Vail Real Estate & Real Life in Vail

VAIL’S BLUE SKY BASIN, CHINA BOWL AND ADDITIONAL TERRAIN TO REMAIN OPEN THROUGH CLOSING WEEKEND

2011-03-31T09:33:00.000-07:00

Vail has seen more than 450” of snowfall at mid-mountain to date; more than three feet in the last week alone
VAIL, Colo. – March 31, 2010 – With one of the best snow seasons in recent history still underway, Vail Mountain plans to continue operating more than 4,500 acres of skiable terrain – including Blue Sky Basin and China Bowl – through Sunday, April 24, accessible from Lionshead, Golden Peak and Vail Village.

“With one of the latest closings Vail has seen in recent years falling on Easter Sunday, we want to give guests who plan to travel during this time every reason to visit Vail and provide them with the best late-season terrain possible,” said Chris Jarnot, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. “The phenomenal snow conditions we’ve seen throughout the season will allow us to keep the vast majority of the mountain and restaurants open through closing weekend. Combined with a stellar lineup of concerts and events for Spring Back to Vail, we’re looking forward to a spectacular end to the 2010-2011 season.”

Beginning Monday, April 11, the following lifts are expected to operate for the remainder of the season:

Avanti Express Lift (#2);
Wildwood Express Lift (# 3);
Mountaintop Express Lift (# 4);
High Noon Express Lift (# 5);
Riva Bahn Express Lift (# 6);
Born Free Express Lift (# 8);
Northwoods Express Lift (# 11);
Gopher Hill Lift (# 12);
Sourdough Express Lift (#14)
Little Eagle Lift (# 15);
Vista Bahn Express Lift (#16);
Sun Up Lift (#17)
Eagle Bahn Gondola (# 19);
Orient Express Lift (#21);
Tea Cup Express Lift (# 36);
Skyline Express Lift (# 37); and
Pete’s Express Lift (# 39).
The Eagle Bahn Gondola (# 19) will continue normal nighttime operations for Game Creek Restaurant, Bistro Fourteen and Adventure Ridge through Saturday, April 9. The Black Forest Race Arena and NASTAR course will be open through Sunday, April 10.

All other operating hours will remain the same. Lifts will operate on Vail’s front side from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Back Bowls will continue to close at 3:30 p.m. and Blue Sky Basin will close at 3 p.m.

Spring Back to Vail
Spring Back to Vail returns April 15-24 with free concerts from national headliners, on-snow events, street parties and more. Don’t miss performances by Train, Stephen Marley, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, The Greyboy Allstars, Shpongle, Chris Velan, Rose Hill Drive and The Champions. The annual World Pond Skimming Championships also returns on Sunday, April 24 in Golden Peak. For the complete schedule of events and pond skimming registration, visit www.vail.com/springback.

For more information about Vail Mountain, visit www.vail.com or contact the Mountain Activities & Information Center at (970) SKI-VAIL (754-8245).

Vail Mountain Snowpack at 107 Percent | VailDaily.com

2011-03-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

Vail Mountain snowpack at 107 percent | VailDaily.com

Vail Valley Real Estate Sees Discounts | VailDaily.com

2011-03-18T05:35:00.000-07:00

Vail Valley real estate sees discounts | VailDaily.com

Warm Weather Greets Vail Vacationers | VailDaily.com

2011-03-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

Warm weather greets Vail vacationers | VailDaily.com

New Rose Bowl Lift Approved for Beaver Creek | VailDaily.com

2011-03-12T06:58:00.000-08:00

New Rose Bowl lift is approved for Beaver Creek | VailDaily.com

Vail Resorts plans lots of upgrades | VailDaily.com

2011-03-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

Vail Resorts plans lots of upgrades | VailDaily.com

Ride of the Penguins Day in Vail

2011-03-08T16:01:00.001-08:00

KRISTIN ANDERSON | kanderson@vaildaily.com

Vail resident Lee Lovelace participates in the third annual Ride of the Penguins Day Monday at Vail. The day was organized for friends to gather and have fun. This year, some penguins will be donating money to charities such as Habitat for Humanity and Vail Mountain Rescue.

First performers commit to Spring Back to Vail | VailDaily.com

2011-03-07T14:25:00.000-08:00

First performers commit to Spring Back to Vail | VailDaily.com

Vonn Clinches Fourth Consecutive Downhill Title | VailDaily.com

2011-03-06T07:42:00.000-08:00

Vonn clinches fourth consecutive downhill title | VailDaily.com

Snow Ball Music Festival Transforms Avon | VailDaily.com

2011-03-05T17:28:00.000-08:00

Snow Ball music festival transforms Avon | VailDaily.com

Your Privacy is Important

2011-02-22T06:59:00.000-08:00

Buying or selling a high end home is a little different than most other real estate transactions. Multi-million dollar properties are sold and purchased through REALTORS® whose specific expertise is in luxury real estate. Their marketing strategies are targeted to a smaller network of buyers who are financially qualified to purchase high-end real estate.
Privacy is a very important issue for most high-end clients. Seller’s homes often contain expensive art and valuables and many buyers are people who treasure their anonymity. Experienced luxury home REALTORS® put confidentiality at the top of their priorities. Often they work through a third party, keeping the buyer and the seller away from the spotlight.
Many luxury properties are sold behind the scenes before they are ever listed on the Multiple Listing Service. So it is essential to work with a luxury home specialist when buying or selling a luxury home. Their in-depth knowledge of this specialized niche market can guide you to the dream home that best fits your distinctive lifestyle.

