this home was actually a remarkable adjustment and re-remodel made by the owners. After hearing much feedback from potential home buyers about the infeasibility of the master bath and closet space being separated from the master bedroom by a spiral staircase a solution was borne. They corrected the problem with an incredible and innovative dormer addition. See photo below.

Now the master bedroom/master bath and closet space are all one. (In addition there are now two bedrooms on the main living space perfect for guests or small children.) Below is an interior shot of the master bedroom. The space is simply stunning! I was completely taken aback on how the addition of this cohesive master bedroom/bath and closet system added fluidity and function to the home. Just beautiful! A dream master bedroom!

The following is a photo of the master bath. No details were left undone and no cuts made on modern amenities!

The closet space was also carefully designed and built. This photo does not do it complete justice. Feel free to go to the following link for an expansive array of pictures and further details about all the quality materials used, excellent appliances included and other remarkable renovations made throughout the home: Raving Real Estate

This home is just waiting for the perfect people to fall in love with all this home offers. The location of the home is prime. The renovations make this home unique and beautiful! Every square inch has been thoughtfully revived! In addition the sale of the home includes materials for a brand new porch which will extend the full length of the front of the home. This will contribute much value with a beautiful entrance and added curb appeal!

1001 Sheridan may be just the home for you! I believe so strongly in this home and its potential to provide its buyer much enjoyment! One would be hard pressed to find such a home in the tree area, truly a one of a kind!

The Bath Row building in Laramie, Wyoming!

Laramie has many historical gems which can give the passerby a momentary feel for early pioneer days in this wild and forlorn place. The above drawing is such an example. The Wyoming Historic Preservation Office cites quite eloquently the history of this architectural structure:

“The Bath Row Historic District includes four buildings constructed in 1883. These structures were built by the Bath family, important contributors to Laramie's early settlement period. Known for their fine stone buildings and business activities, the Baths were involved in merchandising, hotel ownership, early ranching, and the construction and rental of housing for railroad workers. This, in a town with a population of only 2,000 at that time, makes it easy to understand just how much power they wielded. These buildings are excellent examples of a type, period, and method of construction used in Laramie's early settlement period, which was in large part determined by the Baths who set the standards upon which much of the local building traditions were based. Constructed as rental units for railroad workers, the stone structures are representative of the arrival and continuing influence of the transcontinental railroad in Wyoming. Though nine houses and a barn were initially constructed, only four retain integrity and serve to provide a clear example of Laramie's early stone buildings. The others along the row demonstrate the personal tastes and trends which later became popular.” Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office-National Register Site

I had the great pleasure of drawing BATH ROW. So quaint and yet so beautiful! I found myself wanting to live in this home, once again as a college student walking past this structure numerous times. I find the buildings constructed from the early founding people of this city so fascinating. What a hard and yet exciting time!

Craftsman Bungalow Home in Laramie, Wyoming!


This month’s home is a stunning example of a bungalow or craftsman bungalow architectural style house. The bungalow seems to be widely misidentified. Most bungalow’s built in America are not true to their original orgin which was in India. Initially, these homes were one story homes with surrounding porches with a broad roof, which did not include dormers. America adapted different characteristics to the style. The bungalow was a physical manifestation of Americans desire to move away from the intricate, formal and machined style of the Victorian. By the early 1920’s bungalows were very popular. Additionally, since the climate is not as hot a second story could easily be added and dormers were constructed to provide light to this second story. A long porch along the entire front face of the home is more true to the style, but many homes with partial porches are still identified as a bungalow.


The identifying features of the bungalow are as follows: low-pitched gable roof, wide overhanging eaves, exposed rafters, decorative brackets, porch in line with the main roof over the house, tapered or square columns, hand-crafted stone or woodwork and use of mixed materials. Craftsman Bungalow Architecture


Thank you to to the Woelk’s for allowing me to draw your beautiful home!

Introducing my sketches of local homes in Laramie!


Introducing my sketches for Raving Real Estate! I love to draw. I love architecture and the stories of the people who inhabit these homes both past and present. What better way to combine these interests?! This is the third drawing I have done of houses around Laramie. This is the home of Dr. Harold and Dr. Annie Bergman located on 8th Street. When I was attending the University of Wyoming, I used to admire this house as I walked to and from school. When we later moved to a home on the same block I found out it was the home of my Environmental Natural Resource Studies professor, Dr. Harold Bergman. What a lovely family! They have a beautiful and bright daughter who Amelia, my first daughter enjoyed playing with on occasion.

