Rumor has it we are getting snow tonight. That is always exciting news when living in a ski resort. But, the first few snows of the season are exhilarating. I can't wait, as this is one of those in-between-times where the leaves are gone, and Mother Nature is preparing for winter. The sky is either a vibrant blue with crisp days, or a grey which matches the trunks of the aspens. So, having a beautiful "big snowstorm" is like having the circus come to town. And, I can't wait.
I am trying to control my emotion so that I am not disappointed tomorrow if we just have a few inches of snow. I want many many inches or a few feet of snow. I love that initial snow on the ground and fresh cold dry air. And then, we start the count down to Opening Day. Oh what a thrill!
If you are planning on a ski vacation this year, it is time to, at the very least, book your accommodations. It is going to be a busy winter this year. Last year we had "spurts of snow". The year before that we had so much snow that everyone grumbled in May when the snows continued. But because we didn't have our normal snow last year, there is pent-up demand for fun on the slopes. Opening Day on Vail Mountain is November 14, 2012. Opening Day in Beaver Creek is November 21, 2012.
And, when you are enjoying that exceptional snow while skiing/boarding down the slopes, look at some of the beautiful homes and condominiums you are shooshing by....it explains why so many people want to be here and share in our beautiful Valley and the fun life of a ski resort. Prices are still some of the best we've seen in 15 years and the interest rates are as low as anyone can remember.
It is amazing what Nature provides us and how man has adapted fun to all seasons...happy ski season!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
House Hunting in the Vail Valley
I am sure many of you are going to wonder if I have been living on another planet, but last November I discovered HGTV. I certainly had heard about it. Many of the Buyers and Sellers I work with would reference it. Numerous times I would have Buyers say they wanted a "fixer upper" like on HGTV. During a Sellers' Market I would take them to a "fixer upper" and they would run screaming into the night. They realized that they were not going to be able to buy a tired worn-out home at a lower cost. However, in today's Buyers' Market that is different. Many of my Clients discovered HGTV years ago. It has been on the air since December 1, 1994, or at least that is what my Google Research tells me.
While I had flipped by the channel of HGTV and DIY Networks while channel surfing, numerous times, I had never spent any time watching the channel. I couldn't imagine that I would find it interesting. I am in the real estate business and why would I spend my off hours looking at homes, on television? I LOVE looking at homes, and can never take a trip without looking at the real estate ads and prices in whatever area I am visiting. But, I just couldn't understand how people become so hooked on "those shows". Does a home really "show well" on television?
My world changed last November...I walked into my hotel room mid-day, in early November last year, at the National Association of REALTORS Convention in Anaheim. It was too early to pick up my registration packet at the Convention Hall, and I had been up since 4:00 a.m. Colorado time, so I was tired. I had a couple of hours before events started...I flipped on the television. I thought I would watch one of the business/news shows...HGTV was one of the first channels I flipped to on my way through the channels. I stopped as there was a charming little cottage being toured by the Buyer and Real Estate Agent. Well, I couldn't move on until I knew what she was going to buy...then the next half hour there was a Property Virgin aka First Time Home Buyer...how could I miss that? Then we went to Paris...oh my goodness, one of my FAVORITE cities in this world...I had to see what I could buy there for $2,000,000 and so it went...I spent two hours mesmerized...that evening after dinner, I hurried back to my room wondering what I was missing on HGTV...and that is how my HGTV obsession began...one year later, that is the channel I watch the most. I don't care if I've seen the show a couple of times. I love all the Bath, Kitchen, Home and Yard Crashers. I always try to figure out will the Homeowner "Love It or List It" after a remodel and exhaustive home hunting. I pride myself on figuring out what the Buyers will buy during the "hunt"...my records pretty good, I 'd say 7 out of 10 times I know what they will buy before they do.
So what does this have to do with House Hunting in the Vail Valley, you are asking yourselves...well it has everything to do with buying and selling a vacation home in a Resort or your primary residence. The vast majority of human beings, need their own space in the world, the haven, the hearth, which are both the heart of the family. Why else would HGTV and other channels, exist? Our homes show who we are, where we've been (often from the accessories and art-work) and where we are in life's many stages...the young married, new parents, parents of young adults, or grandparents. Are you building up to a large home from the initial condominium or downsizing to a small easy to care for condominium from the estate home? Where ever you are in your stage of life, there is a perfect home for you, in this beautiful Valley. We have ski-slope condominiums and homes or summer Villas on the golf course. Whatever it is you are looking for, we can find it. This is one of those remarkable areas which gives you not only a wonderful recreational experience , it is also mystical and spiritual. The mountains exhibit the strength, beauty and intensity of nature, while giving us the freedom to relax and restore. It's worth a visit to find out for yourself...if nothing else, you may just see us on HGTV...believe me, it is MUCH better being here. Have a good week.
