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. 

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.

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 

 Just in case you forgot about our powder!

Don’t forget! Today is the last day to reserve your season pass at a reduced rate. Go to: http://www.steamboat.com/springpass.html and pay $100. You have 14 hours!

For real estate contact me at angela@yoursteamboathome.com

You might have noticed that there is a lot of logging activity going on these days around Routt County. This is all very important even though you might not like the looks of it or it gets in your way when hiking or biking. There are several groups including the US Forest Service, State Forest Service and businesses working on removing the dead beetle kill pines that encompass our vast forest.

It is important that they are removed to prevent human injury if they are to fall. So, when you are recreating take note of what is above you, be patient if there is debris in the roadway from logging because these trees need to be removed. 

If you really want to make a difference and see your efforts grow throughout your lifetime, join hundreds of other volunteers on June 26th for Re-Tree Colorado where we will plant thousands of trees in one day! Get a group together because it is going to be a great day followed by food, entertainment and there is even a free concert at Howelsen that night. For more info visit www.retreecolorado.com

Logging cleanup to continue in Steamboat 

http://www2.steamboatpilot.com/news/2010/may/28/logging-cleanup-continue-steamboat/

Community Agriculture Alliance: Beware of falling trees 

If you like water sports, music, shopping, dining deals, hiking, biking…lollygagging then you might want to head to Steamboat. We have a lot going on this weekend and if the weather holds out like it is today, you will be very pleased.

The water events include kayakers and crazy water dogs who don’t know any better as their owners make them fetch in the Yampa. Good times for humanoids and canines. Check the calender of events in the linked article for details.  

30th Yampa River Festival starts with kickoff party Friday in Steamboat 

http://www2.steamboatpilot.com/news/2010/may/27/30th-yampa-river-festival-starts-kickoff-party-fri/

Organizers hope Music Jam in Steamboat attracts crowd  http://www2.steamboatpilot.com/news/2010/may/28/organizers-hope-music-jam-steamboat-attracts-crowd/

From some local lenders here in Steamboat, there is news about USDA loans. We receive weekly updates and this is from today’s “Did You Know” compliments of Kathryn Pedersen and Holly Rogers of Yampa Valley Bank is this:

Did you know that the USDA GRH program is back? As of today, they are allowing us to lock and fund USDA loans. A bill has passed the House and Senate and now moves to the conference process. Unless something changes, we are full steam ahead on USDA loans.  Just in case you forgot, the USDA program provides 100% financing with no monthly mortgage insurance cost. It has rapidly become one of the most popular programs for entry level buyers. It must be used to purchase a primary residence and there are income guidelines specific to Routt County. kpedersen@yampavalleybank.com if you want more info. Have a great Memorial Weekend All and if you’re in Steamboat over the weekend, give me a call or shoot me an email. I’m working all weekend. angela@yoursteamboathome.com 970.819.4897