Best Green Upgrades to Sell Your Home

2011-02-13T20:01:00.000-08:00

More homebuyers want energy efficient homes these days, and will tend to give extra attention to listings that advertise “green” features. So if you need to make some upgrades on your home, you should consider going green. It won’t cost much more, and you can use it as a selling point. It’s better to do smaller, more affordable improvements. Big ticket projects, like solar panels, are not cost effective for homesellers. But new, EnergyStar™ rated kitchen appliances make sense. Bathroom remodels can include low-flow toilets, LED lighting and water-saving shower heads. You can replace old windows with double panes and recoup about 75 percent of your outlay. You can also go to www.rechargecolorado.com to find out about rebates for energy efficient improvements in Colorado. When you market your home, emphasize its green features, and include an energy saving analysis to show how much money buyers will save on utilities over five years. Green upgrades not only save money and help the environment, they’ll also make your home stand out in the marketplace.

Eagle County Home Sales Rebounded in 2010

2011-02-10T11:03:00.000-08:00

EAGLE COUNTY, Colorado — With final numbers for the year in hand, 2010 looks like a good news/bad news year for local real estate, with upper and lower valleys in very different markets these days
.

First, the good news:

• Transactions were up by one-third over 2009.
• Total sales volume increased by two-thirds over 2009.
• Whether or not prices have hit bottom, buyers are coming back, if not in droves.
• Young people are finding it easier to afford a first home.

Now the bad news:

• Foreclosures hit a new record in 2010.
• A lot of property has sold at deep discounts from boom-years highs.
• A lot of residents owe much more than their homes are worth.

The 2010 real estate market also showed a real split between resort areas and downvalley communities.

The Vail Board of Realtors heard from most of the valley's mayors at a Monday morning meeting. Matt Blake, a broker with the valley's Re/Max agency and a member of the Vail Board of Realtors board of directors, said the mayors brought very different messages to the meeting.

“(Vail Mayor) Dick Cleveland was almost bullish,” Blake said. “He really believed Vail has turned a corner. But (Eagle Mayor) Ed Woodland was singing a different song.”

The numbers from last year tell that story well. Gypsum led the valley in new foreclosure filings, with Eagle not far behind. Between them, the two towns accounted for nearly half of all new foreclosure filings in 2010.

“We have been hit harder,” broker Laurie Slaughter of Prudential Colorado Properties said. The reason has a lot to do with where people in the construction business live — Eagle and Gypsum.

And, Slaughter said, there could be more of those filings to come this year.

Optimism in industry
Valleywide, though, 2010 was a significantly better year for real estate, although the market has done an almost-complete switch from the raging sellers' market of 2007 to a cautious buyers' market today.

But people in the real estate market remain optimistic. Even as sales have dropped from their 2005-2007 highs, Vail Board of Realtors membership has dropped just 5 percent from its peak. And those in the business still like to talk about opportunity for people who buy now.

“We're through (the worst) and moving forward,” Vail Board of Realtors board chairman Doug Landin said.

Landin, a broker in Slifer Smith & Frampton's Lionshead office, said he's seeing fewer price reductions in that area, and more interest from buyers.

“Everybody's showing property right now,” Landin said.

Landin said he's also encouraged by the number of single-family homes starting to move through the market.

Those sales have gone from fewer than 50 in 2009, to more than 60 in 2010, Landin said. Right now, the valley's Multiple Listing Service shows 54 single-family homes under contract.

“It's all positive right now,” Landin said. “The stock market's up to about 12,000. For vacation buyers, that's a big barometer.”

New opportunities
Blake said sellers seem to have adjusted to the market's new, lower prices. That's significant, since brokers often complained about sellers' attachment to boom-years prices during the depths of the real estate bust.

But what about those who need to sell, but owe much more than their homes are now worth?

Slaughter said she knows of many people who are just walking away from their houses, choosing bankruptcy or negotiating “short sales” with lenders to get out from under their mortgages.

Slaughter and other downvalley brokers are doing plenty of bank-owned or short sales these days. But, like her counterparts up valley, she remains determinedly optimistic about the local real estate market.

A few years ago, Slaughter was interviewed for story about why young adults returning to the valley were having a hard time buying their first homes. Today, many of the short sales she and her colleagues are brokering deals on are ending up in the hands of younger adults.

“A lot of people still want the American Dream,” Slaughter said.

By the numbers
33 — percent increase in transactions in 2010 from 2009
60 — sales of $4 million or more pushed the average per-sale price to nearly $1.2 million.
54 — Single-family homes in the valley are under contract right now.
$321 — average price per square foot for single-mail homes sold in 2010.
248 — homes were foreclosed and are now owned by lenders.

