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Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 247

Question:  Allison, we are looking to buy a home in Silverthorne, CO and we are wondering about prices and what are the predictions for the future?

Answer: Interesting news:  Predictions around the country for housing prices are looking up, up, up!  What does this mean for Summit County, CO?  Historically, our market tends to lag behind the national economy by about 12-18 months. We are starting to see our prices stabilize in many segments of our market and we are beginning to see multiple offer situations on the "cream puffs" that come on the market.

What’s a cream puff? Good question!  A cream puff is the property everyone is looking for- it is priced right and in super condition!  Cream puffs are not lasting in our market!  So, when you see a cream puff and you really like it and can see yourself making family memories there – I would advise you to take action on it.  Cream puffs don’t last.

Consider the following from the Keeping Matters Current Crew:

Two Additional Experts Upgrade their Pricing Forecast

 Last Monday, we reported that several analysts had upgraded their projections for home price appreciation in 2013. A few days later, the Wall Street Journal revealed that two additional analysts had also upgraded their forecasts.
Zelman & Associates
“Ivy Zelman, chief executive of research firm Zelman & Associates, said Wednesday she was now expecting prices to rise by 7% this year, up from earlier estimates of 6%, 5%, and 3%…She’s also calling for a 5% gain next year because she says the supply shortages and growing demand that fueled last year’s turnaround show no signs of easing.”
Her reasons:
“The shortage of housing capacity continues to resonate. Just as deflation was a national headwind that stretched deeper into the economy than anyone would have imagined, we believe that appreciation can carry broad, positive implications for the consumer and economy beyond many expectations.”
John Burns Real Estate Consultants
“John Burns, who runs a real-estate consulting firm in Irvine, Calif., is calling for a 9% gain in home prices this year, up from a 5% forecast late last year.”
 His reasons:
“Strong investor demand and low interest rates that have boosted the purchasing power of buyers.”
These two experts join a long list of housing analysts who have now called for a major rebound in housing prices in 2013.”

Major rebound?  Sounds good to us.  Now is an excellent time to buy real estate in Summit County – interest rates are fantastically low and credit is easing for second homes, prices are good and although inventory is down from first quarter last year, we have some great properties available.  Summit County is still on sale!!

 

For answers to your real estate questions, call Allison at 970-468-6800. Email - Info@SummitRealEstate.com. Her philosophy is simple, whether buying or selling, she understands that the most important real estate transaction is yours.  Want to know the value of your Summit County property? Visit www.SummitHomeValue.com   

Colorado resorts' housing market rebounds

by Allison Simson
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

By Jason Blevins
The Denver Post

Posted:   02/17/2013 12:01:00 AM MST

A huge December pushed 2012 high-country real-estate sales to their highest levels since 2008.

Three years after the resort real-estate market cratered in 2009, sales in six Colorado resort counties have rebounded.

Realtors say the rebound was supercharged in the last few months of the year, with December sales ranking as one of the strongest since the boom times of 2007.

In Pitkin County, where average prices in tony Aspen were $4.2 million in 2012 and most high-end deals are done in cash, December sales reached $270 million, up 116 percent over December 2011.

Aspen broker Tim Estin said uncertainty over tax changes planned for 2013, primarily estate and capital-gains taxes, "likely fueled a number of these transactions before the end of the year and trumped the uncertainty caused by the 'fiscal cliff' debate."

In Eagle County, where December sales climbed 90 percent, buyers whittled away at a dwindling supply of properties.

"It was a combination of people searching for a good investment and watching a market near the bottom," said Vail broker Gil Fancher, who posted his best month ever in December with a mix of high-end, midmarket and fractional sales. "People are realizing I can park money in this area and come and use it or I can rent it and I can even gain a little back on my investment when the market returns."

That return has been slow, especially to the levels seen in 2007. Back then, real-estate sales in Eagle, Grand, Pitkin, Routt, San Miguel and Summit counties topped a record $10 billion. Two years later, the economy reeled, resort-area foreclosures reached rec-ord levels and prices plummeted. Total sales in those counties in 2009 barely hit $3.6 billion. Last year, sales in the six counties reached $4.9 billion, still less than half of 2007 but 22 percent ahead of 2011 and 37 percent ahead of the 2009 low point.

"The new normal is realistic expectations. Slow and steady," said Mike Periolet, a 20-year broker and 10-year town councilman in Winter Park, anchor of the Grand County market that saw a 26 percent annual increase in dollar volume in 2012.

Periolet said he thinks the market eventually will return to the volume seen in 2007, when Grand County posted a record $640 million in sales. But it will take time and development of new homes to replace the Fraser Valley's ample supply of 30-year-old condos.

"There are always buyers for new product, so as the demand creeps back in, the developers will follow," Periolet said. "We'll start building again, and it will all cycle. Until the next crash. And I'll be retired by then."

Steamboat Springs' Routt County has seen a slower rebound than other resort areas, climbing 7 percent in 2012.

The county's real-estate market fell hard from 2007 to 2009, losing more than $1 billion in sales volume.

