Dear Dave,
I’m a veteran thinking about buying my first home, but I’m not sure if a VA loan is really worth it. I’ve heard it can be complicated, and some people say sellers don’t like them. Can you explain how the VA home loan program works and whether it’s a good option right now?
— Chris, Grand Junction

Dear Chris,
First off, thank you for your service—and congratulations on taking the first steps toward homeownership. You’re asking a great question. There are a lot of misconceptions floating around about VA loans, but the truth is, this is one of the best benefits available to veterans and active-duty service members. In today’s market, the advantages of a VA loan are hard to beat.
Let’s look at what makes them special and what to keep in mind as you move forward.

1. The VA Loan Advantage
VA home loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and they exist to make homeownership more accessible ...

Dear Dave,
We’re getting ready to list our home but keep seeing that some houses in Grand Junction sell in a weekend while others sit for months. What actually makes the difference between a fast sale and one that struggles to find a buyer?
— Jan & Lisa

Dear Jan & Lisa,
That’s one of the best questions any seller can ask—because the answer usually determines how smooth (or stressful) your sale will be. There’s  a clear pattern between homes that move quickly and those that linger. Let’s walk through the biggest factors that separate the two—and what you can do right now to hopefully land in the “sold fast” group.

1. The Right Price Is Everything
The number-one reason homes sit on the market is simple: they’re priced too high. It’s natural for sellers to want top dollar, but buyers today are incredibly price-aware and savvy. They have instant access to comparable sales, marke ...

Dear Dave,
We’re planning to sell our home in the next year, and we’re trying to figure out what matters most as we get ready. We’ve heard about staging and updates, but if we only focus on a few things (because time and budget are real), what rooms really move the needle for buyers?
— Laura & Simon, Grand Junction

Dear Laura & Simon,
Great question!  There are a handful of rooms that consistently stand out in terms of buyer impact. So let’s walk through them—and I’ll tell you how to apply this here in Grand Junction.

Top Rooms to Focus On - Based on what buyer-agents report:

Living Room
Primary (Master) Bedroom
Kitchen

These are the rooms where buyers spend the most time (in person or in their minds), and where staging or condition make the biggest difference. Homes where these areas feel welcoming, functional, and move-in ready tend to sell faster and for moremoney  This also allows you to be strategic w ...

Dear Dave,
We’re thinking of selling our home in 2026—but with so many moving parts, we’re not sure when to start preparing or what steps we should take now to set ourselves up for success. What should we be doing this year so that when we go to sell, everything goes smoothly?
— Sarah & Tom, Grand Junction

Dear Sarah & Tom,
Great question—and smart thinking. If 2026 is your target year, then believe me when I say: the time to prepare is now. The groundwork you lay this year can make all the difference later—both for your stress level and your sale outcome. Let’s break down the three key areas to focus on:

1. Start with the Right Agent and the Right Advice
Working with a local real estate agent early is a game-changer. The market is evolving, and your home will be judged on today’s standards when you list next year. An experienced agent can help you understand exactly what buyers in the Grand Valley are ...

 
Dear Dave,
My husband is a big game hunter and he has some incredible mounts in our home. We are getting ready to put our house on the market and we can’t agree on having them in the house anymore.  Should we remove them or is it ok to leave them up? Of course, I think we have too many and he thinks they look awesome as they are his prized possessions.  Please help us settle this and tell us what we should do.
Betty, Fruita

Betty,
This is a common theme for homes in Western Colorado. The fact that we live in Western Colorado and not Chicago (not that there is anything wrong with Chicago) makes trophy mounts more acceptable in a home for sale.   There is however definitely a fine line of too much. Hunting is a way of life and not just a hobby, but in many cases, it borders on obsession for some. Many hunters like to showcase their mounts and in most cases, I am great with it.  To be honest I have a few mounts up in my home ??
The key her ...