The city of Sheridan has much to offer. Main Street is lined with beautiful shops that are run by lovely people. Whenever you enter one you are greeted with a “Hello, how are you?” Just perpendicular to Main Street, statues are abundant on Grinnell Plaza in front of City Hall. Some are owned by the city and others are just out on loan. Kendrick Park, a big part of our small town, has the most lush green grass and towering trees around. On the other side of the park you find a pool and you can even get ice cream in the summer. Overlooking this beautiful park is the buffalo pen, where there are even a few elk.

The summer is a busy time in Sheridan. Fourth of July gives the several firework vendors around town plenty of business. And being such a small town we are close to wide open fields where we can shoot them off. About six miles south of town in Big Horn is the Equestrian Center where, if you don’t like to, or can’t, shoot off fireworks yourself, you can go to watch them professionally done. Starting in the second week of July is the rodeo. For three nights a full-length rodeo takes place at the fairgrounds, only a few minutes drive from downtown. Behind the towering arena stands in the carnival. In addition to different rides and thrills, the carnival offers cotton candy and other treats.

Even the fall and winter are hosts to many activities. The Sheridan High School football teams are great to go watch on a Friday night. There are high school orchestras and bands as well as many other sporting events. Halloween is a wonder event here. There are nice quiet neighborhoods for the children to go trick or treating. It’s even okay to go if you’re less of a child and more of a teenager, most people don’t mind. Once winter has fallen upon us, the ice rink opens and ski and snowboard areas are a short drive away. The mountains are just a few minutes south of Sheridan and great if you like to go snowshoeing or snowmobiling. Even in winter, you can find something to entertain yourself.

Sheridan is a wonderful place to live. Wyoming is general has a staggeringly high number of people under the age of 25, more then many other states. Sheridan reflects this greatly as you will see at the local movie theatre and skate park. There is always something here to do, and the people are welcoming. We’ve got culture that many places aren’t as exposed to.

We Have a Winner!

Rather than clutter this outstanding piece with an introduction, we chose to let Carissa Goodman’s eloquent words convey her first place $100 cash prize entry for the Sheridan High Creative Writing Contest. We congratulate Carissa on her fine efforts in her winning entry “Why Living in Sheridan is Great”. The team at CENTURY 21 BHJ Realty, Inc wishes to thank every Sheridan High student who participated in this contest. Special thanks go to Sheridan High School Principal Ms. Dirlene Wheeler and English teacher, Ms. Rita Geary for their important role in this creative blog writing event.

Show Your Support For These Fine Students!

We encourage you to show your support for these wonderful entries by submitting a comment. It’s very easy. Simply click on the “Be the first to comment on this post” at the top of this page and submit your comments.

Until my next post,

Bruce Garber
Century 21 BHJ Reality, Inc.

Your Sheridan Real Estate Resource

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No doubt you have read our earlier post on the announcement of the Sheridan High Creative Writing Contest and the post on the 3rd place prize winning entry by Ms. Chelsey Hager. It is with great pride we the staff and management of CENTURY 21 BHJ Realty, Inc congratulate second place prize winner and recipient of a $50 cash prize to Ms. Kylen Caywood for her winning entry “Utopia“.

Utopia

By Guest Blogger Ms. Kylen Caywood

The definition of Utopia is—an ideal and perfect place or state where everyone lives in harmony and everything is for the best. In my Utopia, life stands still, unlike in the hustle and bustle of city life. There are no yellow taxi cabs scurrying around causing mayhem in the traffic. In my Utopia, the only sounds that are heard are the ones that the soft breeze creates. My Utopia contrasts with the obnoxious honks of impatient drivers and the revolting signals from their fingers. The scenic views are breath taking and pure eye candy. The unpredictable weather keeps me guessing on what clothes to wear. It goes from one extreme to another, never feeling any remorse. My Utopia is a place where everyone knows everyone’s name, and a neighbor helps out a neighbor.

My Utopia is the little town nestled beneath the Big Horn Mountains. This little town is called Sheridan, in the western state of Wyoming. My friends and family are truly genuine, for Sheridan shelters many that live here from the harsh world.