It is a stunningly beautiful example of a Tudor style house. The curved gable and high pitch roof give it away easily. The house was built in 1936 by the family who owned the local brick yard in West Laramie at the time. Many of the homes in the area were built by this family. I will have to track down the name of the family. I do know however, the owner had 4 sons (all brick layers by trade) and a daughter. This particular house was built for the daughter and her husband. I could not depict quite definitively the very interesting misshapen nature of the bricks used in the decorative wall in front and used in the bottom four feet of the home. This brick is called slag: brick that did not procure hot enough or burned too hot and became twisted and melted together as a result. It makes for quite an appealing building material! (Information attained from Dr. Bergman. Thank you for the knowledge you have of your home!)

If you happen to be interested in learning more about how to recognize Tudor Style Architecture here is a great link!

A sketch will appear every month for Raving Real Estate's one page advertisement in the local Home Guide of listings for sale. If you are interested in having a sketch done of your home. Please feel free to contact me! I hope in the future to compile information on all the homes I sketch and publish them in a book.

Diamond in the rough

As no surprise, spring and warmer weather has not yet come to our high altitude plain. We had family come and visit last week and the kids were dying to get out and play in the park.  However, between the cold wind and spitting snow this was not the most desirable option.  I decided to stop by the Laramie Plains Civic Center.  I remember coming over from Wheatland to play basketball when I was in Junior High School and later frequented the gyms in college as a volunteer 5th and 6th grade basketball coach.  


I asked about the possibility of using one of the gyms as a place for the kids to run, play and bounce balls.  The staff was quite welcoming and accommodating.  There happened to be unreserved time open for this opportunity.  The kids were delighted to be turned loose in the north gym.  
  

Don't forget about this wonderful resource!  The gyms and some of the rooms are available for rent.  There are also open gym hours.  Summer will be here before we know it, and "fun in the sun" will prevail, but this building is a great option when weather proves less than cooperative.


Furthermore, if history is to your liking here is a bit of information about this beautiful historical gem:

"The historic Laramie Plains Civic Center (LPCC) is an impressive building located in the heart of Laramie, Wyoming. The LPCC is the oldest school building in the state, originally built as the East Side School in 1878. In addition, the LPCC was also the first stone building in the Wyoming Territory. Following the original construction, the building had two major additions completed in 1928 and 1939. The building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since March 17, 1981. 

The LPCC began making significant contributions to the city of Laramie from its inception. The largest contribution of the building was made through educating the community's youth for 100 years until 1979, as well as providing a meeting place for the local members of the community. As a point of comparison, the LPCC has a longer history than the University of Wyoming, which was established in 1886. These historic pasts demonstrate that the LPCC is one of Laramie's irreplaceable treasures.

The LPCC has continued to grow and adapt to the needs of the Laramie community, serving to fulfill the role of education, recreation, retail, entertainment, and workplace."  Laramie Plains Civic Center, History

In addition, there is a rich and interesting line up of acts scheduled in the exquisite auditorium ranging from Baxter Black and ballet performances to burlesque shows and didgeridoo music and story.   Take a look at the schedule of events planned at this historic place:  Events  

710 E. Garfield

745-8000

This "diamond in the rough" has opportunities for community members to donate, sponsor and volunteer.  


Due to my fortuitous reintroduction with The Laramie Plains Civic Center, I have a renewed interest in the building and all that it offers and all of its potential.  What a true gem located right here in Laramie!

The loss of a tree

I had been in denial.  Last summer and fall I watched with anxiousness as our beloved evergreen started showing signs of beetle infestation.  The top limbs started turning chartreuse green, the needles persistently began to fall and sawdust piles accumulated around the trunk.  I had a tree specialist assess the situation.  He told me what I already knew but did not want to admit.  He gave me hope though, "If the tree lasts through the winter there may be a chance of saving it."  

That hope was dashed a few weeks after I had Paine.  A December wind topped out the brittle and defenseless tree.  As if the top being blown off were not enough, the undeniable reddish burnt needles started emerging.  Our tree would not survive.    
           

I am not merely writing this post to illustrate the loss of a tree that has provided shade and beauty to our backyard.  I am writing this post, because I have often worried and fretted over the notional "what if."  

What if our tree were closer to the house?  What if the tree did top off and hit the electric wires crisscrossing the yard?  Or what if it fell backwards into the garden shed and wall?  ...What if my children were out there at exactly the wrong time?

These are certain facts.  Many trees all around town are dying.  Many trees are in positions to damage property or (may it never happen!) hurt people.  As much as it pains me to see our local trees die in line with the foreboding forests that surround us.  The impending loss of the trees around town must be dealt with and accepted.  A time to let go.  Just this morning I saw a crew taking down an old evergreen growing next to a home.  Sometimes a scene such as this makes me think about the drawings I have drawn depicting a home with an evergreen tree frame.  This will be gone for many homes.  The tree area in Laramie will sooner than later take on a starkly different appearance.  