In Vail Valley, 2010 Real Estate Ends Well Above 2009

2011-02-06T09:26:00.000-08:00

Eagle County closed the year with 1,250 transactions, a 33% increase over 2009. Totaling nearly $1.5 billion, this represents a 67% increase in dollar volume over last year.

41% of all transactions had a sales price of less than $500,000
60 Sales over $4 Million
The 2nd Highest Average Price Per Transaction, at $1,197,738
(2008 was higher with an average of $1,391,605)
New developments made a significant contribution to the overall numbers in 2010.

Sales summary of the larger new projects in Eagle County:

Westin:
$47,375,600 Gross Volume, $570,790 Average Purchase Price, $650 Average Price Per Sq Ft, 83 Sales in 2010

Solaris:
$124,821,800 Gross Volume, $6,934,544 Average Purchase Price, $2,462 Average Price Per Sq Ft, with 18 Sales in 2010

Arrabelle:
$38,830,000 Gross Volume, $3,530,000 Average Purchase Price, $1,351 Average Price Per Sq Ft, with 11 Sales in 2010

Ritz Carlton Vail:
$42,486,000 Gross Volume, $3,034,714 Average Purchase Price, $1,379 Average Price Per Sq Ft, with 14 Sales in 2010, plus the bulk sale of 45 Residences for fractional ownership at $110,890,000

Single Family homes accounted for 34% of all transactions. In 2010, the average price of a single family home decreased by 4% from 2009, coming in at $1.26 million.

There were 599 high-end condominium projects/multifamily homes sales accounting for 48% of the total, with an average sales price of $1.15 million. This is up $250,000 per sale over 2009.
2010 Ends Well Above 2009

Eagle County closed the year with 1,250 transactions, a 33% increase over 2009. Totaling nearly $1.5 billion, this represents a 67% increase in dollar volume over last year.

41% of all transactions had a sales price of less than $500,000
60 Sales over $4 Million
The 2nd Highest Average Price Per Transaction, at $1,197,738
(2008 was higher with an average of $1,391,605)
New developments made a significant contribution to the overall numbers in 2010.

Sales summary of the larger new projects in Eagle County:

Westin:
$47,375,600 Gross Volume, $570,790 Average Purchase Price, $650 Average Price Per Sq Ft, 83 Sales in 2010

Solaris:
$124,821,800 Gross Volume, $6,934,544 Average Purchase Price, $2,462 Average Price Per Sq Ft, with 18 Sales in 2010

Arrabelle:
$38,830,000 Gross Volume, $3,530,000 Average Purchase Price, $1,351 Average Price Per Sq Ft, with 11 Sales in 2010

Ritz Carlton Vail:
$42,486,000 Gross Volume, $3,034,714 Average Purchase Price, $1,379 Average Price Per Sq Ft, with 14 Sales in 2010, plus the bulk sale of 45 Residences for fractional ownership at $110,890,000

Single Family homes accounted for 34% of all transactions. In 2010, the average price of a single family home decreased by 4% from 2009, coming in at $1.26 million.

There were 599 high-end condominium projects/multifamily homes sales accounting for 48% of the total, with an average sales price of $1.15 million. This is up $250,000 per sale over 2009.

Another Day in the Village

2010-10-12T18:28:00.000-07:00

Come visit me in my office on Bridge Street!

Fall in Vail

2010-10-06T14:10:00.000-07:00

Gore Creek, Gore Range, and fall in Vail!

September Snow!

2010-09-23T11:57:00.000-07:00

A light dust of snow in Beaver Creek.

2010-09-10T06:16:00.000-07:00

Eagle-Vail Golf Club sets off on a two year sustainability plan to improve the course by rebuilding bunkers, leveling and resurfacing tees, dredging waterways and reconstructing four green complexes.

2010-09-06T08:22:00.001-07:00

Rainbow on the Colorado River near Lyons Gulch - a great put-in spot for kayaking and an easy ride to Dotsero.

Lovely Single Family Home in Eagle-Vail

2010-09-01T15:20:00.000-07:00

Lovely family home on the 14th fairway with south facing views, beautiful landscaping, and Stone Creek flowing by. Entertain family and friends on your private creek side covered patio after preparing a meal in your spacious, airy kitchen featuring a generous granite slab island. This 5-bedroom, 4-bath home offers a separate formal dining room, a bright, cozy living room with wood burning stone fireplace, main floor bedroom or study, and spacious upstairs bedrooms. The lower level gives you flexibility as a separate one-bedroom apartment or additional living space.
Offered at $998,900
Contact me for more information

Vail Resorts Announces the Return of the Epic Pass and Expands Options

2010-03-11T11:13:00.001-08:00

• The Epic Pass returns for the third season offering unlimited, unrestricted skiing at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Heavenly and Arapahoe Basin for $599.