Sheridan, although small, has an eclectic community of people full of different opinions, thoughts, and lifestyles. This helps to give our town unique and diverse input along with great ideas. Sheridan is a town of security and safety. We have many police officers which help to regulate and keep our city safe.

People come here seeking tranquility, and many find something even more special. They find happiness. In my Utopia, happiness is not hard to find. It is beneath every stone I step, and it is within every smile I receive. My home gives protection to those who live here, while also bringing happiness and brightness into each blessed day. So, whether the white snow caps the top of our tall mountains, or the orange leaves fall to the ground, the hills, the people, and the sheer happiness of my Utopia will protect and care for me.

Outstanding Work!

What a vivid picture Kylen paints of Sheridan and we certainly appreciate her taking the time to put he thoughts on paper. If you would like to leave a comment for Kylen, please feel free to do so. I’m sure she would love to read your comments.

Don’t Forget to Stay Tuned For the Announcement of the Grand Prize Winner!

In our next post we will reveal the first place entry for the Sheridan High Creative Writing Contest.

Until then,

Bruce Garber
Century 21 BHJ Reality, Inc.

Your Sheridan Real Estate Resource

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Selecting the winning entries for the Sheridan High School creative writing contest was really difficult. There were many exceptional articles submitted which speaks highly of our teachers and staff at Sheridan High School. We truly appreciate the efforts of Ms. Dirlene Wheeler and English teacher Ms. Rita Geary for coordinating this contest. It is with great excitement we announce the 3rd Place Winner of the Sheridan High School Creative Writing Contest. Congratulations go to 11th grade student Ms. Chelsey Hager for her entry “Sheridan is a Great Place to Live“.

Sheridan High Student Declares “Sheridan is a Great Place to Live”

by Guest Student Blogger Ms. Chelsey Hager

This area is one of the nicest places to live, in the United States. We have good schools and it is a safe environment to raise a child. It is a place where everyone knows their neighbor and people for the most part can be trusted. We have the Big Horn Mountains right outside our back doors, which provide recreational activities all year long. When in need of goods or services, you find yourself able to find what you need is within walking distance. It is incredibly easy to get where you need to be during the summertime; however, in the winter this is not the case. But isn’t it nice to have a few days off every once in awhile?

In such a quiet place people can relax and enjoy themselves, and there is little worry of getting caught in rush hour traffic when running late. Nor should citizens worry about being mugged if they should end up in the wrong part of town—in our area the wrong side of town just means being on the opposite side of town from Wal-Mart. The area in which we live is quiet, peaceful, and safe.

Many people dream of leaving after high school, but many of those people choose to come back when they’re ready to raise a family. This is a good place for children to grow up and get a good start in life. This is an area of hardworking families; there is a great deal of history and tradition displayed all around us. Anyone who can say they were born here should be proud. There are few cities where children are able to get such great educations, where a family can feel safe leaving the back door open to let in fresh air. Sheridan, Wyoming, has to be one of the nicest places to live in the United States.

Congratulations Chelsey!

As a $25 cash prize winner for her third place entry, we congratulate Chelsey for her fine piece on Sheridan, Wyoming. Be sure to leave your comments and words of encouragement for Chelsey as I’m sure she will appreciate your thoughts!

Stay Tuned

We will be announcing the Second Place Winner in our next post!

Until then,

Bruce Garber
Century 21 BHJ Reality, Inc.

Your Sheridan Real Estate Resource

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Pride Lives in Sheridan County

If you know a little about CENTURY 21 BHJ Realty, Inc it becomes apparent we take a great deal of pride in being involved in our community. And what better place to invest in the Sheridan community than in our local schools. With that said, it is with that sense of community spirit and pride that CENTURY 21 BHJ Realty, Inc announces the Sheridan High School Creative Writing Contest. CENTURY 21 BHJ Realty will award three cash prizes to three students who write the best articles on the topic “Why Sheridan is a Great Place to Live.”

