Jim and Billie's Blog

Mountain Town Realty Group of Park City Expands to the Ogden Valley

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:39:23 -0600

Jim & Billie Harsch, co-owners of Mountain Town Realty in Park City, UT, are pleased to announce the expansion of their full-service real estate brokerage to the Ogden Valley; with the addition of team member, Anita Oliveri, who will support the Powder Mountain and Snowbasin ski areas. “We have known Anita for over fifteen years and we know that she shares our commitment to exceptional service for our clients” said the Harsches.

Anita Oliveri has been in real estate in the Ogden Valley for over 9 years, founded, owned and operated Valley Lodging, a property management company for 6 years, and is a ski instructor and Mountain Adventure Guide at Powder Mountain. Anita also holds an active real estate license in New Hampshire.

Mountain Town Realty Group is a full service, boutique, real estate brokerage providing exceptional customer care to Buyers and Sellers in Park City, Deer Valley, the Canyons and the golf communities of Glenwild, Tuhaye, and Red Ledges. Principal Broker/Owner Jim Harsch is an Accredited Buyer Representative, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist and ePro. Billie Harsch is co-owner, Realtor, and Certified Home Staging Specialist.

Anita can be reached at aoliveri@sunandsnow-homes.com and Sun and Snow-Homes.

Jim & Billie can be reached at 435.615.6637, through their website at www.unlockparkcity.com, blogsite Unlock Park City , or through their Short Sale/Foreclosure site of Avoid Foreclosures in Park City .

Take Control of Your Mortgage Situation - Get Back on Track!

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:34:46 -0600

Millions of homeowners are upside-down on their mortgages and don’t know what to do. But having all the right information is the surest way to find the right answers.

There’s so much misinformation—and even fraud—that as a community service to protect the people around us, we’ve set up this site with accurate information on foreclosure-avoidance options:

Avoid Foreclosures in Park City

While on the site, download a free report—prepared just for you—on the truth about mortgage modifications. They can be ideal for distressed homeowners, but it is important to safeguard yourself from being taken advantage of. This is why we became Certified Distressed Property Experts, equipped to guide homeowners through all of the options available.

Get the facts regarding your situation and always have a contingency plan. Together we can formulate a strategy and work toward a real solution.

Jim & Billie Harsch Mountain Town Realty Group 435-615-6637

Park City, UT Real Estate Statistics Through October 2009

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:22:12 -0600

The Park City Board of Realtors statistics through October Year-to-date 2009 show that Gross Sales Volume for all categories was down to $665M, a decrease of 26% from the same period in 2008, while prices decreased only about 4%, although there were substantial variations in each property category.

October 2009 was a very positive month and the second best of 2009. All property categories showed gains. October Gross Sales were up 42% from the October 2008 levels, while prices also increased.

Single Family Home Sales continued at approximately 62% of the total Sales Volume and are down just 8% from 2008. Average Sales Prices were about even. October unit sales were the highest since September 2007.

Condominium sales improved in October but were still down 45% from 2008. Prices were off by 23%. The strongest price range for condos was under $500k, while the $500-$700k range had the least activity. October unit sales were the highest since January 2008.

Residential Lot sales continued to be weak but showed some improvement in October. Red Ledges had the strongest selling season of all the golf communities.

Now is a great time to buy in Park City.

For complete details of each area and all Park City Homes for Sale, please contact us at Unlock Park City

Belaire Vacation Club, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:58:17 -0500

We currently have a dispute with the Belaire Vacation Club in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Does anyone have experience in dealing with them? If you do, please contact Jim Harsch at jim@jimandbillie.com or 435.615.6637. Thank you.

Mountain Town Realty Group Interviewed on Park City TV

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:12:11 -0500

Enjoy our latest interview on Park City TV!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7mzUKba2Lc

Red Ledges, Heber, UT Hosts Howard Brinton, CEO, STAR POWER Systems, Inc.

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 10:48:38 -0500

Red Ledges in Heber, UT recently hosted Howard Brinton, CEO of STAR POWER Systems, Inc, Mitch Brinton, Principal at Oxzen Media and local Park City Realtor, Jim Harsch, Mountain Town Realty Group, and Red Ledges Member. They played golf on the new Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and reviewed the development.

Howard wrote, "Meandering through cedar and juniper trees, framed by red rocks with mountain vistas in the distance, this is a golfers paradise that only Jack Nicklaus could create. What an experience! Challenging, fair, and beautiful, all in one. Red Ledges is going to be an enviable community".

