Doug Schwartz

dougs@gatewayland.com
 
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Vail Valley News

 

Vail Valley March 2008 Sales Statistics


Thu, 01 May 2008 15:21:17 -0400
Eagle County Real Estate Sales Staying Soft

The first quarter of 2008 has come and gone, and the sales numbers are down across the board, except for the high-end market.  The high end market is seeing one of its best years ever.  There have been 25 residential transactions over $4 million through March 2008.  It would seem the segment of the population not affected by unstable financial markets are acquiring resort property in earnest.

The total sales volume of $228 million for March was 86% of last years March total.  The total number of transactions for the month, 145, is down 31% from last year and down over 50% from 2005.  The current trend is a decreasing numbers of transactions, with somewhat stable prices, leading to increasing average sales prices.  (this is somewhat misleasding, as individual homes are not seeing this price appreciation in the current market.)

Please contact me to recieve the March 2008 and the Year-To-Date sales statistics for Eagle County in PDF form, or to discuss the Vail Valley real estate market.

Another Price Reduction in Avon,CO!


Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:26:09 -0400
3000 Eaglebend #10 Is Now Just $780,000!

The Seller Wants to Sell!  We hear this all the time, but the seller of 3000 Eaglebend #10 in Avon, CO means it!  Originally listed at $895,000 (due to the sale of a similar neighboring home selling for $840,000 in August of 2007) this amazingly remodelled single family home is now priced at $780,000!  Instant equity as they say!

Private River Access

Located on the Eagle River, with private river access, this enclave of beautiful homes lies between Vail and Beaver Creek Resorts.  Fly fish just steps from your 3 level, designer finished home.  Keep your toys in the one car garage!  All of this and more in an upvalley location.

NOW is the time as the seller is considering a long term rental.

Please contact me to learn more about this great opportunity.

See Also

Vail and Beaver Creek Closed For The 2008 Season


Wed, 16 Apr 2008 17:49:28 -0400
Record Snowfall Highlights The Year

Vail and Beaver Creek Ski Resorts are officailly closed for the 2007-2008 ski season.  Beaver Creek set a new record with 430 inches of snow; Vail reported 463" of snow.  It was truly one of the best snow years ever!

The final day was one that will be long remebered by those present.  Bright sunshine, blue skies, and fantastic snow conditions greeted thousands of skiers on April 13, 2008.  While Beaver Creek was surprisingly mellow, Vail was packed with many costumed revellers celebrating "4 at 4", the top of the mountain party named for Chair 4 at 4 o'clock.

This season had few "spring skiing days"; those warm, sunny, corn snow days that many of us dream about.  "Better late than never!" was the attitude from those skiers and snowboarders on the mountain, and everyone seemed content to have the sun on their faces. 

Enjoy the golf and see you next year!

See Also

February 2008 Sales Statistics


Mon, 07 Apr 2008 19:47:41 -0400
Vail Valley Real Estate Market Slows
Real estate sales have continued to slow considerably here in the Vail Valley.  There were only 131 transactions in the month of February, less than half of last year, and significantly less than both '05 and '06.  The total sales volume was down from last year's massive February, but higher than the totals from both '05 and '06, due in a large part to the continued strength on the high end market.  (13 properties sold over $4 million.) 
 
It remains to be seen to what extent national market conditions will affect our local market, but expect 2008 to be a challenging year.  There are buyers out there for well priced properties, but gone are the days of 20-30% per year appreciation.  I doubt we will see prices decrease as they have in other regions, but I do expect our market to be flat. 
Please feel free to call or email me to discuss specific buying opportunities within our slowing market, or to receive January and February '08 sales statistics in PDF form.

See Also

A Ski Bum Remembers


Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:03:32 -0500
Sunshine and Drinks On the Mountain Bring It All Back

As we get older, there are days that remind us of how our lives used to be.  I was fortunate enough to have such a day this past Sunday on Beaver Creek Mountain at Redtail Camp.

The sun was out, a local band was playing on the deck, and a hundred or so revellers were enjoying the on-mountain scene.  Now some may have been just taking a break from skiing, but for us, this was our destination.  We wanted to enjoy the sunny spring weather, with friends, outside on the ski hill, drink in hand. 

This was the type of day we had experienced hundreds (yes, I suppose hundreds) of times before, over the course of many seasons as skiing locals.  It used to be just what we did, as life had not yet interrupted our social scene.  But this past Sunday felt special, reminiscent of those bygone days.  Nothing to do but enjoy the people around you, and the beautiful mountain vistas .  And of course the occasional beer or margarita.