• The new Epic 7-Pack gives skiers and snowboarders seven days of unrestricted skiing and riding at any one of Vail Resorts’ five mountain resorts plus Arapahoe Basin, anytime during the season for a price of $449. Almost 35 percent off of a single day lift ticket price!

• A $49 down payment now guarantees the lowest price through May 31 with the remainder due in the fall.

• The Summit Pass is available for $409 and provides unlimited lift access at the top Summit County resorts - Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin - with no date restrictions.

• New for 2010-2011 is a Keystone and Arapahoe Basin pass, providing unlimited and unrestricted access to both resorts for $359.

• Go to www.epicpass.com for more information!

Slifer Smith & Frampton’s New Written Business for February

2010-03-11T11:11:00.000-08:00

Here's the breakdown in number of transactions.

Price Point:
Up to $275,000 = 12
$275,000 - $500,000 = 9
$500,000 - $1million = 12
$1million - $3million = 14
Over $3million = 5

Area:
Vail/LionsHead = 10
Beaver Creek = 13
Bachelor Gulch = 1
Arrowhead = 3
Avon/Eagle Vail = 15
Cordillera = 3
Eagle/Gypsum = 3
Edwards = 3
Out of County = 1

Two Important Deadlines on the Horizon

2010-03-09T13:47:00.000-08:00

The Fed will stop buying Mortgage Backed Securities at the end of March, which may lead to rising home loan rates, and the Homebuyer's Tax Credit is due to expire on April 30. If you want to learn more about how you can benefit from the current situation, give me a call or email - I'd be happy to explain more about the opportunity at hand.

Jan 2010 Numbers Double Over Jan 2009

2010-03-08T15:53:00.000-08:00

January 2010 dollar volume doubled that of January 2009 with a volume $86,864,200. The number of transactions comes in at 72% above last year, with 79 compared to 46 a year ago. The average sales price for January hit $1,108,616 with a median price of $735,000.

Included in the January sales numbers are 19 Westin residences which averaged $732,479.
The sale of the Cotton Ranch Golf Course in Gypsum also boosted the sales figures at $2.5 million.

January 2010 had a total of four transactions over the $4 million mark. The highest sale price came from an Arrabelle residence, closed at $5.75 million.

January Highlights:
• Single family homes averaged $1,694,616
• Avon had nearly 1/3 of all transactions and more than 20% of the dollar volume due to the Westin sales.
• The Arrabelle sale in LionsHead created the highest average price of any area at $5.75 million

Remember

2010-02-09T10:47:00.000-08:00

Weak economic news normally causes money to flow out of Stocks and into Bonds, helping Bonds and home loan rates improve, while strong economic news normally has the opposite result.
And if you lean downhill when jumping the cornice on Iron Mask, gravity will pull you over, resulting in a long slide halfway down the mountain.

January 2010 Superb!

2010-02-03T10:16:00.000-08:00

New Written Contracts for Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate totaled $109,597,800, a marked improvement over last January at $45,024,400.

Here is the breakdown.
Price Point:
0 - $275,000 = 21
$275,000 - $500,000 = 13
$500,000 - $1million = 19
$1million - $3million = 21
Over $3million = 9

Area:
Vail & LionsHead = 10
Avon = 35
Beaver Creek = 13
Arrowhead = 6
Edwards = 4
Cordillera = 6
Red Sky/Wolcott = 3
Eagle = 4
Out of County = 2

Overall Prices & Annual Sales Improved

2010-01-26T16:57:00.000-08:00

After a rising surge from September 2009 through November 2009, existing-home sales fell as expected in December after first-time buyers rushed to complete sales before the original November deadline for the tax credit. However, prices rose from December 2008 and annual sales improved in 2009, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

Tax Collections Down, LionsHead Up

2010-01-18T17:34:00.000-08:00

Sales tax collections in Vail dropped across the board in November. One of the few bright spots came from lodging receipts in LionsHead, up 12% over last year. Arrabelle at Vail Square created a new draw to LionsHead, with a combination of hotel rooms, luxury residences, shops, restaurants, ice rink and plaza activities, making it the new epicenter in Vail.

Market Predictions

2010-01-10T07:54:00.000-08:00

Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, reports that until the economy recovers enough to start fueling sales he counts on the Federal home-buyer tax credits to provide temporary support for housing markets. He predicts home price improvement in 2010 of more than 3%.

"The headwind we face is rising mortgage interest rates," Yun said, "but the compensating factors will be the homebuyers tax credit in the first half of the year and increased job creation in the second half." The Federal Reserve has helped keep interest rates low through purchases of huge amounts of mortgage-backed securities. That program is winding down and will end in March after which many economists predict a rise in interest rates.

Total 2009 Residential Transactions

2010-01-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

In 2009 there were 545 residential transactions in the Vail Valley.

Total residential sales for 2009 were $649,468,317, with $1,199,383 as the average price of each sale.

Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate has a 2009 average transaction sale price of $1,516,843.

BC Adventure Series Starts on Sunday

2010-01-07T21:32:00.000-08:00

The Beaver Creek Snowshoe Adventure Series kicks off this Sunday at Creekside Park. To register for the Beaver Creek Snowshoe Adventure Series sign up online at bcsnowshoe.com by January 9th or on-site in Beaver Creek on January 10th on-site at the base of the Beaver Creek escalators starting at 9 a.m.