However, there is another way to look at this phenomenon.  A friend of mine wrote a beautiful post titled:  The Regenerative Power of Nature  A definite worthwhile read!  

In this thoughtful and illuminating post she expounds, among other points of interest, a concept described by her friend:  "...part of why it’s hard to wrap our collective (lay public) minds around the current extinction is that forests typically outlive humans, and we’re not used to seeing such dramatic large-scale change." The Regenerative Power of Nature  In 20 years, or so visible beautiful, thriving new trees will start to fill the mountains and our town once again.    

The landscape of our town and the mountain places we retreat to are in a process of not only expiration but renewal. Our own backyard will never be the same. Replacing the tree that once graced our backyard is now on the forefront of our mind, as is making our backyard environment safe.

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.  

The next best time is now.  ~Chinese Proverb

It is difficult to realize how great a part of all that is cheerful and delightful in the recollections of our own life is associated with trees.  ~Wilson Flagg

The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.  ~Nelson Henderson

1460 North 5th Street C $124,700

2 Bedrooms, 1.5 Bathrooms

945 Square Feet

Efficient Cove Heating!

Built in 2005

Excellent Condo near parks, schools and UW.  Only a few years old, in great shape, large living room, great layout, 2 bathrooms and 2 good size bedrooms.  Everything you need!

1451 North 7th Street $154,800

3 Bedrooms, 1 Full Bath

1,478 Square Feet

4,465 Square Foot Lot

Built in 1962

Cute Home with a Nice Yard!  Brand New Roof, Brand New Carpet!  Brand New Front and Storm and Sliding Doors!  Newer Fence around Yard, RV parking in back and a Porch both in front and rear with Hot Tub!  Lot of Space in this 3 Bed, 1 Bath home!  Huge Living Room with Wood Stove Insert!  Very Good Crawlspace for Storage!

The Best Way to find a Good Agent where you plan to move

Sometimes it is a misconception that a REALTOR® can only help you in the city where they practice.  However, if you have an existing REALTOR® you trust tap into their resources and expertise and allow them to ease your transition!  


Your local agent is the best resource to find a new agent where you plan to move.  This can save you the trouble of trying to find and then interview potential new candidates to help you with your next big investment and home.  Real Estate Agents vary immensely in their experience, knowledge and expertise.  A great way to find a good agent is to use a good agent! 


A good agent will start by interviewing agents in the place you plan to move who have put in the effort to obtain the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation and Education.  This is a group of elite residential agents.  Only 4% of Real Estate Agents have this illustrious designation, yet these CRS agents are behind 25% of home sales!  Just in having this designation, an agent has demonstrated an interest in excellence and dedication to the profession.

  "CRS is the symbol of excellence in residential real estate. 

Our members have proven they have the experience, training and commitment to be among the best in their profession."

Council of Residential Specialists
   

Brendan has earned this designation and therefore is greatly qualified and very successful in finding the right Real Estate Agent for a person desiring to move elsewhere.  This network of highly trained professionals is an incredible resource.  Additionally, Brendan has developed a large network of other agents in the United States, and a database on their respective qualifications and specializations.  This allows him to be much more effective finding you the right agent: 

"Why Use a CRS?

You have a valued client moving to another state. But you don't have any REALTOR® contacts there. How can you find another REALTOR who has the appropriate education, expertise and professionalism and who will care about your client's needs as much as you do? With nearly 33,000 CRS Designees located throughout the country, it’s easy to find just the right professional for the job.

More important, they are pre-qualified for your clients. As CRS Designees, they have completed advanced training in residential real estate and have a proven track record of sales transactions required to earn the CRS Designation.

Like you, they are consummate professionals. And you know your client is being cared for as if you were their REALTOR® in the new city and state."

Council of Residential Specialists

And in the end, you help the REALTOR® you already trust by asking them to refer you to another qualified and serious agent in the place you plan to move.  Real Estate, as is many other professions based upon the premise of connections and referrals and therefore ultimately trust and synergy. 


Happy Moving!  And remember to utilize your REALTOR® whenever possible!   

quotable cards

Don't forget your green!

Happy St. Patrick's Day from me and our little brood! :)

Welcome

We are back!  

This blog will provide a place for us to post pertinent information about real estate in general and of course tailored to Laramie also.  We will post contests, my architecture drawings, Laramie and University happenings, Raving Real Estate updates, useful tips while searching for a home or selling a home and other topics of interest.  We would also like to make this blog as personal as possible.  Let us know if there is a topic you would like discussed and we will be sure to address it.  We want this blog to be informational as well as enjoyable!  

Our mission statement:

"To provide our clients and customers with excellent service and offer innovative new tools for Buyers and Sellers to find each other- and ultimately make them Raving Fans."

Are you a Raving Fan yet?