Key Support Provided by Sheridan High

We are so excited to launch this new initiative and we eagerly look forward to the entries we receive. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Sheridan High School Principal Ms. Dirlene Wheeler and English teacher, Ms. Rita Geary for their important role in coordinating this creative blog writing contest.

Future Real Estate Bloggers in the Making!

Who knows, maybe one day a current Sheridan High School student will using this portal to write interesting articles about the virtues of buying a home here in Sheridan County.

Stay Tuned!

We recommend you stay tuned for future post on the selection of the winning Sheridan High entries.

Until my next post,

Bruce Garber
Century 21 BHJ Reality, Inc.

Your Sheridan Real Estate Resource

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Here in Sheridan, Wyoming, we know how to have serious fun during the winter months. Families from all over Sheridan County including the communities of Sheridan, Story, Dayton, Ranchester and Big Horn seek out their favorite “snow bowl” for a day of sledding, four wheeling, snowmobiling and just having a great time with friends and family. If you live in the warmer climates of the US, sit back and enjoy how the locals here in our neck of the woods “play” in our very own “winter wonderland”. If you would like information about our Sheridan, WY real estate or if your family is considering a move to Sheridan, WY, we would love for your family to join our family for a great time of sledding!

Your invited to leave a comment and even send us your favorite picture of your family playing in your winter bowl.

Until my next post,

Bruce Garber
Century 21 BHJ Reality, INC

Your Sheridan Real Estate Resource

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Buyer’s are More Web-savvy. Are You a Web-savvy Seller?

Because most real estate experts would agree we are in a buyer’s market, Sheridan home sellers need smarter marketing strategies to insure their home sells for the maximum fair market value and the sooner the better. Just remember, Sheridan home buyers are a web-savvy bunch, so creating a marketing campaign that attracts these Internet Empowered Consumers is a must.

5 Success-oriented Sheridan Real Estate Marketing Tips

Based on recent market data, here are the 5 marketing tips you need to insure your Sheridan, Big Horn, Ranchester, Dayton, or Story, WY property is given the maximum exposure your property deserves.

• The smartest strategy you should start with is accurately pricing your Sheridan real estate. This means setting the “right” price the moment your ranch, home or land parcel is listed for sale. As you read in my previous post, price reductions send negative messages to your potential buyers. It screams that your property is overpriced and possibly undesirable. If market conditions dictate and your agent indicates a price reduction is necessary NEVER launch a price reduction marketing campaign. If you do, you send signals to buyers that your Sheridan,WY property is all but unmarketable.

• Believe it or not, what day you have your Sheridan property “debut”on the Sheridan County Multiple Listings Service (MLS) has an impact how many”eyeballs” see your home. Plus it can determine how quickly your Sheridan County property will sell. The very best day to have your Sheridan single-family home, ranch or land “hit” the MLS is a Friday. The worst days are Mondays and Thursdays.

• Because today’s Sheridan home buyer is smarter and using the Internet in greater numbers, I recommend you solicit the services of a local Sheridan real estate firm that is equally web-savvy using as many Internet portals or websites to showcase your property. One of the more popular websites buyers are flocking to is Craigslist. This website is one of many websites your Sheridan listing agent should be using to feature your home, ranch or land parcel.

• When setting the “right price” for your Sheridan, WY real estate, make sure the price falls within the correct pricing “categories”. Internet-based buyers typically create property searches in segments or increments of $25K to $50K. If your recommended Sheridan property value is $351,000 based on a comparative market analysis (CMA), it is recommend you list your home at $350,000 so your home falls in the $325,000 to $350,000 price point.

• While this next marketing strategy is not often used in the Sheridan real estate market, you may find it occurring more often should our market conditions deteriorate. Before you list your Sheridan real estate for sale, have your agent search your “hyper-local” neighborhood or community to determine if there are “foreclosure properties” on the market. If your agent identifies such properties, it is recommended you hold off listing your property until that foreclosure home is off the market. Foreclosure properties are typically difficult to compete against and set a bad precedent for property values in your area.