Arrive early at Creekside Park to demo Atlas Snowshoes or at Beaver Creek's Nordic Center to rent snowshoes. All snowshoe demos and rentals are available on a first come, first serve basis.

A post-event party for participants including food & beverages as well as tons of free giveaways will be held at Beaver Creek's ice skating rink following the event.
For more information, visit www.bcsnowshoe.com or call Highline Sports & Entertainment (970) 476-6797.

The Bottom Line

2010-01-07T14:37:00.000-08:00

Low real estate prices + currently low interest rates = a good time to buy in the Vail Valley.

10 Year Anniversary of Blue Sky Basin

2010-01-05T13:52:00.000-08:00

Ten years ago Pete Seibert and Earl Eaton’s vision for Vail Mountain became a reality with the Blue Sky Basin expansion, featuring a vast expanse of wilderness-like ski and ride terrain facing Vail’s legendary Back Bowls.

Pete Seibert, Jr. and Carl Eaton – sons of the late Pete Seibert, Sr. and Earl Eaton – will kick off the day today with an honorary “first chair” ride up the Skyline Express Lift (#37) at 10 a.m.

“From the rustic lift houses and buildings to the phenomenal gladed skiing and snowboarding and expansive views, Blue Sky Basin is an experience unlike anything else on Vail Mountain,” said Chris Jarnot, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. “It’s a privilege to be able to pay tribute to Pete Seibert, Earl Eaton and all who were involved in the development and opening of Blue Sky Basin 10 years ago.”

Exterior Remodeling: Best Bang for the Buck

2010-01-05T10:30:00.000-08:00

On a national level, eight out of the top 10 projects in terms of costs recouped were exterior replacement projects that cost less than $14,000. Certain types of door and siding replacements, as well as wood deck additions all returned more than 80 percent of project costs upon resale. A steel entry door replacement – a new addition to this year’s list – recouped 128.9 percent of costs. Wood deck additions recouped 80.6 percent of costs.

“Once again, this year’s Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report highlights the importance of a home’s first impression,” said NAR President Vicki Cox Golder. “With exterior projects returning a high percent of project costs upon resale, Realtors® can help give your home curb appeal while adding value to the real estate transaction.

EverVail Gondola Meets Approval

2010-01-04T14:55:00.000-08:00

The first segment of a proposed two-part gondola, a marquee feature of the new village to be built at the base of Vail Mountain, has received approval from the U.S. Forest Service. Another component of the new village planned for the west end of LionsHead has just been completed also, a snowcat and snowmobile access road appropriately named Cat Alley. More approvals are needed but the development known as EverVail is on track and on schedule, according to the Director of Mountain Public Affairs who expressed hope for final approvals by late summer or early fall.

Finally - Some Snow!

2010-01-03T07:44:00.000-08:00

Nine inches
in the last 48 hours!

Sixteen Homes Under Contract

2010-01-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

Here’s the breakdown of last week’s activity and list price:
In East Vail: 3 Bedroom Single Family, $1,425,000
In Vail Village: 3 Bedroom Condo $3,100,000
In Sandstone: 2 Bedroom Condo, $458,876
In Eagle-Vail: Studio Condo, $198,000
In Avon at the Westin Riverfront: 3 Studios + 8 2 Bedrooms, $395,000 to $1,765,000 (before discount)
In Arrowhead: 2 Bedroom Condo, $645,000

Westin Riverfront Like New Years Fireworks

2009-12-30T10:12:00.000-08:00

The distractions of the Holidays did not stop the excitement around the 35-40% discount offered by East-West Partners at the Westin Riverfront, announced on December 22. Twenty-five contracts flew out the door and the Developer has decided to extend the price reduction through January 10!

Annual Torchlight Parade & Fireworks

2009-12-29T14:38:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve at Golden Peak
6:15 p.m.

Watch skiers and snowboarders ride down Vail Mountain carrying torches followed by a spectacular fireworks display!

Single Day, Walk Up Prices

2009-12-28T17:33:00.000-08:00

You'll want to keep buying the Epic Pass! The highest prices for lift tickets are paid by those who purchase a single-day, walk-up rate. And here's what they pay:
$97 - Vail & Beaver Creek
$96 - Aspen
$95 - Steamboat & Telluride

If you're near the New York/Massachusettes border, though, you'll find great skiing at a great price at Catamount Ski Area where the most you can pay for a day is $56!
www.catamountski.com

Existing Home Sales Reach Higher Levels

2009-12-26T16:14:00.000-08:00

The National Association of Realtors reports that sales of existing homes in November reached their highest level since the good old days of February 2007.

Sales jumped 7.4% to a seasonally-adjusted rate of 6.5 million units. An increase of 3.3% has been forecast. Sales are 44% higher than they were a year ago when credit markets were frozen. First-time home-buyers made up 51% of all sales activity last month, fueled by the 8% tax credit.

