Cheyenne Wyoming Area Expert Connie Webb: June 2010

Father’s Day, just like any other hallmark holiday, can get very busy, hectic and expensive.  All dad is looking for is a special day with his loved ones that he can enjoy by relaxing rather than working.  Here are a few simple ideas on how to keep the little ones busy as well as give dad a very special Father’s Day.

Cards From the Heart … Rather than going to your local card store, have the kid give dad a card that’s made from the heart.  With a few sheets of paper, crayons, markets flue and scissors, your children can create their own Father’s Day card for dad that is sure to be a keepsake.

Plan a picnic for Sunday afternoon … Pack up some sandwiches, a bag of chips, juice and some fruit and take dad to the park.  This is a low cost solution to avoiding long waits at restaurants as everyone likes to go out for Father’s Day brunch/dinner.

A Little R&R for Dad … Just let dad enjoy being a dad for the day.  Play ball outside or bring out the board games or cards for family game night.  Allow dad to get away from his day to day work and just enjoy his family.  Let him take a nap and while he’s sleeping bake some brownies or cookies to surprise him with when he wakes up.

These are just a few ideas on how to spend Father’s Day this year.  It doesn’t really matter what you do with dad or what you get him, but what does matter is the time you spend with him.  For more ideas and events going on this Father’s Day in Cheyenne visit the examiner.com.  I wish all the dads of the Cheyenne area a Very Happy Father’s Day this year!

Thinking about moving to Cheyenne or currently have your house on the market in Cheyenne?  Here is a snapshot of where Cheyenne’s real estate market stands as of June 2010 according to AOL Real Estate. 

Inventory of Homes:  The total inventory of available homes in Cheyenne, WY for June 2010 stands at 413 homes.  Foreclosures consume about 50% of the Cheyenne real estate market standing at 209 total homes.  Foreclosures can indicate problem areas, but given recent events, foreclosures can also be good purchase opportunities given their reduced cost.  The other 50% of Cheyenne’s real estate market is comprised of resale homes standing at 204 homes. 

Total Number of Properties:  There are currently 24,914 properties in Cheyenne.  61% of these properties are owned, 31% are being rented and 7% are currently vacant.  This vacancy rate of homes helps home buyers determine if a housing market has a weak or strong competition.  With vacancy rates being higher than ever right now, it doesn’t necessarily mean a bad thing because it will open a lot of opportunities for homebuyers to find a property at a low price. 

House Appreciation:  House appreciation provides three indicators of the home values trend in Cheyenne, WY.  The appreciation, which is currently at 2.6%6, signifies whether the market has increased or decreased in value.  So in Cheyenne’s case, it has decreased.  The housing median value, which is currently $183,834, shows the worth of a typical home in the area and the average market value for a home in Cheyenne for June 2010 was $164,010.

Average Days on Market:  The number of homes and the average time homes are on the market (for sale) in Cheyenne can indicate how long homeowners are willing to wait to sell their homes.  It took an average of 114 days for homes in Cheyenne to go from listing to a ratified contract.  In comparison to the rest of the state of Wyoming, homes are being sold more quickly in Cheyenne as the average number of days on the market for the rest of the state is at 162 days.  Conversely, average and maximum days on the market will help sellers set an expectation for how long it may take to sell a house.  Currently, the maximum number of days on the market is at 991 days.

Times are tough right now.  Those who currently have their home on the market are need for those who are looking to buy to act now.  Please contact me if you are looking to sell or looking to buy in the city of Cheyenne, WY.

Are you looking for a weekend get-a-away without actually having to get away?  Or do you know of someone who is looking to visit the wonderful city of Cheyenne but not sure what to do?  Spend a weekend at the The Historic Plains Hotel.

The Historic Plains Hotel has been a proud fixture of Cheyenne for almost a century, first cater to Wyoming's earliest cattle barons and oil tycoons, as well as travelers on their way to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.  Recently renovated, the Historic Plains Hotel once again serves travelers and dignitaries in sear of the experience of Western High Style.

Located on Central Avenue in Downtown Cheyenne, The Plains Hotel features 130 rooms and suites, its own restaurant, The Capitol Grille, Coffee Shop and full service day spa, Adora Spa.  It is also the perfect base station for your Old West outings:

• Across the street from the historic Union Pacific Depot
• Shopping, dining and museums all await you in downtown Cheyenne
• Convenient to the Wyoming State Capital and the Cheyenne Civic Center

Have you always wanted to give back to your community but were never sure how to go about it?  Well here is your chance!  There are numerous organizations throughout the Cheyenne community that could use your help.  Volunteering in Cheyenne is not only fun, but it is also a great way to show how much you care about the Cheyenne community.  Whether you have an hour a week to give, or an hour a month, we want your help!

Each month I will showcase an organization within the community of Cheyenne.  I encourage you to get involved within your community and to check out these volunteer opportunities!

Cheyenne Botanic Gardens

Located at 710 South Lions Park, Cheyenne Botanic Gardens inspires, beautifies and enriches the High Plains through gardening, volunteerism, education, inspiration and stewardship by focusing on 3 main areas:

• Plants – Exhibit diverse plant collections and landscapes
• Service and therapy – Provides meaningful opportunities for seniors, handicapped and youth-at-risk volunteers who are essential in growing the Gardens
• Education and Outreach – Provides educational and therapeutic opportunities and creating demonstrations in landscaping, gardening, renewable energy and sustainable earth-friendly solutions

The Botanic Gardens would not be able to operate sustainably without their volunteer resources.  They have the highest volunteer-to-staff ratio with over 90% of the physical labor being provided by senior, youth and handicapped volunteers. 

If you are looking to give back to your community while receiving horticultural therapy everyday, then Cheyenne Botanic Gardens is the place for you to volunteer!  For more information please contact Mr. ClausJohnson at 307-637-6458 or e-mail him at claus@botanic.org.

Looking for an exciting way to start out the summer?  If so, you've come to the right place.  Whether its a movie in the park or a get together with the ladies, Cheyenne is the place to be this June.  For a full list of events to enjoy, see the Cheyenne Events Calendar.

• June 4 - June 6- Cheyenne's First Annual Hispanic Festival - Three day event including a live performance on Friday night by Madafra, an alternative Spanish group from Denver, Colorado, live bands and Hispanic food on Saturday, and a car show on Sunday.  Free admission to the museum on Saturday and Sunday.  Click here to find out more about the Hispanic Festival being held at the Cheyenne Depot Museum and Plaza.
• June 8 - Movies in the Park - Pack some blankets and bring the whole family for Monsters vs. Aliens.  Free admission for all, but donations are appreciated.  For a full list of movies visit www.cheyenne.org
• June 12- FREE Community Picnic & Concert - Local Cheyenne churches invite you to spend a day with the family out in the sun.  Enjoy a live performance by the band, Esterlyn, free hot dogs, children's games and more at Lions Park.  For additional information visit www.meadowbrooke.org.
• June 26- Superday at Lions Park - Enjoy a day in the park with live music, carnival rides, food vendors and Special Friends Duck Derby.  Click here for more information on Superday.

I encourage you to get out and enjoy what Cheyenne has to offer this June, as well as to come back and tell me about the fun you had.