What has been Your Experience

Tell us your story about marketing your property in the Sheridan real estate market.  How did you overcome your obstacles to successfully market your Sheridan property? Are you thinking about listing your ranch or single-family home for sale? If so, ask us any questions you might have about marketing your Sheridan land parcel, ranch or single-family home.

Until my next post,

Bruce Garber
Century 21 BHJ Reality, INC

Your Sheridan Real Estate Resource

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Because some Sheridan home & property sellers refuse to face reality and rationally price their homes & property, to often Sheridan real estate agents list homes & property for sale at inflated prices. Know this, the first 3 to 4 weeks a home is on the market are so critical. An inflated price removes the excitement of the new listing which results in little or no traffic and more important - no offers.

The Typical Price Reduction Tactic

Faced with the reality and knowledge the property is over-priced, the seller agrees to a “price reduction” and the agent places a rider sign that announces to the world - “we realize the price was irrational” and it has been reduced! Think about the mixed messages that sends to the Sheridan home buying community (and it’s agents). It could be interpreted that the home is undesirable or maybe the home is in disrepair. Now you have more obstacles to marketing the home which ultimately prolongs the days the property is on the market. This creates unnecessary stress for the seller that possibly could have been avoided.

In the end the important thing, is to have a knowledgeable agent that maximizes the sellers opportunity  while not subjecting them to the price reduction process unless absolutely necessary.

Your Comments?

What has been your experience as a past seller who had to go through a price reduction and what lessons did you learn?

5 Tips to Effectively Marketing Your Sheridan Home

In my next post I’ll be sharing 5 exclusive secrets to successfully marketing your Sheridan, WY home. These tips will help your Sheridan home sell quicker and for maximum fair market value.

Until my next post,

Bruce Garber
Century 21 BHJ Reality, INC

Your Sheridan Real Estate Resource

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Not long ago Sheridan, Big Horn, Story and Ranchester home sellers could offer their homes for sale and ask the buyer to make any minor repairs after the sale. In that market buyers bought properties and agreed to pay for the repairs. With the competitive nature of the current Sheridan real estate market, those days are gone. Not that I agree with the negative message the national news media continues to “beat” that the “real estate sky is falling“, I simply say that the Sheridan real estate market has actually “normalized”.

Fact #2 - It’s Time For Rational Real Estate Pricing in Sheridan

This means it’s time for our sellers to face the reality that homes must be in move-in condition and that sellers must accurately price their homes before they hit the market. It is more important now than ever before. Too often, sellers have a figure in mind what they think their home is worth before the for sale sign is ever placed in the front yard.

Here is a reality check:

1. What you may have previously paid for your Sheridan home does not affect its value in today’s market.

2. The amount of cash you need from the sale of your Sheridan home does not have any affect how much your home is worth.

3. What I say your Sheridan property is worth does not determine its ultimate value.

4. What another Sheridan County real estate agent or agency says your property is worth does not affect its value.

5. What a Sheridan County tax assessor says your Sheridan or Big Horn home is worth does not affect its value.

6. Your emotional attachment to your Sheridan home with all its wonderful memories does not impact the value of your home.

Fact #3 - The Buyer Always Determines the Value of Your Sheridan Property!

Further more, the value of your Sheridan home is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay in today’s Sheridan real estate market based on comparing your home to other recently sold properties with similar features and comparable condition. That is determined by hard data from recently sold properties in the Sheridan County area provided by a market analysis (CMA). No emotion, all data.

So How About You - As a Perspective Sheridan Home Buyer or Seller….

What’s your take on our current real estate market? Are Sheridan home sellers being rational with their home values and are buyers making reasonable offers? I look forward to your comments.

In my next post I will discuss “How to Avoid Price Reductions in the Sheridan Real Estate Market“.

Until my next post,

Bruce Garber

Your Sheridan Real Estate Resource
CENTURY  21 BHJ Realty, Inc.

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From our family to yours, we would like to wish everyone

all that is good and right in the world

and all the Very Best in 2008!

CENTURY 21 BHJ Realty Inc.

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