News and Views from Estes Park, Colorado

Your Texas Cousin Said Your House Was Worth HOW MUCH?

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:50:05 -0600

Pricing your home accurately is the most important part determining how the sale of your property will go. I've talked about The Art of Pricing Your Home To Sell before. However, I think it is just as important to discuss what not to do when considering selling Real Estate in Estes Park.

Market Value is defined by what a willing and informed buyer and a willing and informed seller agree upon. There are many factors that influence true market value and unfortunately, homeowners can easily be swayed into thinking their house is worth more than it is.

Remember, true market value is NOT influenced by:

Previous Sale Price
How much you owe against a property

Thats not all: check out my blog for more tips on establishing market value for real estate in Estes Park.

Lower Mortgage Rates Mean FREE MONEY!

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 00:06:49 -0600

Lower interest rates are the best thing that can happen to you if you are considering purchasing real estate. It also reinforces what you are hearing every realtor across the nation who says "Now Is a great time to buy real estate."

Check out my blog for a detailed analysis of what it means for people contemplating whether to buying Estes Park Real Estate.

December Real Estate Market Report in Estes Park, Colorado

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Seasonality and the decrease in demand are bringing the number of sales down considerably at this time. Fortunately, median prices are holding relatively steady most likely influenced by the lack of urgency from sellers who aren't motivated enough to drop their price and can afford to wait it out. Inventory is continuing to decrease in all categories which is a good sign.

Check out my blog for more information and statistics about the Estes Park Real Estate Market

Should I invest in Stocks or Real Estate in Estes Park, Colorado?

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:47:49 -0600

Click the chart to Enlarge

Estes Park Real Estate For Sale - Luxurious Home with Continental Divide Views

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:36:07 -0600

Magnificent Blend of Privacy and Outstanding Views

3266 H Bar G Road, Estes Park, CO 80517 View Map

The Sanctuary at Husted Ranch is situated in one of the most desirable locations in Estes Park. Sitting up on the mountain overlooking the lush Estes Valley to the Continental Divide beyond, this home is set in a most exquisite setting. The 5208 square-foot home is nestled into 10 acres of pristine mountain property.

The custom details of this home are just as ideal. The stone base and pillars, timbers, and generous covered decks on the exterior allow the home to blend into its natural surroundings . The entire home is directed toward the breath-taking views of the Continental Divide and the pastoral valley below.

The interior features a granite counter top in the gourmet kitchen, a large pantry, laundry and breakfast nook. A moss-rock fireplace is central in the great room but cannot compete with the wall of windows which look out to the expansive views.

The master suite is located on the main level boasting a 5-piece bathroom and a walk-in closet. The upper floor includes a family-size bath, three bedrooms and a loft library reading area with breath-taking views.

The home has radiant in-floor heat, as well as an impressive wood-burning boiler which heats the radiant in-floor heating system. The entire home was built with a conscious effort toward green-building, efficiency, and high quality.

Secluded and private, yet only 7 minutes to downtown Estes Park, this home is situated in the perfect location. Moss bedrock and fire-mitigated forest surround the home. This acreage is next door to the MacGregor Ranch property, where they graze their cattle several months out of the year, and it's also neighboring the original homestead of Shep Husted, a famous mountain guide in the later part of the 19th century.

Details

Asking Price:

$1,785,000

MLS:

572851

Sq. Feet:

5208

Lot Size:

10 Acres

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

3 Car

Year Built:

2006

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Sam Basel
Broker Associate

Cell 970-215-0759
Email | Website

Estes Park Real Estate For Sale - LOG HOME on 3 Acres

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:31:16 -0600

Majestic Log Home

33 Fighting Elk Ct, Glen Haven, CO 80532 View Map

This property has everything you would expect in a Colorado mountain style log home. With 3 acres of privacy, abundant trees and gorgeous views, this home begs you to kick back, relax and get away from it all. Two wraparound decks extend the living spaces to the great out doors. Inside, the chalet-style great room anchors the home and continues the mountain flavor with lots of natural wood and large windows. In addition to the great room, the main level also features a large bedroom and bath. Overlooking the great room is a second spacious bedroom with its own private balcony. One of the most unique features of the house is the rock outcroppings in the corner of the family room. The detached garage has room for two cars plus a large shop heated by a wood stove. For only $375,000, this log home is perfect for the weekend or a lifetime!

