Business Spotlight

September real estate third strongest of the year

For the month of September, Garfield County reported a total of 61 real estate transactions. While this is still down from what we experienced last year at this time, September does in fact represent the least declining month of the year, down 49 percent from September '08. The transaction total of 61 was the third strongest month of the year, following behind only June with 75 and July with 64. Dollar volume for September totaled $17.3 million, not the strongest nor the softest thus far in 2009.

Through September, there have been a total of 460 transactions in Garfield County, a decrease of 65 percent from 2008, same time period. For the year, the county has tallied approximately $170 million in sales, a decrease of 73 percent from 2008. One thing is for certain: There is plenty of housing inventory available in the county. That combined with low interest rates and the first-time home buyer tax credit presents a great opportunity for home buyers.

Area Mr. Rooter franchise in top 200 List

The Mr. Rooter Plumbing franchise in Battlement Mesa was recognized in the Franchise Times Top 200 list for 2009.

“It is an honor to be included in this prestigious list,” said Craig Richardson of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of the Western Rockies franchise. “We believe it is a testament to the outstanding customer service we provide this community.”

The annual ranking lists the top 200 franchises based on worldwide sales. Mr. Rooter came in at No.184.

Local PTs advance skills

Exclusive Athletic Club certified personal trainers Andrew Van der Meer and Nathanael Rand recently attended and successfully completed a one-day workshop on TRX Suspension Training.

The workshop focused on safe and effective use of the TRX Suspension Training system, which both certified trainers will use in their personal training practice. The TRX aids in full body functional training and stretching utilizing a person's body weight for all strength building movements. The technology is used in military and law enforcement training, as well as in health clubs throughout the world.

Van der Meer also recently passed written and practical exams to become certified by the National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM) as a personal trainer. He already holds a personal training certification from the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA).

Rand, who is also AFAA certified, has taken and passed preliminary training as a Certified BodyPump Instructor for Les Mills International. Rand is pursuing additional steps for final certification.

Both Van der Meer and Rand can be reached at 945-9107.

Real estate honors

RE/MAX Select named Jessica Peterson as its Outstanding Agent with Outstanding Results recipient for September. Peterson took the honors with top dollar volume of transactions.