HomeSmart Preferred Realty

08/28/2026

Westcliffe changes when the sun goes down. 🌌

During the day, it's difficult to compete with the Sangre de Cristo Mountains rising out of the Wet Mountain Valley.

But then night falls.

And somehow the view gets even better.

Westcliffe and neighboring Silver Cliff became Colorado's first certified International Dark Sky Community in 2015—and only the ninth in the entire world at the time.

At nearly 7,900 feet above sea level, it's also one of the highest-elevation Dark Sky Communities anywhere in the world.

And this may be our favorite part:

🔭 The community's Smokey Jack Observatory holds public star parties—and visitors can even request a private viewing with a trained Star Guide at no charge, subject to availability and conditions.

But Westcliffe has another surprising story hiding next door.

In the 1880 Census, neighboring Silver Cliff was Colorado's third-largest municipality. Today, you'd never guess this peaceful mountain community was once one of Colorado's great mining boomtowns.

And when morning comes?

You're surrounded by alpine lakes, hiking, fishing, mountain roads, the 100+ mile Rainbow Trail and some of Colorado's most spectacular peaks.

That's what makes this little corner of Colorado so unusual.

Adventure by day. Magic by night.

So we have to ask the people who know Westcliffe best:

👇 STARS or MOUNTAINS?

If you could keep only one Westcliffe view—the Sangres during the day or that extraordinary sky after dark—which one wins?

And yes… “I'm refusing to choose” is an acceptable answer. 😄

08/28/2026

Cañon City has a bit of an identity problem.

It looks like a small Colorado town.

And then you realize its backyard contains a gorge roughly 1,200 feet deep, a bridge suspended 1,053 feet above the Arkansas River, more than 70 miles of maintained trails, whitewater rafting—and even dinosaur footprints.

Not exactly sleepy. 😄

And there are a few things about Cañon City that might surprise even people who know it well:

☀️ It earned the nickname “Colorado's Climate Capital.” Its geography helps shelter the area from harsher winter weather, and local economic-development information notes winter temperatures can run around 10°F warmer than nearby Colorado communities.

🦖 In 2001, dinosaur footprints were discovered along Skyline Drive—adding another chapter to an area already famous for significant fossil discoveries.

🌊 And the Arkansas River isn't something you have to drive hours to enjoy. Rafting, kayaking, fishing and other outdoor recreation are woven right into life around the community.

Then there's historic downtown, Skyline Drive, the orchards and wineries, the trails, the Royal Gorge and those beautiful red-rock landscapes.

That's what we love about Cañon City.

Small-town life doesn't necessarily mean a small life.

So we're putting this one to the people who know it best:

👇 Someone has ONE DAY in Cañon City. Where are you sending them first?

Royal Gorge? Skyline Drive? Downtown? The river? Your favorite restaurant? Somewhere visitors usually miss?

Locals, build us the perfect Cañon City day in the comments.

08/28/2026

Please join us in welcoming our newest agent!

A Cañon City native, she’s excited to be back home in Fremont County after spending the past 20 years living and exploring around the country.

She brings with her a genuine love of people, places, and new experiences. An avid traveler, she’s visited 32 countries and counting, with one of her favorite adventures being feeding and bathing elephants in Thailand. 🐘

When she’s not traveling, she’s happiest taking advantage of everything Colorado has to offer—hiking, camping, skiing, and, perhaps most importantly, Colorado football. Go Broncos! 🏈

We’re so happy to have another local agent who knows and loves this community joining our HomeSmart family. Please give her a very warm welcome! ❤️

08/17/2026

We are so glad you have joined us! Welcome Anita!

08/12/2026

Welcome Joseph!! We are so excited you have joined us!

07/30/2026

07/16/2026

Escape to the warmth of this cozy retreat, where rich tones, timeless character, and peaceful spaces create the perfect place to unwind. Full of Southwestern charm—this Santa Fe styled home offers a relaxing atmosphere you'll love coming home to. Take a look today!

07/01/2026

❤️ Our hearts are with everyone affected by the Beulah fires.

If you or someone you know has been evacuated and needs a safe place to park a camper, RV, horse trailer, or similar vehicle, we would be honored to help.

📍 HomeSmart Preferred Realty – Pueblo West has opened its parking lot at 302 S. Purcell Blvd., Pueblo West for anyone in need.

In addition, I have space available on my 35-acre property for those who need a safe place to park during the evacuation.

A heartfelt thank you as well to Pueblo Christian Center, which has also opened its parking lot to help those affected. There are many incredible organizations, churches, businesses, and volunteers throughout our community stepping up to support families during this difficult time, and we are so grateful for each of them.

If you need a place to park, or if there is anything at all we can do to help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

📞 Caroline Bourgeault – 719-888-0180

If Cañon City is more convenient for you, please reach out to Sam Banning at 719-281-5331.

Please feel free to share this post so we can reach anyone who may need a helping hand. We are keeping everyone affected, along with our brave firefighters, first responders, and emergency personnel, in our thoughts and prayers. ❤️

06/19/2026

Please join us in welcoming Jennifer to HomeSmart Preferred Realty.

Born and raised in Colorado, Jennifer brings deep local knowledge,
strong community connections, and a genuine commitment to serving
clients throughout Southeastern Colorado. As an active member of both
the National Association of REALTORS® and the Colorado Association of
REALTORS®, she is dedicated to providing reliable information,
professional guidance, and personalized service throughout the real
estate process.

Beyond real estate, Jennifer is a wife, mother, and grandmother who
understands the importance of finding the right place to call home.
She takes pride in building lasting relationships and ensuring her
clients feel informed, supported, and confident in their decisions.

We are excited to have Jennifer as part of our team and look forward
to the value and expertise she brings to the communities she serves.

Welcome to HomeSmart Preferred Realty, Jennifer!