My wife and I skied together for the first time this season that day, and it's the end of March!  I've only been up a handful of days this year; having 2 young kids might cause this I know, but wow, it's a far cry from the 80 days we used to get. 

I would not trade what my life has become for what it was, but it sure was nice to feel that way again for an afternoon.  And remember one reason why I chose to call this place home.

Here's a special thanks to the band, Test For Echo, for putting out great music and creating a fun vibe for all. 

Thanks for indulging an aging ski bums' nostalgia.  I've got to go now and change some diapers.

West End Corporate Buyer Event Thursday 3/27 5-8 pm!!


Wed, 26 Mar 2008 17:25:45 -0500
Come On By For Apps, Drinks and Information!

The West End in Edwards, CO is hosting a corporate buyer event for the Work Force Housing units.  Join us Thursday, 3/27 from 5 to 8 pm at our showroom in the Edwards Village Center, right next door to the Gore Range Brewery.  Come see the completed showroom and learn more about the buying opportunities for businesses to purchase deed restricted housing units!

The Work Force Housing is about 70% sold!  As of today, 23 units (studio, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom) remain available for purchase.  Prices start at $247,170 and top out at $360,065.  The project is expected to be completed in early 2010. 

Please feel to contact John Nichols jnichols@gatewayland.com or myself anytime with questions about this exciting project.  Hope to see you Thursday!

See Also

Vail Lifetime Ski Passes Available!


Fri, 07 Mar 2008 13:21:25 -0500
Vail Mountain Club Sets Deadline!

The Vail Mountain Club, the most exclusive (and expensive) of Vail Resorts on-mountain private clubs, has announced a deadline for the lifetime season pass offer.  Monday, March 31st, 2008 is the last day that new members to the Vail Mountain Club will receive the lifetime ski passes.

Full Memberships are available for $275,000 and include valet parking.  Social Memberships are available for $150,000, but do not include parking.  There are less than 35 full, and 25 social memberships still available.  ((Initiation fees are fully refundable.))

This ski-in, ski-out club will truly be the benchmark that all other clubs will be compared to.  The Vail Mountain Club's amenities will satisfy even the most discerning buyer.   To learn more about this exciting opportunity, please contact me anytime.

See Also

West Vail Buying Opportunity!


Wed, 27 Feb 2008 16:59:28 -0500
Intermountain Fixer Upper Available Now!

Come see a great buying opportunity in West Vail!  Located in Intermountain, a peaceful hillside community on the western-most edge of the Town of Vail, 2845 Snowberry Dr. Unit A is perfect for those looking to get close to the Vail ski slopes for under $750K!

Offering 3 bedrooms, each with its own full bathroom, a large living and dining area, HUGE outdoor living spaces, plus a one car garage helps makes this duplex home ideal for the local or second home buyer.  Remodel opportunities are certainly possible for the buyer looking to update this cozy mountain retreat.

Please call or email me for more information anytime.

See Also

The West End: 14 Under Contract and Counting!!


Fri, 08 Feb 2008 18:28:43 -0500
Market Rate Condos Hot in Edwards, CO

The West End in Edwards, CO had its first day today of accepting contracts for the market rate units.  And 14 of the initial 44 offered are now Under Contract!!

This 5 acre parcel on the valley floor in the heart of Edwards is a great location for both locals and second home owners alike.  Contained within this 4 and 5 story project are 72 work force housing units (deed restricted), 113 market rate units, and over 80,000 sqaure feet of commercial space.  The work force units will start to go to contract next week, so stay tuned for updates in the near future.

Please stop by our showroom in the Edwards Village Center to learn more about this exciting new construction.  And as always, please feel free to call or email me anytime with questions. 

See Also

Work Force Housing Available in Edwards,CO!


Sat, 02 Feb 2008 18:12:38 -0500
The West End Now Accepting Applications!

One of the most anticipated new developments in Eagle County is now accepting applications for its work force housing.  The West End, located in downtown Edwards, will provide 72 deed restricted housing units for sale, as well as 113 market rate units and about 80,000 square feet of commercial space.

The West End (artist rendering)

For locals seeking an upvalley housing option with reasonable prices, Now Is The Time to submit your application and to recieve a priority rank for unit selection.  Interest has been high, but all units remain as we have not yet begun to go to contract. 

Please stop by our offices in the Edwards Village Center to pick your application packet and then to drop off your completed packet.  Feel free to call or email me with any questions,

See Also