John Rebchook is a former Rocky Mountain News reporter with more than 30 years of experience in writing and communications... The biggest percentage gains in foreclosure filings in Colorado has shifted from the urban and suburban areas around Denver to the rural and resort counties.
Moffat County, in northwest Colorado, has seen its foreclosure filings have increased 967 percent to 32 in the first nine months of the year from three during the first nine months of 2009.
Ouray, which includes Telluride, has seen an 800 percent increase from two to 18.
Foreclosure filings in Garfield, which includes Carbondal and Glenwood Springs, has seen its foreclosure filings rise 750 percent to four from 34 and Chaffe County, in southwest Colorado, has experienced a 640 percent increase 640 percent to 37 from five.
Pitkin County, which includes Aspen, has seen a 200 percent incresae, with 12 foreclosure fillings through September, compared with only four last year.
“The numbers are really small, the rates of increase are just huge,” said Ryan McMaken, spokesman for the Colorado Division of Housing. “This is kind of the next big thing we are seeing on the foreclosure front. These communities had been kind of immune to foreclosures, but not anymore.”
He said part is tied to a downturn in oil and gas drilling state, and some, are related to downturns in the ski resort communities.
One potential problem down the road is that there are fewer HUD-qualified counselors to serve the communities outside of the Denver area.
“And it’s not like we can say “We no longer need counselors to serve Adams County, so let’s put all of our resources in the small and medium-sized communities in other parts of the state,” McMaken said. “We still have a big need in the Denver area.”
Foreclosure filings rise in Colorado
Experts worry another wave of foreclosures will hit Colorado
Contact John Rebchook at JRCHOOK@gmail.com or 303-945-6865.