Prices remained soft, however the activity has reduced inventory levels nationally by more than 15% to a 6.5 month supply. In the West, sales are up 10.6% from October and up 28% for the year.

Warm Up the December Chill

2009-12-21T07:42:00.000-08:00

Glenwood Hot Springs Pool always makes the list of top Colorado attrations, and an even more memorable winter adventure. Less than an hour from Vail west on I-70, Glenwood Hot Springs Pool can be a fun evening activity to soothe sore muscles after a day on the slopes or for a more restful retreat, a great day activity paired with a beautiful drive and nice choice of restaurants. At the Hot Springs, relax in all-natural, therapeutic minerals in the therapy pool, kept at an average 104° F. You will feel the difference throughout your body within minutes of stepping in. Then jump into the big pool that spans over two city blocks and “cool down.” The pool is always kept at a comfortable 90°-93° F. For more information, go to http://www.hotspringspool.com/.ur

Drop in Number of Listings

2009-12-20T13:29:00.000-08:00

Eagle County's inventory of properties for sale has dropped from a high of 2,208 listings in August of this year to 1,839 last month.

On SALE at The Westin Riverfront

2009-12-17T04:22:00.000-08:00

The Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa located on the banks of the Eagle River with direct gondola service to Beaver Creek Mountain has announced discounts of 35% on the Studio and Studio Plus Suites and 40% on the new 2 and 3 bedroom condominiums.This incredible reduction applies to the next 25 sales.

Studios now start at $214,500. A 2-bedroom condo will go for as little as $585,000 and the 3-bedrooms start at $1,059,000 - all prices include full furnishings and accessories. Gorgeous mountain views, a luxury spa and fitness center, front desk and bell staff, outdoor swimming pool, multiple hot tubs over looking the river, Avondale Restaurant, and the gondola to Beaver Creek Mountain - what a complete resort and great opportunity! Please contact me for details and floor plans.

Home Construction Up in November

2009-12-16T08:06:00.000-08:00

Home construction rebounded in November from a big drop, rising more than expected as builders cautiously respond to recovering demand for new houses. The Commerce Department report also said building permits, single-family groundbreakings and apartment construction increased.
"The housing data is the most important as the inflation data is so volatile," said Ben Halliburton, chief investment officer for Tradition Capital Management. "And it does seem like housing is bottoming out here, which means that market is no longer a drag after it had been for three years."

More Good Signs in Real Estate

2009-12-13T06:48:00.001-08:00

Our colleagues at Maverick Lending published this piece of information in their weekly newsletter:
The S&P 500 gained +6.0% (total return) last month, its best November performance since the stock index gained +7.7% in 2001. As of 11/30/09, the S&P 500 was up +24.1% YTD. As of 11/30/08, the S&P 500 was down 37.7% YTD. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index of 500 widely held stocks that is generally considered representative of the US stock market (source: BTN Research).

Dog Days Over?

2009-12-11T09:47:00.000-08:00

For the first time in more than three years, American Land Title Association reported an increase in title insurance premiums written during the 3rd quarter of 2009, when compared to equivalent prior year quarters. Colorado was one of the stand-outs with a 40% increase. ALTA’s CEO Kurt Pfotenhauer calls it "a clear signal that market conditions are beginning to improve."

Snow Daze Underway in Vail

2009-12-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

Thursday, December 10
Dummy Demolition Derby - Golden Peak at 5pm, the Dummy Demolition Derby under the lights. Free Chili Chowdown, a DJ, give aways and more!
Eve 6 presented by Bud Light - Free concert at Checkpoint Charlie in Vail Village at 7pm.
Friday, December 11
Yukon Kornelius presented by Bud Light - Ticketed concert at Dobson Arena with opening act Pete Kilpatrick Band. Go on-line to print out free tickets.

Saturday, December 12
Barenaked Ladies presented by Bud Light - Free concert with opening band Pete Kilpatrick Band. The gates open at 4pm and the concert starts at 5pm at Ford Park.
Sunday, December 13
Robert Randolph & the Family Band presented by Bud Light - Free apres concert with opening act Bonfire Dub and special guest DJ Logic. The concert starts at 3pm at Checkpoint Charlie in Vail Village.
More Info at www.snowdaze.com

Rentals on the Rise

2009-12-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

While the snow falls outside, local attorney Rohn Robbins takes time to outline applicable tenant/landlord laws in today's Vail Daily for those Sellers who have opted to take their homes off the market and put in renters instead.

Vail Law: Here's a look at renter's rights in Colorado

Janka's Hat Trick at the World Cup Races

2009-12-07T09:40:00.000-08:00

Swiss skier Carlo Janka completed a dominant sweep Sunday of the World Cup races in Beaver Creek, winning his third event in three days here. Janka won the giant slalom Sunday, taking the lead after the first run and then holding off the rest of the field with a solid second run that was fourth-fastest.The 23-year-old won the super combined Friday and the downhill Saturday.

A trio of wins in a week at Beaver Creek is something that's only been done by Austrian legend Hermann Maier, who won the giant slalom, downhill and super-G on Birds of Prey in November 1999.

