Why residents and vacationers alike love Steamboat

1. Beautiful setting. If you have spent any time at all in the Rocky Mountains, you know how the towering 14ers, stunning wildlife and babbling streams and rivers can take your breath away. There's nothing quite like waking up to fresh mountain air. When you live here, it feels like a getaway every day. 

2. Outdoor lifestyle. Of course, people know Steamboat Springs for our ski resort, and for good reason. It's one of the best anywhere, and skiers and boarders alike will be in heaven here. If you haven't experienced Steamboat in the summer, however, you are in for a treat. Hiking trails, fly fishing, kayaking and more will keep you active all year round, and our mild climate with average summer highs of 82 degrees mean you can be outside as often as you want to be.

3. Relaxed charm. With an in-town population of 13,000 people, Steamboat Springs maintains its small-town feel. In town or in the surrounding areas, you will feel the friendly and welcoming vibe that keeps people coming back year after year.

4. Dining. Steamboat has experienced what Zagat called a "restaurant renaissance" in the past few years that will appeal to foodies and beer and wine lovers. Living in a mountain town does not mean you have to be cut off from the finer things in life, and our amazing restaurants are proof. 

5. Arts and culture. From the 112-year-old performing arts school and camp to concert series and the dozens of art galleries, cultural and creative opportunities abound in Steamboat Springs. There is always something to do here. 

To learn more about living and working in Steamboat Springs, contact us. We can help you find your perfect Steamboat home. 

Be prepared; stand out from other buyers

When demand is higher than inventory, you can often feel frustrated as a buyer. You might be competing with several other offers, or your dream home might be snatched up before you can even submit an offer. As you prepare to start your house search, take these steps to help ensure that you can close the deal on your desired property before the competition.

• Get prequalified. If you have a prequalification letter from a lender, it makes your offer more attractive to the seller and seller’s agent.
• Be flexible with your time. In a tight market, you need to be able to view homes as soon as possible. If your agent calls with a new listing, make an effort to see it that day, if you can.
• Keep tabs on listings. Your real estate agent is working hard finding your dream home, but it can often help if you also look at new listings on your own. If you see something you’d like to see, call your agent right away.
•  Look for “for sale” signs in your target area. Online listings are often posted a day or two after a sign goes up outside a property. You can sometimes view the property before other buyers if you catch those signs early.
•  Act quickly. Buying a home is a big commitment, but a competitive market often doesn’t allow for the luxury of time to weigh the decision. If you know ahead of time what you want and what you’re willing to pay, it’s easier to make a quick decision about submitting an offer.
• Bid strategically. Your real estate agent can offer good advice about how to bid to compete with other potential buyers, but not blow your budget.
•  Eliminate barriers. Any barriers that might delay closing could make you less attractive to sellers, including the need to sell your current home before purchasing a new one. Consider trying to sell before you start your house hunt, or think about placing renting out your current property. Your real estate agent can walk you through your options.

A competitive market can add some stress to the home-buying process, but with an experienced real estate agent’s help and a little patience, it is still possible to find the right home for you. Contact us today to learn more about buying your dream home in Steamboat Springs.

Ten things to do before you start house hunting

1. Set a target price range before you start looking. A good rule of thumb is to look for homes valued at two or three times your annual income.
2. Understand the costs of home ownership. Buying a home is a financial commitment that goes beyond the mortgage payment. Research average costs for insurance, property taxes, maintenance and any HOA fees.
3.  Explore your loan options. Determine how large of a mortgage you qualify for and get prequalified with a lender, if you can.
4. Review your finances and savings. Do you have enough money for the required down payment and closing costs?
5. Find out if you qualify for any down payment assistance programs or special mortgage programs. Veterans and first-time buyers, for example, may qualify for special programs.
6. Know your credit history. Obtain a copy of your credit report to be sure there are no potential issues.
7. Identify your target neighborhoods. Choose an area that fits your budget and lifestyle. Keep in mind schools, parks, recreation and other features that matter most to you.
8. Create a wish list for your dream home. Do you need four bedrooms? Is a view important? Do you want to be on one level? Make a comprehensive list, but prioritize the items that are truly must-haves.
9. Keep an open mind. While you might have your heart set on a specific neighborhood or style of home, your ideal home might not fit that original vision. Work with your realtor to discuss your options and your budget.
10. Work with an experienced real estate team. A real estate pro who knows your target area is an invaluable resource. He or she knows the market, and hidden gems, and can walk you through all the steps of the home-buying process.

If you are looking for a home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, contact us with your questions. We know and love this beautiful area, and we are dedicated to helping our clients find the right fit for their needs. 

See here for December data:

DECEMBER 2014 and YTD 

December ended 2014 on a great note with $58.17M in Gross Sales and 121 transactions!  Compared to last December, Gross Volume was up by +69.29% while transactions were up 10%.

The December numbers helped end the year with just under $600M in Gross Sales and 1,360 transactions for 2014.  That is the best Gross Volume total in Routt County since 2008!  Compared to 2013, that equates to +18.79% in Gross Volume and +6.42% in number of transactions.  

Snapshot values closed the year strong compared to 2013:

Average Sales Prices:

• Single Family +10%
• Multi Family +11%
• Vacant Land +2%

Median Sales Prices:

• Single Family +15%
• Multi Family +9%
• Vacant Land +20%

PPSF/PPAC:

• Single Family +15%
• Multi Family +6%
• Vacant +25%

There were 3 Bank sales in December compared to 5 in October.

There were a total of 126 DOT recordings; with 47% of Sales Transactions having financing at the time of sale - and 53% closing with Cash.   

SOURCE: Land Title Steamboat Springs

 For the full report of stats, click here:

NOVEMBER 2014

November was a decent month with $41.4M in Gross Sales and 106 transactions.  While this is down from the last few months, it is good for this time of year.

Compared to last November, Gross Volume was up by +25.3% (with the YTD. comparison at +15.09%), while transactions were slightly down -0.93% compared to last November, with the YTD. comparison at +6.08%.

 Snapshot values compared to last year are still looking strong:

 Average Sales Prices:

• Single Family +9%
• Multi Family +10%
• Vacant Land -9%

Median Sales Prices:

• Single Family +14%
• Multi Family +9%
• Vacant Land +15%

PPSF/PPAC:

• Single Family +16%
• Multi Family +4%
• Vacant +28%

There were 5 Bank sales in November compared to 3 in October.There were a total of 108 DOT recordings; with 46% of Sales Transactions having financing at the time of sale - and 54% closing with Cash.

 Source: Land Title