Red Ledges is a private luxury master-planned community that features the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and will have a Cliff Drysdale Tennis Community, Jim Mclean Golf School, and Equestrian Center. Residential lots have been selling extremely well during the summer and a number of “Cottages” have been released and sold. Lot prices range from $250k to $895k and “Cottage” prices start at $1,200k. Special incentives are being offered for the summer. .

STAR POWER Systems is a time-proven idea which shares networking from nearly 300 of the countries top performing real estate agents who continuously offer leading-edge systems and techniques. Each of these agents averages over 200 transactions per year in their markets. In the spirit of sharing, this affiliation of “Stars” selflessly extends a menu of successful programs to other success-minded agents, from which they can choose strategies and methods which can immediately be implemented for their market, style, and personality.

For more information on Red Ledges, Glenwild, Tuhaye or Park City Homes for Sale, please contact Jim and Billie Harsch at Unlock Park City.

Park City TV Features Local Realtors Jim and Billie Harsch

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:48:11 -0500

For the fourth month in a row, Park City TV has featured an interview with Jim and Billie Harsch of Mountain Town Realty Group. This months topic was Foreclosure vs Short Sale. Here is the link to the YouTube video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPyyVx_AioI

Hope the information is helpful!

New Website Launched to Assist Distressed Homeowners in Park City, UT

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 19:16:38 -0500

Today, 1 out every 10 homeowners in America is behind on mortgage payments. Now, more than ever, it’s important to identify your options. Foreclosure can be avoided, your credit can be saved, and your financial future can be salvaged.

Jim and Billie Harsch of Mountain Town Realty Group in Park City, UT have launched a new website, http://www.avoidforeclosuresinparkcity.com to help homeowners understand the possible solutions to foreclosure as well as providing a detailed explanation of short sales, which may be the best course of action for some homeowners.

The site offers a FREE report to explain your options and help you decide on a course of action. The site also includes a new video every month that addresses the latest concerns regarding distressed sales. Jim and Billie can also refer you to a qualified Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) in your area that is fully trained to assist in this challenging market.

Park City, UT Real Estate Statistics through July 2009

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:29:20 -0500

Real Estate Sales in Park City, UT continued their trend to stabilization with single family homes sales close to the high of June, and condominium and lot sales at the highest rate for 2009.

The Park City Board of Realtors statistics through July Year-to-date 2009 show that Gross Sales Volume for all categories was down to $441M, a decrease of 37% from the same period in 2008 (but improved from the 49% shortfall through June YTD), while prices decreased only about 1%, although there were substantial variations in each property category.

Single Family Home Sales continued at approximately 63% of the total Sales Volume and are down just 8% from 2008. Average Sales Prices are up 6.3%. The pricing averages are skewed by the sales of two very expensive homes; a home at The Canyons, listed for $22M, sold for an undisclosed sales price and home in Empire Pass sold for $11M. The strongest sales price range has been over $1.0M, while the weakest continues to be in the $700k-$1,000k range.

Condominium sales were down 58% from 2008 but showed improvement from June YTD. Prices were off by 26%. The strongest price range for condos was under $500k, while the $500-$700k range had the least activity.

Residential Lot sales continued to be weak. The recently opened Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Red Ledges, along with their special incentive of a Mercedes-Benz with every purchase has made the Red Ledges development the most active golf community for the year. Tuhaye/Talisker Club and Hideout Canyon are also offering some great deals for the summer.

Now is a great time to buy in Park City.

For complete details of each area and all Park City Homes for Sale, please contact us at http://www.unlockparkcity.com

PARK CITY, UT REALTOR EARNS PRESTIGIOUS DESIGNATION TO HELP HOMEOWNERS IN DANGER OF FORECLOSURE

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 10:30:54 -0500

Jim Harsch, Principal Broker/Owner of Mountain Town Realty Group in Park City, UT has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. This is invaluable expertise to offer at a time when the area is ravaged by “distressed” homes in the foreclosure process.

Short sales allow the cash-strapped seller to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures.

In the Park City area, there are a number homes in danger of foreclosing. It is happening in all price ranges. Local experts say that even high-priced homes are not immune. “This CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with sellers and lenders on complicated short sales,” said Harsch. “It is so rewarding to be able to help sellers save their homes from foreclosure.”

Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said that Realtors® such as Jim Harsch with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales that can offer the homeowner much better alternatives to foreclosure, which virtually destroys the credit rating. These experts also may better understand market conditions and can help sellers through the emotional experience, he said. The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training on-site and online. The CDPE is the premier designation for Realtors helping homeowners in distress and handling short sales.

“Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so we can help as many homeowners as possible,” Charfen said.

If you need assistance, would like additional information or to find a certified distressed Realtor in your area, please contact Jim at http://www.unlockparkcity.com or call 435-615-6637.

Park City, UT Offers the Three Resort International Pass for Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort and The Canyons

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:28:48 -0500

The International Desk

Operated and managed by the Park City Chamber of Commerce/Convention & Visitors Bureau, the International Desk will help answer questions about the Park City area. Purchase the Three Resort International Pass, the most cost-effective way for international guests to experience each of Park City’s three unique resorts. The International Desk can facilitate lodging availability, quote rates and referrals, dining recommendations, airport transfer and local transportation recommendations and activity planning for an entire Park City vacation

With one contact, a complete Park City vacation can be planned.

Contact Jana Brown at the International Desk: intl@parkcityinfo.com

1-435-658-9613 Phone

1-435-649-4132 Fax

www.parkcityinfo.com

Park City, Utah USA

It's a WOW! Red Ledges Development and It's Nicklaus Signature Golf Course in Heber City, UT

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 11:52:13 -0500

I was fortunate enough to play golf on the new Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Red Ledges in Heber City the other day. In my opinion, it is the most spectacular new golf course in the area. The pictures on their website http://www.redledges.com do not truly reflect the natural beauty of this mountain golf course which features outstanding views of Timpanogas, Deer Creek, and the surrounding valleys and mountains.. In the next couple of years it will certainly rival the #1 status of Glenwild, and the other courses at Promontory and Tuhaye.

Red Ledges is set-up with four tee boxes, and offers a challenge for golfers of all levels. The course is in excellent condition, considering it has been only open a month. The clubhouse and other amenities will be started in the near future, but it is now just a great course on which to play.

There are some great deals on homesite lots and their cottage products, with special developer incentives including a Mercedes Benz with each purchase. I have a membership and would be happy to show you the course. For more information on Red Ledges or any Park City Homes for Sale, please contact Jim Harsch at http://www.unlockparkcity.com .

Park City, UT’s Most Expensive Listing Ever, SOLD!

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 10:30:12 -0500

Even with the current difficult financial situation, Park City’s most expensive single family home listing ever, was sold this week. The 33,000 square foot home, also known as the Lodge at Peak Five, is in the heart of The Canyons Resort, within the Colony at White Pine Canyon. Originally listed for $28M and recently reduced to $23.8M, the property closed this week for an undisclosed sales price. The home featured the latest in architecture, design, decoration and construction with 14 bedrooms, 22 bathrooms, 8 fireplaces, room for 18 cars in the 12,500 sq. ft. underground heated garage, and was sited on over 5 acres with prime ski-in/ski-out access.

The Park City Luxury Home market (over $3 m) is stronger through July 2009 than the same period in 2008, with the focus on the Deer Valley area.

For information on other luxury homes in the area, Jim is a Guild member with the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and Jim and Billie do service the Luxury Home Market in Park City. For more information, contact them at http://www.unlockparkcity.com

Major League Soccer Has Selected The Canyons Resort in Park City as the Headquarter Hotel for the All Star Game

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:08:09 -0500

The Major League Soccer (MLS) will utilize The Canyons Resort in Park City, UT for events surrounding the MLS

All-Star Game to held at Rio Tinto Stadium on July 29th. All-Star teams will train and practice at Quinn’s Junction in Park City beginning Monday July 27th. Volkswagen will shoot a commercial featuring MLS players during this practice time.

The 2009 MLS All-Star Jam will feature live music form Soul Live and will be held at The Canyons on July 28th from 7-10 PM. There will also be an MLS All-Star Carnival just prior to the All-Star Game on Wednesday at Rio Tinto Stadium.

For more information on the MLS, visit http://www.mlsnet.com and for Park City Homes for Sales, visit http://www.unlockparkcity.com

Summer Ski Jumping in Park City, UT

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:00:56 -0500

Yes, it is true that there is a major Ski Jumping Tournament happening in the summer in Park City, UT. The annual Springer Tournee kicks off this Wednesday July 22nd and continues through Saturday at the Utah Olympic Park. The Springer Tournee consists of four competitions, with two held in Park City and two in Calgary, Canada and features a number of Nordic events, including jumping on the K120 hill. Who needs snow? The Flying Ace All-Stars will also be performing.