While I had flipped by the channel of HGTV and DIY Networks while channel surfing, numerous times, I had never spent any time watching the channel. I couldn't imagine that I would find it interesting. I am in the real estate business and why would I spend my off hours looking at homes, on television? I LOVE looking at homes, and can never take a trip without looking at the real estate ads and prices in whatever area I am visiting. But, I just couldn't understand how people become so hooked on "those shows". Does a home really "show well" on television?
My world changed last November...I walked into my hotel room mid-day, in early November last year, at the National Association of REALTORS Convention in Anaheim. It was too early to pick up my registration packet at the Convention Hall, and I had been up since 4:00 a.m. Colorado time, so I was tired. I had a couple of hours before events started...I flipped on the television. I thought I would watch one of the business/news shows...HGTV was one of the first channels I flipped to on my way through the channels. I stopped as there was a charming little cottage being toured by the Buyer and Real Estate Agent. Well, I couldn't move on until I knew what she was going to buy...then the next half hour there was a Property Virgin aka First Time Home Buyer...how could I miss that? Then we went to Paris...oh my goodness, one of my FAVORITE cities in this world...I had to see what I could buy there for $2,000,000 and so it went...I spent two hours mesmerized...that evening after dinner, I hurried back to my room wondering what I was missing on HGTV...and that is how my HGTV obsession began...one year later, that is the channel I watch the most. I don't care if I've seen the show a couple of times. I love all the Bath, Kitchen, Home and Yard Crashers. I always try to figure out will the Homeowner "Love It or List It" after a remodel and exhaustive home hunting. I pride myself on figuring out what the Buyers will buy during the "hunt"...my records pretty good, I 'd say 7 out of 10 times I know what they will buy before they do.
So what does this have to do with House Hunting in the Vail Valley, you are asking yourselves...well it has everything to do with buying and selling a vacation home in a Resort or your primary residence. The vast majority of human beings, need their own space in the world, the haven, the hearth, which are both the heart of the family. Why else would HGTV and other channels, exist? Our homes show who we are, where we've been (often from the accessories and art-work) and where we are in life's many stages...the young married, new parents, parents of young adults, or grandparents. Are you building up to a large home from the initial condominium or downsizing to a small easy to care for condominium from the estate home? Where ever you are in your stage of life, there is a perfect home for you, in this beautiful Valley. We have ski-slope condominiums and homes or summer Villas on the golf course. Whatever it is you are looking for, we can find it. This is one of those remarkable areas which gives you not only a wonderful recreational experience , it is also mystical and spiritual. The mountains exhibit the strength, beauty and intensity of nature, while giving us the freedom to relax and restore. It's worth a visit to find out for yourself...if nothing else, you may just see us on HGTV...believe me, it is MUCH better being here. Have a good week.
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Time to Buy Your Ski Home in the Vail Valley?
A few days ago, I worked with a couple who would like to buy a home in the Vail Valley. Actually they were thinking on the Beaver Creek Mountain, in Bachelor Gulch Village or Arrowhead. They have owned here before. They started by owning a large home in Beaver Creek, then purchased a ski condominium (pre-construction) in Bachelor Gulch and finally a beautiful home in Cordillera which is a spectacular golf community in this area.
Because they have stopped skiing in the past couple of years, they would use it as a summer home and then their family, children and grandchildren, would use it as a ski home. And, when not in use, they may decide to rent it on a short-term basis. So we were looking to satisfy three needs in one home. As often happens right now, they were on-line and picked out several homes to see and then asked me to select a couple of other homes. While they quickly decided what would work for them, and they were able to eliminate others, they came to the conclusion he preferred one on the ski slopes and she found one in a beautiful neighborhood, which is 5 to 7 minutes walking distant from the ski lift.
While thinking about their options, they had the very normal and often heard question, "IS IT TIME TO BUY?" They have the normal concerns we have been hearing for the past four years, are the homes prices stable? Are there still deals in the market? And what will happen in the last three months of this year? He asked "where will I get the best appreciation and make the best investment?" She said to her husband and me, "Oh you two, discussing investment and appreciation... I want a home which is fun to live in and a beautiful neighborhood which is going to be comfortable for us to spend our summers." She then asked her husband, "Aren't we old enough not to have to worry about a good investment, can't we just LIVE in it and enjoy it?"
