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Archive for March, 2009

“Man Pays Mortgage-On Time!” How ‘Bout that for a Headline?

Everywhere I go, I get asked “how’s the real estate market?”  Because this question is usually posed to me on a chairlift, in Starbucks, City Market or the Tug Boat,  I usually reply with what is happening in our market.   We all know that real estate is extremely local, but for a change (and because I am at my computer) I thought it best to share some interesting national stats.  The most vocal opinions regarding the national real estate market that one hears about on television and radio and reads on the Internet and in the print media seem to depict only negativity.  Below are facts which were obtained from the Wall Street Journal, Moody’s Economy.com, Realty Trac, NAR, and Forbes which are quite compelling.  I’ve discovered that there are many misconceptions believed by the “average” citizen who believes that there is even MORE doom and gloom than what  is being depicted in the media.   I do believe that more dissemination of statistics and info like the following is what’s needed to dispel the  “mental recession” that we have gripping Americans today.      

There are 76 million households in the U.S. that own their home of which 24 million have no mortgages (31%)

There are 52 million homes with mortgages of which 97.2% are not in foreclosure and 93.8% are current on their payments.

More than 1,000 banks closed in 1930-14 U.S. banks were taken over in 2008

Interest rates are at historic lows-which equal greater buying power

The new $8,000 tax credit is available for first time home buyers (those that have not owned a home in the past 3 years)

Feel better?

Top Home Showing Tips for Sellers

Needless to say when your property is on the market it is extremely difficult to live a normal life.  Consequently when you make that decision to sell, make sure that you view your home in the eyes of the Buyer.  Hopefully you will be moving soon, so get packing.  It must look like an unlived in Model home.  Remove all family photos, clear fridge of magnets and box up most of your accessories.  Clean closets, cabinets, drawers and storage areas. If you have to rent a storage unit, now is the time. This will make it easier when “it’s show time” to get your property ready.
This is the big moment! Your real estate agent has just called to make an appointment to show your home to a prospective buyer. Here’s some top home showing tips that will really impress the buyer and increase your odds of getting an offer. Read the rest of this entry »

Walk to Ski from This Waterstone At Eagleridge Townhome

waterstone-jpgWalk to the Steamboat Ski area from this highly sought after Waterstone at Eagleridge townhome! This is a small complex with its private pool and hot tub. Four bedroom suites on three levels provide comfortable space for a large or multiple families.  The kids will have fun on the lower level while you enjoy peace & quiet above.  Upgrades include textured walls, granite counters, and Whirlpool appliances. The spacious master suite features a jetted tub and walk-in closet. Enjoy Ski Mountain views from the private deck on the top-floor bedroom suite.  

You will love having your own  private garage to store your skis, snowboards, snowshoes, golf clubs, bicycles etc…etc… Truly your home away from home.    Why not rent your townhome when you aren’t using it for extra income to offset expenses?  So many options exist.  This is an excellent opportunity to experience Steamboat living in an exclusive neighborhood!  Call or email me for rental options and financial info.

Motivated Seller $899,000.   

Steamboat Slopewise Update…

Spring skiing in Steamboat presents changing conditions.  Everyone who has skiied this time of year has experienced the speed of your skis in the tree shadows and the drag in the soft snow in the sunlit areas.  Also unmarked obstacles can come to the surface at any time.  Think…cell phones, walkie talkies, the left black glove, tissues, maps, water bottles etc.   So be on the look out.  Sunday was a beautiful ski day with no lift lines.  Don’t forget the sun screen and layered clothing.   See you up on the hill….  Be safe.

And keeping our mountain safe for all of us… 

Steamboat ski patrol revoked 593 tickets this season and 8 Passes for Code of Conduct violations.  Thank you.