For more information see http://www.pcnordicskiclub.org and http://www.olyparks.com . For Park City Homes for Sale, please visit us at http://www.unlockparkcity.com .

Park City, UT Real Estate Statistics through Jun/YTD 2009

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:12:30 -0500

June 2009 Park City, UT real estate sales continued an upward swing in activity and were the strongest of 2009. Single Family Homes sold were equal to the number sold in September 2008, which was the highest level attained since 2007. Condo sales were again at the highest level of 2009.

The Park City Board of Realtors statistics through June Year-to-date 2009 show that Gross Sales Volume for all categories was down to $322M, a decrease of 49% from the same period in 2008, while prices decreased about 8%, although there were substantial variations in each property category.

Single Family Home Sales continued at approximately 63% of the total Sales Volume and are down 23% from 2008. Prices were down only 5%. The strongest sales price range has been over $1.0M, while the weakest continues to be in the $700k-$1,000k range.

Condominium sales were down 66% from 2008. Prices were off by 30%. The strongest price range for condos was under $500k, while the $500-$700k range had the least activity.

Residential Lot sales continued to be weak. The recently opened Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Red Ledges, along with their special incentive of a Mercedes-Benz with every purchase should spur interest in the Red Ledges development. Tuhaye/Talisker Club and Hideout Canyon are also offering some great deals for the summer.

For complete details of each area and all Park City Homes for Sale, please contact us at http://www.unlockparkcity.com.

Park City, UT Real Estate Statistics through May 2009

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 13:24:41 -0500

May 2009 real estate sales showed an uptick in activity and were the strongest of 2009. We saw the most single family home sales since October 2008, with condo sales at its highest rate in 2009.

The Park City Board of Realtors statistics through May Year-to-date 2009 indicate that Gross Sales Volume was down to $244M, a decrease of 54% from the same period of 2008, while prices decreased about 5%, although there were substantial variations in each property category.

Single Family Home Sales were 64% of the sales volume and down 30% from 2008. Prices were only down about 2.5%. The strongest sales price range has been over $1.0M, while the weakest has been in the $700k-$1,000k range.

Condominium sales were very weak and down 71% from 2008. Prices were off 32%. The strongest price range for condos was under $500k, while the $500-700k range had the least activity.

Vacant Lot sales were also way down. Hopefully, with summer here, and some great incentives at Tuhaye, we shall see sales turn around in this segment of the market.

Now is a great buying opportunity in Park City.

For complete details of each area , please contact us at http://www.unlockparkcity.com

Park City Real Estate First Half 2008 Statistics

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:19:37 -0500

The Park City Board of Realtors statistics for the First Half of 2008 indicate that Gross Sales Volume was down to $610M, a decrease of 39% from the same Half of 2007, prices increased 8%.

Gross Sales for Single Family Homes were $260M, down 45% from 2007 and prices were approximately even.

Condominium Gross Sales were down 24% to $259M, which prices rising 17%. Old Town Condos saw a 24% price increase and Kimball Junction Condos sales volume increased by 131% primarily with the Newpark Hotel, with prices up 19%.

Gross Sales of Vacant Land (Lots) decreased 57% to $72M with prices increasing 16%.

With a large inventory selection and banks lending at historically low interest rates, now is a great time to pick up a vacation property.

For complete details of each area, please contact us at http://www.unlockparkcity.com

Pivotal Financing Approved for The Promontory Club in Park City, UT.

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:11:02 -0500

On July 3rd, 2008, Judge Judith Bolden of the Utah Bankruptcy Court approved the Pivotal DIP (Debtor in Possession) Financing Plan for $25 Million in interim financing for The Promontory Club. Credit Suisse, Wells Fargo and the Promontory Owners Management Group all objected to the Plan.

The day before the ruling, Promontory did not reach an agreement with Credit Suisse for an alternate financing plan.

On July 21, 2008 the Court will hear Promontory's Motions for an extension of the period of time for it to file a bankruptcy plan.

Talisker Completes the Purchase of The Canyons in Park City, UT

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:59:59 -0500

Talisker Corporation completed the purchase of The Canyons in Park City, UT on Monday for $123M according to the Park Record and Securities and Exchange Commission documents.

