I just returned from the quarterly Grand Junction Area Realtor’s Association luncheon, where the speakers were all very positive about the future of the Grand Junction real estate market. Rob Griffin, President of the local Home Builders Association, spoke about low building costs, low land costs, and availability of builder and subcontractors, making this an ideal time to build a new home. He stressed that builders are going to have to change the way they have built in Grand Junction, stressing, as I have been, the need to build energy efficient homes!! He believes that energy efficiency will be mandated by the government before too long, so it’s time for GJ builders to get on board! If anyone out there is considering building, call me. I have worked with some great builders who know how to build a superior home.The second speaker was Ann Driggers of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership. She had some great information and statistics, in addition to a positive outlook for GJ. So even though 2009 was not what we hoped, GJ is now a much more attractive place to start a business, since there are more workers available, wages are down, and land costs are down. She is very optimistic about bringing new businesses to this area. American Furniture Warehouse is one example of an established business seeing the opportunities to be had in our valley. Cabela’s is also coming in soon.Colorado Realtor Association President George Harvey also spoke, and said we are seeing a lot of investing going on in Colorado. Low prices and high availability are driving outside buyers to take another look at Colorado.I’ve said it before, but I want to keep emphasizing to all our clients that 2010 is going to be a great time to buy real estate. Ten years from now, you’ll be saying “I wish I’d bought that property back in 2010, when it only cost…”. Don’t say I didn’t tell you!Christi