Real estate expo showcases bounty in county

By Lauren Royce, Editor

MONTROSE — Across country Real Estate hosted its real estate expo on Oct. 10 at the Montrose VFW, featuring businesses tabling on everything from pest control and generators to taking the first steps in home ownership. Be it finance, weather resistance or backyard accessorizing, it was all there whether you were already a homeowner or think of becoming one.

“It’s a good idea, all these people here,” said commissioner Dave Darrow. “Even for some of the people here, there’s other things out there. To show the programs they have— home equity loans, stuff like that, how that process works. It’s all good stuff, even if you own a home.”

Patty Aiken, who co-owns Across Country Real Estate with her husband Bob Aiken, wanted to create an event for people to learn about the many facets of home buying and ownership in one place. Thus, the expo became fully realized. 

“I think she (Patty Aiken) did a wonderful job promoting the event, I think it’s great for the community,” said Frank J. Pinkowski, co-owner of Country Landmarks Real Estate. He praised the number of local businesses that had come out to participate. “I think over a period of time, it’ll grow,” he said.

Over a dozen tables including Trehab, JJ Carpenter Tree Services, 1031 Corp, SWBC Mortgaging and more were at the event to walk people through real estate questions in every area. Banks, land surveyors, fireplace manufacturers and chair craftsmen showed up to give people the scoop on homes.

“It’s a good opportunity for people not only to learn about buying a house but the variety of opportunities available to protect your house,” said Bill Farley, a homeownership counselor who works with Trehab. He also had information about their weatherization program. He said over 200 people had been helped through the homeownership program since it began in 2017.

TJ Jauss of Lawton Power Systems had a table on generators and how they help power homes and businesses.

“The community needs something like that,” Jauss said of the expo. “It’s needed for the homeowner side of it, especially if you’re not from Montrose.”

Sheriff Lance Benedict also had a table set up with resources for people to learn about, from conceal carry applications to info on elderly assistance programs.

“We brought just a little bit of everything,” Benedict said. “People always say there’s no services here, there are services here, we’ve just got to get you pointed in the right direction.” Benedict said the office’s goal was to inform more people of things they may not know throughout the day. For example, when people default on their mortgage, they must go through the sheriff’s office to deal with mortgage foreclosures according to state law. “We’re part of the community and we just wanted to share our support,” he said.