Best Rolls in Town

2009-12-06T08:54:00.000-08:00

Where can you get the best rolls in town and have dinner for two for 50 bucks? That would be in Avon at two local favorites Nozawa and Ticino. Sushi seekers will love 50% off on all rolls at Nozawa in Chapel Square. On Friday night, we gorged ourselves on the Spider, Iche Ban, Crunch, and Yellowtail Tuna rolls, accompanied by a frosty Kirin. Saturday we went for the Italian flare at Ticino in the Avon Center, starting with a fresh serving of rolls from the Columbine Bakery, another well-known Avon eatery owned by the same proprietors. We followed that with a crisp Margarhita pizza from the wood oven, a full plate of penne pasta with chicken and mushrooms in a creamy sauce, another with steaming hot spaghetti bolognese, and a nice cold Stella. Too full for dessert, we left with an apple and strawberry pastry to go, a sweet treat for Sunday morning.

What Does $12,900,000 Buy in Vail?

2009-12-05T13:16:00.000-08:00

Amazing Views: 1452 Buffher Creek Road

By the Gondola: 463 Beaver Dam Road

Huge Improvement in New Business

2009-12-04T07:45:00.000-08:00

In November 2009, Slifer Smith & Frampton brokers wrote $44,021,000 in New Business –the total for both sides was $64,980,500.

In November 2008, Slifer Smith & Frampton brokers wrote $18,116,570 in New Business – the total for both sides was $29,777,570.

Whoa, It's Cold!

2009-12-03T15:36:00.000-08:00

At 4:30 p.m. the temperature in Vail Village is 5 degrees. Wear your warmest layers and watch out for frostbite at the races tomorrow where 17 degrees will be the high. A balmy 26 on Saturday with clear skies but 15 and snow on Sunday!

Beaver Creek Home Closes for $15.5 Million

2009-12-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

An American buyer who previously owned property in Vail and had chosen Aspen as his most recent mountain retreat has pulled up stakes there and moved back to the Vail Valley, closing on a 7-bedroom/15,900 square foot estate at the top of Borders Road in Beaver Creek. This transction closed on Monday for $15,500,000 furnished.

2009 Birds of Prey World Cup Beaver Creek

2009-12-01T09:13:00.000-08:00

This Week!
Wednesday
Downhill Training ~ 11 a.m.
Thursday
Downhill Training ~ 11 a.m.
Friday
Super Combined
Downhill ~ 11 a.m.
Slalom ~ 2:30 p.m.
Saturday
Downhill ~ 11 a.m.
Sunday
Giant Slalom ~ 9:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.

Live Chat Begins Tomorrow

2009-11-30T07:04:00.000-08:00

Beginning tomorrow Slifer Smith & Frampton will be the first real estate firm in the Vail Valley to offer on-line "Live Chat" access. You may search and chat at http://www.slifer.net/. Hit the "Live Chat" button and an on-duty broker will text/e-mail you back in less than a minute! Have your questions answered quickly and receive any additional information instantly. I will be participating in the rotation of on-line brokers, so please log on and chat!

Lifts Open in LionsHead and Vail Village

2009-11-28T07:51:00.000-08:00

Avanti Express Lift (#2)
Born Free Express Lift (#8)
Gopher Hill Lift (#12)
Little Eagle Lift (#15)
Vista Bahn Express Lift (#16)
Eagle Bahn Gondola (#19)

Luxury Vail Homes Under Contract since October 1st

2009-11-25T19:27:00.000-08:00

1. Vail: Arrabelle Condo #284 ~ Listed at $6,395,000
2. Vail: 5142 Grouse Lane ~ Listed at $5,650,000
3. Vail: Landmark Condo #51 ~Listed at $3,120,000
4. Beaver Creek: 463 Borders ~ Listed at $21,975,000
5. Mountain Star: 114 Blue Flax ~ Listed at $4,500,000
6. Bachelor Gulch: Quartermoon TH#7 ~ Listed at $3,995,000
7. Bachelor Gulch: 3365 Daybreak Ridge ~ Listed at $13,995,000
8. Lake Creek: 1266 Pilgrim Drive ~ Listed at $3,750,000

How Did Vail Get Its Name?

2009-03-31T16:49:00.000-07:00

As the chief engineer for the State of Colorado in the 1930's, Charles Vail developed hundreds of miles of roads, connecting a great number of Colorado's mountain communities. Vail Pass received his name in honor of the work he accomplished.

In the early 1960's when Vail's founders debated what to name the resort, some favored “Shining Mountain,” which the native Ute's had called the area. Pete Seibert, one of the town's creators and a native of New England, felt sensitive to the notion that “Shining Mountain Resort” might suggest icy slopes, so the name became Vail ~ short, easy, pleasant, and taken from the identity of the pass to the east.

More interesting facts on Vail Mountain and the naming of the runs can be found at http://vail.snow.com/winter/gl.aboutvail.trailhistory.asp

When it Snows Forty Inches!