I've given her comment a great deal of thought. And, of course thought to myself, aren't we finally beyond worrying about the real estate market further depreciating? I really don't have sage advice. I simply believe with all my being that the Buyers I have dealt with in the past four years, are VERY happy with their homes, are thrilled to be in our Valley, and they haven't given the price they've paid much thought since they closed on their homes. They believe they got everything and much more than they hoped for in the homes they purchased.
The Sellers I have worked with in the past four years, are usually sad they sold; they miss their Vail Valley homes, and a few are thinking of buying here, again. So what do I deduce from this? I believe that we currently have some great deal for Buyers. Ski Season 2012/2013 is 6 weeks away. And, I believe the world is on an upswing. I also believe most of the Buyers and Sellers I work with are optimistic abut the next few years, but are afraid to be the first to say it.
Here are a few simple facts, the very exclusive, high-end estate homes, in the Vail Valley, have sold well in 2011 and 2012. Our high-end sales usually begin first during a recovery, and interest rates are so low I think we may have to go back over 50 years to match another period in history with rates this low. And, finally, life is short...what is your QTR? That simply means many what is your "Quality of Time Remaining". Today's Buyers are buying because they want to make memories with their spouses, children, grandchildren, and friends. They are here to enjoy as who knows what amount of time is left to any of us. And, as a dear friend says, the last suit we all wear does not have pockets.
It is normal to have questions when buying a vacation home, as it is never a necessity, and often pure luxury. However, how fortunate to have the ability to make this choice in life, AND, to be able to give not only the tangible, but also intangible gift to your family and selves. It really is time to buy your dreams...6 weeks and counting until Ski Season....whoohoo!
Because they have stopped skiing in the past couple of years, they would use it as a summer home and then their family, children and grandchildren, would use it as a ski home. And, when not in use, they may decide to rent it on a short-term basis. So we were looking to satisfy three needs in one home. As often happens right now, they were on-line and picked out several homes to see and then asked me to select a couple of other homes. While they quickly decided what would work for them, and they were able to eliminate others, they came to the conclusion he preferred one on the ski slopes and she found one in a beautiful neighborhood, which is 5 to 7 minutes walking distant from the ski lift.
While thinking about their options, they had the very normal and often heard question, "IS IT TIME TO BUY?" They have the normal concerns we have been hearing for the past four years, are the homes prices stable? Are there still deals in the market? And what will happen in the last three months of this year? He asked "where will I get the best appreciation and make the best investment?" She said to her husband and me, "Oh you two, discussing investment and appreciation... I want a home which is fun to live in and a beautiful neighborhood which is going to be comfortable for us to spend our summers." She then asked her husband, "Aren't we old enough not to have to worry about a good investment, can't we just LIVE in it and enjoy it?"
I've given her comment a great deal of thought. And, of course thought to myself, aren't we finally beyond worrying about the real estate market further depreciating? I really don't have sage advice. I simply believe with all my being that the Buyers I have dealt with in the past four years, are VERY happy with their homes, are thrilled to be in our Valley, and they haven't given the price they've paid much thought since they closed on their homes. They believe they got everything and much more than they hoped for in the homes they purchased.
The Sellers I have worked with in the past four years, are usually sad they sold; they miss their Vail Valley homes, and a few are thinking of buying here, again. So what do I deduce from this? I believe that we currently have some great deal for Buyers. Ski Season 2012/2013 is 6 weeks away. And, I believe the world is on an upswing. I also believe most of the Buyers and Sellers I work with are optimistic abut the next few years, but are afraid to be the first to say it.
Here are a few simple facts, the very exclusive, high-end estate homes, in the Vail Valley, have sold well in 2011 and 2012. Our high-end sales usually begin first during a recovery, and interest rates are so low I think we may have to go back over 50 years to match another period in history with rates this low. And, finally, life is short...what is your QTR? That simply means many what is your "Quality of Time Remaining". Today's Buyers are buying because they want to make memories with their spouses, children, grandchildren, and friends. They are here to enjoy as who knows what amount of time is left to any of us. And, as a dear friend says, the last suit we all wear does not have pockets.
It is normal to have questions when buying a vacation home, as it is never a necessity, and often pure luxury. However, how fortunate to have the ability to make this choice in life, AND, to be able to give not only the tangible, but also intangible gift to your family and selves. It really is time to buy your dreams...6 weeks and counting until Ski Season....whoohoo!
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