The New Bear Lodge At Trappeurs Crossing

Bear Lodge is the newest and most luxurious mountain condominium residence at Steamboat’s iconic Trappeur’s Crossing Resort. These masterfully designed one to five bedroom residences are situated just steps away from the base of the ski area and offer easy access to unsurpassed year round resort amenities. Each interior delivers a refined elegance with features like slab granite and marble countertops, stainless appliances, and integrated sounds systems. The resort offers everything that one could want in a vacation condominium. Many units come with their own private hot tubs and outdoor fireplaces, making them the most unique properties in Steamboat.  The pricing for the Bear Lodge represents the best value for new construction Steamboat has seen in a long, long time! With the financing options available, Bear Lodge is more affordable than ever.  Limited time only, there are  one bedroom/ one bath units  which were designated as  ”affordable housing” and are now being offered on the open market for $299,000.  Please let me know if this is of interest, and I will check availability.  Can’t beat this magnificent walk-to-ski location and new construction pricing!

 

Another Steamboat Crazy Crime Time…

Sunday, March 12…10:37 p.m. A man said that another man threatened to break his neck.  The man who made the threat was “warned not to do that.”

Jumbo Mortgage Rates Update

 Update on Jumbo Loans.

Finally some lenders are getting back into jumbo loans!  They were reticent to loan in the $417,000-625,500 range so rates were typically higher. Check out the varied products in the chart below. All are VERY good.  I have found that using a local lender has produced the most seamless transactions, the best rates and terms.   No one should have to experience a transaction which unravels at the closing table.  If you need more info, have questions or would like some Lender referrals, please let me know.

 

Friday’s rates, 3/6/09 Rates are subject to change without notice.

  5 yr ARM Interest Only 7 yr ARM Interest Only 10 yr ARM Interest Only 30 yr Fixed Rate
Loan Amount $100k to $417k 4.875 % 5.125 % 5.250 % 5.000 %
Payment for each $100,000 owed $406/month Interest only $427/month Interest only $438/month Interest only $536/month
Loan Amount up to $625,000       5.375 %
Payment for each $100,000 owed       $567/month
Loan Amount Greater than $625,000 4.750 %70% to 75% LTV 5.00 %70% to 75% LTV 6.250 %70% to 75% LTV 6.500 %70% to 75% LTV
Payment for each$100,000 owed $521/month Principal & Int $537/month Principal & Int $615/month Principal & Int $632/month Principal & Int

Steamboat Positions Available

Jobs Available 3/3/09 Contact the Community Workforce Center425 Anglers Dive970-879-3075
CREW MEMBERS-RMYC-5303780 Negotiable Full Time/Temp 03/02/09
Heavy Truck Technician-5303250 Negotiable Full Time/Regular 02/20/09
Mechanic-5303025 Negotiable Full Time/Temp 02/19/09
Water truck Driver-5302312 Negotiable Full Time/Regular 02/12/09
Sous Chef-5292694 Negotiable Full Time/Regular 01/07/09
General Manager-5297515 16.00 + (negotiable) Full Time/Regular 02/14/09
Drywall Finishers-5302267 20.00 – 25.00 Full Time/Temp To Reg 03/02/09
FIRE SPRINKLER LABORER-5303684 12.50 + (negotiable) Full Time/Temp 02/26/09
HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISO-5271715 12.00 + (negotiable) Part Time/Regular 01/26/09
Computer Repair Tech-5303130 18.00 – 20.00 Part Time/Temp To Reg 02/26/09
Utility Locator – Stea-5303169 17.00 – 17.00 Full Time/Regular 02/20/09
SNOW REMOVAL LABORERS-5270774 13.00 – 16.00 Full Time/Regular 01/26/09
INSULATION INSTALLERS-5303263 13.25 Full Time/Regular 02/20/09
LIVESTOCK WORKER-5301023 7.28 – 7.28 Full Time/Temp 01/26/09
LIVESTOCK WORKERS-5300908 7.28 – 7.28 Full Time/Seasonal 01/26/09
LIVESTOCK WORKERS-5300375 7.28 – 7.28 Full Time/Temp 01/19/09

As you can see by the above,  jobs are not plentiful in Steamboat Springs.  Another avenue would be to contact the major employers in town:

Steamboat Ski and Resort Corporation      (970)-879-6111
Yampa Valley Medical Center                       (970)-870-1118
The Industrial Company                                  (970)879-2561
Steamboat Resorts                                             (970)-879-8000
Mountain Resorts                                               (970)-879-3700
Colorado Mountain College                           (970)-870-4428

Please feel free to call me or email me as well, for sometimes we locals know of positions which are available and not yet posted.  I’m here to help.  Best of luck!