2009-03-28T16:19:00.000-07:00

It's time to go skiing! Wow. The last few days were amazing, remarkable, wonderful, astonishing, steep, deep, but exhausting. Still a rookie in the infinite powder, I found that digging out of the bottomless marshmallow fluff is tiresome work! Bobbling to a stop in Royal Elk Glade, I fell away from the mountain like a freshly cut timber, landing with my skis still attached but buried above me. Ten minutes later I was free only to turn left, right and then gently wrap myself in a little pine bush. Yes I bit it big in Beaver Creek today. But what happens on Grouse Mountain, stays on Grouse Mountain!

Paddy's Lives on in Eagle-Vail

2009-03-24T06:41:00.000-07:00

Pitchers of golden beer, dark drafts of Guinness, and shots of Jameson lined the bar on St. Patrick's Day. Paddy's lives! Languishing without a new buyer and recently closing the lunch business made owner Ralph Dockerty wonder how much longer he would stay open. But locals have kicked it up the last few weeks, stopping by for a cold one, plate of HOT wings, a juicy burger or, my favorite, the root beer float. Celebrating their 25th St. Patrick's Day in Eagle-Vail, Paddy's Sports Bar & Grill showed why it has been the place to go for great family dining, live entertainment and big tv sports viewing. It is truly the neighborhood spot you remember... a place to gather for good times with friends and family. And on Friday nights, don't forget the karaoke.

Paddy's Sports Bar & Grill is located exactly half-way between Vail and Beaver Creek, just off the Eagle-Vail Exit #169 of Interstate 70 at 40801 Highway 6 & 24 in Eagle-Vail.

Arrabelle Club Member for a Day

2009-03-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

Would you like to try the Arrabelle Club for the Day? Please call Betsy at 970 471 2553 to take advantage of this offer through the end of the ski season, April 19, 2009.
The Arrabelle Club is a private, slopeside club located within The Arrabelle at Vail Square, modeled after the popular Passport Clubhouse at Golden Peak, Arrowhead Alpine Club and Bachelor Gulch Club.
Members of The Arrabelle Alpine Club will have reserved, year-round mountainside parking, a private locker/club room, Activities Director/Concierge services, access to the Great Room, Business Center, Ski Butler services and the luxurious Avanyu Spa and Fitness facilities within The Arrabelle at Vail Square. The will also receive spa discounts and discounts at Centre V Bistro.
As a Member for the Day, you will receive complimentary slopeside parking, locker room use, slopeside ski valet, complimentary continental breakfast, and if you come on Thursday, apres ski!

Where to Park in Vail

2009-03-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

Does Vail parking have you stumped? There is more parking this year than ever - you just need the local, insider information.
The top free parking locations in Vail:
1. East Vail Interchange at the East Vail Exit off I-70 near Bighorn Road
2. North Frontage Road in West Vail on the Frontage road across from Safeway. Friday through Sunday and Peak Days.
3. Stephens Park off of South Frontage Road West
4. North Trail Trailhead off of North Frontage Road West
5. Former location of Wendy's restaurant in West Vail
6. Spraddle Creek Trailhead off of Spraddle Creek Road
7. Red Sandstone Park - 700 North Frontage Road

Let me know if you would like the official Town of Vail "Insider Guide to Parking."

Epic Pass is Back!

2009-03-20T20:33:00.000-07:00

Buy it by April 9th for the 2009-2010 season! Unlimited skiing at all five Vail Resorts areas - Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly - along with Arapahoe Basin for the price of $579 for adults and $279 for children, 5 to 12 years old.
You can lock in the price with a downpayment of just $49 and pay the rest in September 2009. What a deal! Go to www.epicpass.com
Vail Resorts will continue to use the new, state-of-the-art Radio Frequency Technology for an "easy scan" process that gives skiers and snowboarders the option to keep their pass zipped inside their jacket while getting scanned in lift lines.

A Perfect Day of Skiing in Bachelor Gulch

2009-03-20T20:28:00.000-07:00

The sun shines bright in Bachelor Gulch on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Driving up to Firelight Lodge at the top of Bachelor Ridge Road, the views of Game Creek Bowl in Vail and the Gore Range come into focus as we wind up. From the ski locker at Firelight, we step into our skis just outside the door and drop straight down the rolling blue terrain of Roughlock, groomed and soft in the afternoon sun. We catch the Bachelor Gulch Express and go around and around on Grubstake, Cabin Fever, Gunder's, Springtooth, and then move over to Arrowhead with laps on Cresta and Little Brave. Shooting right off of Little Brave, we roll back down Roughlock and straight to The Ritz-Carlton deck for our late afternoon break at Daniel's Apres Ski Bar. With an ice cold Fat Tire that goes down easy, we share a cold jumbo shrimp cocktail, crisp artichoke and goat cheese dumplings, and the trio of cheeses, with guacamole, sour cream and jalapenos. The crowd is buzzing, live music in the background and all of a sudden we notice it's 3:25! Time to catch the last ride up the mountain and quickly we are back at Firelight Lodge. Click off our boots and call it a great spring day!