Details

Asking Price:

$375,000

MLS:

569417

Sq. Feet:

1728

Lot Size:

3.03

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

Garage Size:

787

Subdivision:

The Retreat

Year Built:

1995

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Sam Basel
Broker Associate

Cell 970-215-0759
Email | Website

Estes Park Real Estate For Sale - One Level Living with Room for Visitors

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:27:41 -0600

Outstanding Custom Mountain Home

1019 Sutton Lane, Estes Park, CO 80517 View Map

Beautiful and spacious 3 bedroom, 3 bath home with one level living and large rooms. Vaulted ceilings throughout the main level bring an extra feeling of open-ness to the already spacious interiors. Massive moss rock wood or gas fireplace anchors the living room which also has a slider to a large deck overlooking the surrounding valley. Well laid out floor plan creates excellent living spaces indoor and out. Master Bedroom features a private bath and large walk-in closet. The downstairs features 2 bedrooms, large family room and excellent storage space. Quality built home by Gregg Construction in 2001.

Details

Asking Price:

$439,000

MLS:

580899

Sq. Feet:

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

Year Built:

2001

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Sam Basel
Broker Associate

Cell 970-215-0759
Email | Website

Estes Park Real Estate For Sale - Downtown Condo Close to Shopping

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:20:36 -0600

Investment Condo - Practically on the Riverwalk

181 Filbey Court, Estes Park, CO 80517 View Map

Great investment with a very low price and excellent income potential! Compare to others! Phenomenal location along the river walk just steps away from Performance Park and all sorts of shopping downtown. Multiple options for use including short term rentals, long term rentals, and full time living. On site management available but freedom to use off site management as well. All furnishings included – even 3 flat screen TV’s! Development includes on site pool, and 2 hot tubs. Call today or you might miss out!

Details

Asking Price:

$215,000

MLS:

575786

Sq. Feet:

630

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

HOA/Maintenance Fees:

275

Subdivision:

Fall River Village

Year Built:

2006

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Sam Basel
Broker Associate

Cell 970-215-0759
Email | Website

25 Reasons Why Buying Home in Estes Park is a Great Idea!

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:03:42 -0600

I love living in Estes Park, Colorado. I actually had a hard time narrowing the list to 25 reasons. Stay tuned this summer and I'll come up with another list for you.

Your significant other wants a new home in the Rocky Mountains for Christmas.
The mountains captivate the imagination by looking different every day.
Wildlife is not affected by economic difficulties. Elk, deer, coyotes, mountain lion, bobcat, bear, badger, bighorn sheep can all still be found around town.

Click over to my blog to find the other 22 reasons to buy real estate in Estes Park

photo credit bradleygee

November Real Estate Market Report in Estes Park, Colorado

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:16:45 -0600

In the midst of an uncertain real estate market nation wide, Estes Park has signs of a stronger market. Here are the bright spots:

Median price droped some vs last month, however it does continue along the general trend line of increasing values
There were more single family homes sold in October this year than there was in October of last year
Inventory continues to decrease in all categories

Check out my blog for more information about the Estes Park Real Estate Market

Estes Park Town-Wide Halloween Event Video

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 00:03:53 -0600

The Halloween celebration downtown Estes Park is Always a big hit. Check out this video put together by the Hazeltons of Estes Park News

Pricing - Art form or Exact Science?

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:28:20 -0500

Pricing your property to sell is the most important part determining if your home will sell or sit with a for sale sign in your yard for months on end. In my opinion, pricing your property accurately is more often an art form than an exact science. I explain why on my blog post and include 3 Simple Steps to pricing your Property

Elk in Estes Park, Colorado

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:24:21 -0500

Estes Park is known for the Elk who wander throughout the town. The other day, as I was leaving my garage, I huge Bull Elk wandered down the road I live on.

Here is a picture for your to enjoy. You can find a few more pictures of this encounter with this Bull Elk in Estes Park.

Estes Park Mortgage Expert Panel

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 01:21:33 -0500

I recently attended a mortgage broker panel featuring many (if not all) of the local mortgage brokers here in Estes Park. Panelists included Sarah Walsh of First Home Mortgage, Rich Flanery of The Mortgage Center, Harriette Woodard of Estes Park Mortgages, Jose Santana of Blue Diamond Mortgage, Susan Raso of First City Mortgage Group, and Tim Ortiz of Home Financial . It was a very informative discussion about how buyers are being affected by the recent national credit market upheavel.

Check out my blog post to hear about some of the general topics covered about getting a loan in Estes Park.

Searching for a Real Estate Agent in Estes Park?

