This week is showing definite signs of activity. Several land parcels and lots are under contract as well as a variety of condos, townhomes and single-family properties. Pending sales have been holding steady over 100 for the past few weeks and showings are on the increase in our office.

Everyone is gearing up for Labor Day weekend where there is something for everyone! The Wild West Air Fest, Steamboat Stage Race, Stock Dog Challenge and more. Check out the chamber’s website for more details. The weather has been beautiful so make your plans today!

Here are a few article from the Steamboat Pilot & Today:

Real estate transactions for Aug. 13 to 19, 2010 

http://www2.steamboatpilot.com/news/2010/aug/22/real-estate-transactions-aug-13-19-2010/

This weekend was one of those weekends that you thank your lucky stars that you decided to jump off and make the move!  I had the great experience of riding some back country trails with my bestest buddies to try to get a glimpe of Lance Armstrong, Dave Wiens and our local mountain biking experts blazing the trail on Ride 4 Yellow/Ride the Divide. Chugging our not-as-fit bodies on the Divide Trail in effort to get the money shot, our efforts were rewarded. About 2/3 of the way up we heard voices behind us, just in time to pull out the cameras and capture the moment.

It’s not every day you get to have Lance Armstrong bid you “good morning” on a backcountry trail. Nor is it every day that you get to see the outpouring of fundraising, emotion and collaboration that many of us witnessed on Sunday.

My friends and I missed the podium speeches with our dear friend Brad Cusenbary getting to introduce Lance because of course we were still making our way up the trail! Brad who has been dealing with a brain tumor knows all too well what the journey can be about and as we heard, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house…or on the lawn as it were. Brad for many years was a competitive cyclist and has been instrumental in bringing us the Tour de Steamboat. This is a road ride which has now focused its fundraising on the Sunshine Kids, an organization geared towards showing kids with cancer a good time including ski trips to Steamboat. The common thread is surreal and yet touches all of us in one way or another.

At lunch, we heard from Linda Armstrong, Lance’s Mom who delievered a compelling speech of her experience with Lance to a room filled of people that were friends, survivors, patients, volunteers, etc. The energy was incredible in that room.

Events like this are just snapshots of how awesome this community is for many of us. People come together, visitors see it and many of us cherish it because we are so damn lucky to be here. 

I’m proud to report that Steamboat Springs MLS now offers enhanced features for homes that have energy efficiency and sustainable design elements. We added features and certifications ranging from ENERGY STAR to xeriscaping. A homeowner and his/her realtor can now accurately identify these features and the buyers with help from the realtor can search for properties that fit their criteria.

If you want  more info please email me at angela@yoursteamboathome.com

Article from Steamboat Pilot & Today:

Multiple Listing Service adds green qualities 

http://www2.steamboatpilot.com/news/2010/jul/11/multiple-listing-service-adds-green-qualities/

Here is a good article in Bloomberg Businessweek shared by one of my co-workers a couple weeks ago. Good read as we are all cautiously optimistic about the activity in Steamboat. Denver shows strength and most improved housing market over last year. Just a stone’s throw from Steamboat!

http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/denver-is-the-most-improved-us-housing-market.html

Building and advertising green homes and the different approaches being used around the country. Consumers need to be educated and those selling, building and marketing need to be specific and targeted in their approach. In Steamboat, we are putting the final touches on enhanced features within our Multiple Listing Service to help better identify and market homes with green features.

Interesting read from NAHB.

Nation’s Building News The Official Online Newspaper of NAHB

Green Building

In Marketing, Green Homes Mean Different Things to Different Buyers

Click here to read more.

Looking for an entry-level condo or ski town getaway? Look no more! This 1 bedroom condo has been completely remodeled with around $30k in upgrades from the studs out.  Great location in the complex and views of the mountain, easy access to free bus and the complex has great amenities. Call today for more info. 970.819.4897 or email angela@yoursteamboathome.com

For those of you who like FREE, start making plans for the Steamboat Free Concert Series that takes place all summer. The first concert is June 26th and if you really want to add something meaningful to that weekend, join hundreds of other people for ReTree Colorado and plant thousands of trees to help mitigate the effects of beetle kill. Then, chill out that evening for some free tunes at Howelsen Hill.

 Here’s the lineup:

June 26: Big Kenny

July 23: Rhythm Devils featuring Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann and Keller Williams

July 30: Easy Star All-Stars

Aug. 13: JJ Grey and MOFRO

Aug. 20: The Emmitt-Nershi Band

Steamboat's Free Summer Concert Series lineup set 

http://www2.steamboatpilot.com/news/2010/jun/11/steamboats-free-summer-concert-series-lineup-set/

Recently, there were significant price reductions on some lots in Steamboat.  The Steamboat Barn Village is where the famous poster shot was taken of cowboys on horses with their skis against the backdrop of the historic More Barn. This is a great piece of land that has a walking trail on the perimeter, Fish Creek bordering the north side and views of the ski mountain, valley and Emerald Mountain that are incredible. The central location makes this a great investment for building now while construction prices are lower or hold for the future. Prices begin at $224,950 and there are some sweet lots by the creek.

Barn Village at Steamboat prices sliced in half 

http://www2.steamboatpilot.com/news/2010/may/30/barn-village-steamboat-prices-sliced-half/

As the Yampa spills over it’s banks, we are seeing increased activity that is broad in scope and Buyer’s are not sitting and waiting as much as we have previously experienced.  Investors are seeing the opportunity and the price reductions are happening in every type of property.  Summer is just getting into full swing here and there is a lot going on. If you have Steamboat in the radar, plan your summer trip here and check out some real estate.

Recent articles in the Steamboat Pilot & Today:

Real Estate transactions for May 28 to June 3, 2010 

http://www2.steamboatpilot.com/news/2010/jun/06/real-estate-transactions-may-28-june-3-2010/

Steamboat house for sale after $400K in improvements http://www2.steamboatpilot.com/news/2010/jun/06/steamboat-house-sale-after-400k-improvements/

Steamboat woodworkers find new uses, designs for beetle-killed wood 

http://www2.steamboatpilot.com/news/2010/jun/06/steamboat-woodworkers-find-new-uses-designs-abunda/

 Yampa River crests at 7-year high in Steamboat 

This article describes some of the positives and challenges of building sustainably. Still a lot of educating to do amongst consumers, lenders and appraisers. How to accurately value these components in homes is still a need within the appraisal industry. Most consumers see the value in energy efficient design and want to save money on energy bills!

This is a great read:

From the Nation’s Building News: Green Homes Said to Sell Faster, But Appraisals Remain a Sticking Point.  For article click here.