Friday, June 30, 2006

Steamboat Moose


Last night I was driving back from Boulder over Rabbit Ears pass and saw this little guy off to the left just before the downhill into Steamboat. It's funny because I was just thinking a few minutes earlier that I need to make an effort to see a moose this year. I have seen a few in other places but not in Steamboat. They are pretty common around here so I decided that needed to change. One friend has seen one in her back yard on North Steamboat Blvd a couple of times this year.

Photography is a big hobby of mine but I didn't have my SLR with the big zoom lens with me because I was just getting back from a business trip. It's in my truck nearly every other day of the year and the light was great so I was bummed I didn't have it. Luckily I met a nice family and Earl let me snap a few shots with his digital SLR. He invited me over to see the photos tonight and I got a friend out of the deal too. Thanks again Earl!

Yampa Valley Curse

I love hearing from people who read this blog so I thought I would share the note I recieved this morning and my response:
Thanks for your note. You like many others have a mild case of the Yampa valley curse. Its the best curse I have heard of since it’s effect is to keep you coming back to Steamboat Springs. “Unfortunately” you didn’t get a stronger dose of it so you haven’t made it back yet. I recommend coming back soon or you will always wish you did. Fortunately for me I got a strong case long ago. I still brings me back quickly any time that I am out of the valley.

Jon:
Loved your website. I put it in my Favorites List. My husband, sister, and I visited your town about 6 years and it is still on our minds. We loved it. Lee

There are at least two versions of the Yampa Valley curse:
1) Once you have really experienced the Yampa Valley you will be cast under a spell and you’ll be destined to return again and again for the rest of your life.

2) If you live in the Steamboat area and leave, you will forever want to return and will not find happiness in any other place. I think regular visits would help you avoid the bad side effects but I don't see why you would ever leave myself

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Steamboat is top Colorado destination for July 4th weekend

According to AAA Steamboat is the top destination for Colorado travelers this 4th of July based on bookings through AAA. Even though more people are discovering Steamboat we have a built in advantage that we are not a day trip market, things can't get too crowded since there are only so many rooms and campsites availible. Even when we are a peak visitor levels if you get off main street downtown or 1/2 mile up a trail you can find all the solitude you are looking for. Have a great 4th. For all of the issues this county has faced the past few years I can't think of a place I would rather call home and I hope that you feel the same.

From the The Denver Business Journal: According to bookings through AAA Colorado, the top five in-state destinations are: 1. Steamboat Springs, 2. Denver, 3. Colorado Springs, 4. Montrose, and 5. Aspen. AAA Colorado reaches one in four of the state's households.
Despite an increase in the cost to travel, 29-percent more Coloradoans than last year will be traveling this July 4th weekend, according to a AAA Colorado report on Wednesday. The national increase in travel is 1.2-percent. AAA reported that July 4 marks the biggest travel weekend of the summer because it's the first major holiday weekend after schools close. The company predicts that because the holiday falls on a Tuesday, people may take a five-day weekend this year.

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Interesting second home article

We have seen heathly price appreciation over the last few years as the baby boomers prepare to retire. I believe there is still plenty of time to particiate in the results of this demographic shift in addition to several other factors that are driving our market. I think it is important to consider the biggest group of the boomers are in their 40's now (1/3 more than in their 50's). We are seeing large numbers of people in their 50's looking to secure a place in Steamboat and quite a few in their 40's looking to relocate now that they have the flexibility to raise their family where they want to vs. where their office is.

This is likely to have a pretty strong impact on the real estate market in Steamboat Springs even if the economy encounters some serious bumps. Baby boomers have high expectations for an active retirement and they are in a better position to buy second homes than any previous generation. I see it first hand several times a week. In resort towns like Steamboat Springs, second homes don't necessarily have to be differentiated from investment homes. In most cases, with prices appreciating and the possibility of short-term rentals to offset some expenses, a second-home can be a good investment and the owner can have the best of both worlds.

Give me a call or send an email for more thoughts on where the real estate market is going, a strategy to get into the market based on your goals or for straight forward answers to your questions.


Washington, D.C. -- The National Association of Realtors reports that vacation properties account for 12 percent of all homes sold last year, and 28 percent of homes were bought for investment purposes. Typical vacation buyers last year were 52 years old, earned $82,000, and purchased a property that was a median of 197 miles from their primary residence. This profile differed from that of investment homebuyers in just one key respect: investment homes were likely to be close to the original home.

USA Today explains this rally in vacation and investment homes began in 1997, when Congress changed the tax code, allowing most homeowners to duck capital gains when selling their homes. The exemption is $500,000 for married couples, $250,000 for singles, if it was their primary residence for two of the previous five years.

Before, the only way to avoid the tax was to use the gained equity to buy another one of equal or greater value. But now, they can downsize and use the money instead to buy a second home.

Something else is going on. Many baby boomers are entering their peak earning years. The most active buyers of vacation and investment homes are people in their 50's. Currently there are 36 million people in that age bracket. However, with 45 million people in their 40's, the market is expected to remain strong for a long time.

Monday, June 12, 2006

Summer in Steamboat Springs

I looked up and it was lunch time, thought about what to get for lunch and decided to take a rare break to see who was at the lake. The water was perfectly smooth, a balmy 68 degrees & the last bits of snow were visible up near the top of the Sundown chair. I didn't ski that great but summer is here and I got out on the lake with a few new friends. Never a bad day at the lake especially when the water is like glass.

Thursday, June 08, 2006

Steamboat Fly-Fishing



Here is a little fly-fishing fix from Steamboat for you. Fly-fishing Magazine has agreed to use this picture August cover :) Well not quite yet but they haven’t had a chance at it yet it either. Alden and I were fly-fishing in a 2 seat pontoon inflatable last night at Storm Mountain Ranch and before I knew it Alden had a fat 24 inch rainbow trout on the line (he was handling it well enough that I was able to get a couple of pictures as he was bringing it in) Not bad for a 3 yr old's first trout on a fly rod. I will be framing this picture tomorrow in my office and I have an invite to bring Alden out to Marabou Ranch to check out what should be fantastic fly-fishing there.

I am hearing fisherman are venturing back into the Yampa river and finding some success in the eddies and slower moving areas. Just don't wade in too deep since the water is still moving along pretty good. Keep your line wet!