The Canyons was the last property owned by the American Skiing Company. The Canyons now becomes part of the Talisker group of Park City properties including Empire Pass at Deer Valley and the Tuhaye golf development.

Talisker Canyons Finance Co. LLC will assume the responsibility for pending litigation with the resort's former owner, Wolf Mountain, which contends that is should regain the property because ASC defaulted on the lease. The trial is projected to take place early next year in Park City District Court.

The sale should stimulate activity at the resort, relieving a great deal of uncertainty about the future of The Canyons. The last ski season was exceptional and there are a number of new projects coming out of the ground.

For information on The Canyons real estate market, or Park City in general, please contact us at http://www.unlockparkcity.com

Homestead Golf Course in Midway offers Free Golf to Seniors

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:40:29 -0500

The Homestead in Midway has implemented a Free Golf Program for seniors over 65. The senior program will be available Monday through Thursday, beginning at noon. The program does not include a cart. The intent is to grow the game of golf by having more families come out and play.

The Homestead Resort if 120 years old, and has just completed a remodeling. The golf course has refurbished a number of holes and now is the only club in the state with GPS navigation systems installed in their golf carts.

Tee Times may be set seven days in advance by calling 1.800.327.7220. For more information on the Homestead, visit http://homesteadresort.com

Park City Journal Paves the Way to Learn More About the Community

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:32:03 -0500

Have you been to Park City? Would you like to visit? Wonder why you would want to visit? The Park City Journal helps everyone know what Park City, UT has to offer. Not only in the way of Winter Sports but also all the summer activities that are available to enjoy.

Want to know what is happening before you visit go to www.parkcityjournal.com.

Financing Still Undecided for the Promontory Club in Park City, UT.

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:03:27 -0500

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah was to issue an opinion on the $25 Million Pivotal DIP Financing proposal today, however, the parties asked Judge Boulden to delay announcing her decision until July 3^rd. In the meantime, the parties will try to negotiate a Credit Suisse Loan Proposal (approximately $20 Million for 6 months). Promontory will either present a Credit Suisse Loan Proposal on July 2^nd, or the Judge will decide whether to approve the Pivotal Proposal on July 3^rd. On July 21^st, the Court will hear either the Credit Suisse or Pivotal Loan Proposals and Promontory's Motion for an extension of the period of time for it to file a bankruptcy plan.

Credit Suisse, Wells Fargo, and the Promontory Owners and Members Group (POMG) have all objected to the Pivotal Loan Proposal.

In any event, Pivotal will extend its current financing agreement through July 31^st, 2008.

Park City's Luxury Home Tour Benefits Peace House Inc. - Domestic Violence Organization

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:24:48 -0500

Once again the Park City Board of Realtors is holding it's annual Luxury Home Tour and Auction to benefit the Peace House, Inc. Park City's domestic violence non-profit organization. One quarter of the Peace House's budget is derived from this fundraiser. It helps to continue education in the schools about domestic violence, bullying, date rape and other issues that arise from domestic violence. It also helps to fund the Peace House domestic abuse shelter in Park City.

Executive Director Jane Patten says "because of the Park City Board of Realtors generous efforts, we can assist 100 women and children by sheltering them and helping them get back on their feet, free of domestic violence in their lives.

The tour this year will be help in Lower Deer Valley and will include 6 spectacular homes. The auction will be held at the Yarrow on July 31th and includes trips, paintings, clothing and so much more. "There are more items to available for auction this year than anytime in the past" says in-kind auction coordinator Ginny Schulman.

The Luxury Home Tour will be held on August 9th.

Tickets can be purchased for the tour and the auction on line at www.luxuryhometour.com

Utah Breaking the Beer Barrier

Jim and Billie Harsch (Mountain Town Realty Group) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:57:12 -0500

Time Magazine recently reported that even with a national economic slowdown, Utah is attracting residents and tourists with such growing industries as biotech and outdoor recreation. Governor Jon Huntsman wants to make the state more "user friendly" by relaxing the laws pertaining to serving liquor and private clubs.

Utah's population increased by 18% from 2000 to 2007; 23% of the residents came from other states or countries; and 20 Million tourists visited Utah in 2007.

All of the above factors are keeping our real estate market stable.

For information on the Park City real estate market, please contact us at http://www.unlockparkcity.com