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:20:50 -0500

Look No Further!

I am passionate about what I do. Check out my blog post describing 6 Reasons why you should consider me as your Estes Park Real Estate Agent.

Please contact me to learn more

Search ALL Homes, Condos, and Vacant Land in Estes Park, Colorado

Estes Park Distressed Property - Foreclosures, Short Sales, and Bank Owned Property

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:23:33 -0500

The market is changing - even in Estes Park. Foreclosures, Short Sales, and Bank Owned Property are all becoming more and more prevalent in todays real estate market. Although Estes Park is not affected as much as many markets across the nation, these distressed properties may create a unique buying opportunity. The first step to getting a good deal when purchasing distressed property is understanding the different stages a property can be in. Check out my blog for more information about Distressed Properties in Estes Park.

Estes Park Real Estate For Sale - 1100 Giant Track Rd

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:45:06 -0500

Large 4 Bedroom Home with Flexible Options

1100 Giant Track Rd, Estes Park, CO 80517 View Map

ATTENTION INVESTORS! This property is zoned A-1 Accommodations guaranteeing short term rentals and making a duplex possible with minor remodels for additional rental income. The house is an excellent value for its size including 4 bedrooms, large kitchen, living room and family room. Great views of the 13,000 ft peaks of the Mummy Range plus views of Lumpy Ridge as well. Efficient pellet stove heats the house nicely in addition to the main heat source. Also a possibility of subdividing the vacant land to the east of the house into additional buildable space (Buyer to verify). Rare offering with lots of flexibility at under $300,000. Definitely worth a look!

Details

Asking Price:

275,000

MLS:

582440

Sq. Feet:

1920

Lot Size:

1.36

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

# of Floors:

Year Built:

1965

Property Amenities

Contact Info

Sam Basel
Broker Associate

Cell 970-215-0759
Email | Website

October Real Estate Market Report for Estes Park, Colorado

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 00:18:27 -0500

The current market statistics for Estes Park are showing some very interesting numbers describing how the market is reacting to the National credit crunch crises and the rest of the economy.

The National mortgage market credit crunch is having some interesting effects on real estate across the nation. In Estes Park, we are enjoying a market that has not been effected much at all. The median price of single family homes continues to rise. Only time will tell what the long term effects will be.

Please visit my blog for more information and statistics about Estes Park Real Estate.

Buying a Home in Estes Park in 7 Easy Steps

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 17:20:33 -0500

1. Decide you are ready to buy.

2. Find a Local Estes Park Real Estate Agent.

3. Talk to a Mortgage Broker (Skip to #4 if Paying with Cash).

4. Narrow down your search.

The final 4 Steps along with Detailed descriptions of each steps can be found on my Estes Park Real Estate Blog.

REBlogworld 2008

Sam Basel ~ Estes Park, Colorado REALTOR® (Estes Park Realty) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:33:05 -0500

This sign sums up my experience at The Blogworld Expo and Real Estate Blogworld pretty well. If you heard someone say "This Way" at Blogworld, it would probably be a good idea to listen. Being a novice blogger looking to reshape my online presence, I wasn't entirely sure what I'd find, but the quality of the individuals I met and the content they provided were beyond outstanding. I have the feeling that relationships that were started at this conference through the seminars and conversations in the hallways will last a long time.

I gained many great ideas ready to be implemented into my business and I'm looking forward to upgrading my online presence and improving my business in near future as a direct result of this conference.

For me, concepts that stuck out from the sessions I attended were:

1. Your competition online is only competition if you are not giving the consumer what they want. (paraphrasing Mariana Wagner - Master the Key Points of Web Client Conversion, From Click to Close)

2. 2 Seconds is all the customer is taking to make a judgement call on your content. It better have what the customer wants or the customer is already on the next web site. (paraphrasing Kelley Koehler - What to do when Google doesn't love you)

3. When struggling to write good content, think about your perfect customer and write to them like you were writing an email. Conversational tone is important. (paraphrasing multiple sources)

4. "It pays more to be interested than interesting." (Mike Shinoda - Linkin Park - Sunday Morning Keynote)

This past weekend at Blogworld has given me multiple tools and ideas to further my goal of providing outstanding real estate service in Estes Park, Colorado. If you have an interest in blogging, I would highly recommend this conference for you next year. It was well worth my time and efforts to get there.

Along the same lines of continuing my blogging education, if you have any advice for a novice blogger that you wish you knew when you first started blogging, I'd love to hear it.