Routt's climb back has been slow, with prices remaining low. And as in other resort communities, December was exceptionally busy in Routt County, with $73 million in sales, a 56 percent increase over the previous December. Still, average prices in Routt did not climb in 2012.

"We have some tremendous values, and right now, it's the time to buy," said Stan Urban of Land Title Guarantee Co.

Telluride also saw a momentous December, with $76 million in sales, the highest since July 2007. San Miguel County enjoyed a 47 percent surge in sales volume over 2011, the largest increase of all six resort counties and its best year since 2007. (Still, 2012 sales in San Miguel County were less than half of 2007.)

Investor mentality is shifting from a concentration on financial returns toward lifestyle returns, said longtime Telluride broker T.D. Smith.

Many see the Telluride and Mountain Village market as "bottomed out," Smith said.

"There is definitely a recognition by people that they can buy in this market and they are not going to get hurt," he said. "People are tired of being tired. They are ready to move on and teach their children and grandchildren how to ski and fly-fish and be a part of the mountain environment."

Jason Blevins: 303-954-1374, jblevins@denverpost.com or twitter.com/jasontblevins

 

Summit County News & Views is here!

by Allison Simson

Hello from Summit County!  We are in full gear for 2013 It’s starting out to be a great year!

Here is our latest (and greatest!) News & Views magazine.  It’s loaded with good info for you – Market updates, sales pricing history, articles on the various towns in Summit County, what your money can buy in Summit County, great properties – and best of all – the Summit Calendar of events! 

Please click on the picture below to enjoy our Winter edition of Summit Real Estate News & Views....

See something that catches your eye, please give us a call.  We'll be happy to send you more detailed information about ANY property for sale in Summit County.

We value your opinions and comments-if there is something you would like to see in our magazine next time, just ask!   Let us know what you think!  Have a safe and happy winter!

Fiscal Cliff - How it affects property owners

by Allison Simson

Question:  Allison, we are wondering how the “fiscal cliff” really affects us.  Any thoughts?

Answer: Just when you never wanted to hear the words "Fiscal Cliff" again, I’m glad you asked!  Here are some of the details of the changes in the law that affect property owners. 

(This information was compiled by the National Association of Realtors

* Mortgage cancellation relief is extended until January 1st, 2014.  This is for people doing short sales and not wanting to be taxed on the amount shorted to the bank.
* Deductions for mortgage insurance premiums for filers making under $110,000 is extended through 2013 and is retroactive for 2012.
* This one affects ALL home owners, the energy efficiency tax credit of 10% (up to $500) was extended through 2013 for improvements to EXISTING homes.
* Capital gains rate: This stays at 15% for those making under $400k/$450k.  After that tax rate is now 20%.  The $250k/$500k exclusion for the sale of a single family residence stays in place.
* Estate Tax:  The first $5m in individual estates and $10m in family estates are now exempt from estate taxes.  After that the rate is 40%.

 

This is just the down and dirty about how the newest changes may affect you and your family.  Give us a call if you’d like more information – or, as always, speak with your accountant to get detailed info about your particular situation!

 

For answers to your real estate questions, call Allison at 970-468-6800. Email - Info@SummitRealEstate.com. Her philosophy is simple, whether buying or selling, she understands that the most important real estate transaction is yours.  Want to know the value of your Summit County property? Visit www.SummitHomeValue.com  

 

Dreaming of a Vacation Home? Buy It Now!

by Allison Simson

When the economy was exploding in the early 2000s, many people began to dream about purchasing that vacation home in the mountains. However, with the booming economy came those skyrocketing house prices. Many of the homes we fell in love with quickly became out of reach financially. Now may be the time to look at those homes again- and give it some more thought!  Is this the year? 

With prices dropping by over 30% in some markets and with interest rates at historic lows (I can’t believe how low the rates are!), this may be the perfect time to do what you and your families have always dreamt of doing – buying that resort or retirement home.  Let’s look at the numbers.

Back in 2006 we may have seen the ‘perfect’ home but the $500,000 price tag was just out of reach. Today, we could probably get that home for $400,000 (if not less). We also would be financing it at the current mortgage rate instead of the rates available six years ago. The table below shows the difference in impact on our family’s finances:

Not every family is in the financial position to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities the current real estate market offers. But, if yours is, this may be the time for dreams to come true. (Graph reprinted with permission from the KCM Crew)

 

For answers to your real estate questions, call Allison at 970-468-6800. Email - Info@SummitRealEstate.com. Her philosophy is simple, whether buying or selling, she understands that the most important real estate transaction is yours.  Want to know the value of your Summit County property? Visit www.SummitHomeValue.com  

Sunshine, Storage & Sweet Views from Wildernest!

by Kelie Gray

6901 Villamont is a townhome style end unit located in Wildernest that will knock your socks off!  It is certainly one of the most appealing units in the complex for multiple reasons.  It’s an end unit, and has tons of windows to let the natural sunlight flood in.  The abundant windows also let you take in the awesome mountain and lake views from both levels of the property.  It also boasts one of the largest decks, and because it wraps around it is a great addition to your indoor and outdoor living space.  You would never know it was built in 1976 because this unit has updates galore! Wood floors, doors and trim, paint, carpet and counters are just a few of the nice touches you will find here.  A custom built in entertainment and storage center in the family room keeps your electronics up and out of the way and provides great additional storage. A brand new hot water heater means one less thing to worry about down the road.

Adding to the ease of livability, whether Summit County and its mountains are your primary residence or you’re looking for a vacation home, is all of the additional space to store your “toys”.  Ingenious bike storage in the unit is easy to use and out of the way!  An exterior storage closet nearby has tons of room for all of your summer and winter gear and whatever else you need to pack away from time to time.  The second bedroom now also boasts a walk-in closet, and all of the storage here is such a good and efficient use of the space.  A washer and dryer in the unit is so convenient and what a time saver! 

This property has 2 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, 877 square feet and is listed for sale at $225,000.00.  Low HOA dues of $218/month include common area maintenance, common building taxes, building insurance, management, security, trash pickup and snow removal.  2012 property taxes were just over $900 for the year.  Don’t wait, give your broker or Summit Real Estate a call to see this bright and updated end unit today! 

 

 

Looking to Buy?  Not ready to speak to a broker?  Visit www.SummitHomeBuyer.com

 

Meet Kelie Gray, Buyer Specialist at Summit Real Estate-The Simson / Nenninger Team.  Devoted to working only with Buyers, this Specialist tours hundreds of properties and commits to having the most comprehensive knowledge in the market.  Kelie can be reached at (800) 262.8442 or (970) 468.6800, www.SummitRealEstate.com or email at Kelie@SummitRealEstate.com

 

 

Summit County Sales

by Allison Simson

I attended a meeting with Mark Wadsworth of the Summit County Assessor's Office yesterday and leaned a lot about our market!  For starters, I'm thankful for Mark and his team - and thankful that they do all of that grueling number crunching and analysis for us!  Their analysis showed that for Summit County residential sales, the overall trend for the past 24 months has been downward at approximately -.30% per month.  The last 7 months of sales prices appear to be stabilizing and the overall decline in valuation is less than previously projected (good news!)  The total overall projected decrease for the past 24-month period is approximately 4%  from the Assessor's 2011 values.  Of course, this is an average, but I think it gives us a good overall picture of the health of our real estate market!

For an extremely interesting article on property values in Summit County making a modest comeback click here.

Here's to brighter days - and a snowy ski season!

Summit County Market Reports

by Allison Simson

Summer is in full-swing here in the high country - and it is such a glorious summer!  After a dry start, we are thankful for the rain we've had lately - the temperatures are just PERFECT!  Have you been up to visit?

Are you curious about the real estate market here?  We are seeing the number of sales stable with last year even as the prices continue to drop in many segments - we have seen some stabilization in some areas.  Inventory continues to be a bit lower than last year which is one of the signs we look for to determine a market's health.  This is a good thing!

For more details about the specific towns, click on the links below:

1) Breckenridge
2) Dillon
 3) Frisco
 4) Keystone
 5) Summit County Update
 6) Wildernest/Silverthorne

 

For answers to your real estate questions, call Allison at 970-468-6800. Email - Info@SummitRealEstate.com. Allison is a long time local in Summit County. Summit Real Estate – The Simson/Nenninger Team is located at the Dillon Ridge Marketplace. Allison’s long-time residency and years of real estate experience can help you make the most of any buying or selling situation. She’s a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), the highest designation awarded to a Realtor in the residential sales field.  Her philosophy is simple, whether buying or selling, she understands that the most important real estate transaction is yours.  Want to know the value of your Summit County property? Visit www.SummitHomeValue.com  

Summit County News & Views is here!

by Allison Simson

Greetings from Summit County!  We are in full gear for summer - which is such an amazing season. Our days aren't ever too hot, and our evenings are crisp and clear. It is often said that people come to Summit County for the winter, but stay for the summer! 

The Summit Real Estate - Simson Team - News & Views newspaper - your source for Real Estate news and properties in Summit County, Colorado - is now available in GREEN!

Please click on the picture below to enjoy our Summer edition of Summit Real Estate News & Views....

 Should you see anything which catches your eye, please give us a call.  We'll be happy to send you more detailed information about ANY property for sale in Summit County.

We value your opinions and comments.  Let us know what you think!  Have a safe and happy Summer!

Vote Summit Real Estate Best of Summit County!

by Allison Simson

The Summit Daily News is conducting it's annual "Best of Summit" contest and this year Allison Simson is one of the nominees for Best Real Estate Agent!  We are thrilled to be included and would be so honored to have your vote!

Last year you voted us one of the top two companies in the county – THANK YOU! 

It's a fun contest and if you'd like to vote, we've included the online link for your convenience.

Click the Best of Summit Icon below that will direct you to the link to vote.

To begin making your choices, you will need to sign in, or register as a new user.

Click through your choices until you get to the Best of 2012 – Best Real Estate Agent category - Vote Allison Simson –Summit Real Estate

Thank YOU in advance for your support!   And, as always, it would be our pleasure to assist you with your real estate needs!

Displaying blog entries 1-10 of 247