Silverthorne homes Blog

Realtors are good for the community -- here's proof!

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:07:09 -0600

The Summit Association of Realtors handed out donations to three local groups today. These donations were made possible by a Realtor Banquet/Fundraiser and from the interest earned when earnest money is donated into special accounts.

The fundraiser donation of $8,000 went to Summit County schools to make more before and after school programs available to elementary and middle school children. Millie Hamner, the Superintendent of Shools pointed out that when kids are involved in planned activites, their involvement in "other" activities is reduced.

CARHOF raised $10,000 which was split between two local groups. $5,000 was donated to the Summit Housing Authority to replenish their downpayment assistance fund. The remaining $5,000 was donated to the Advocates of Victims of Assault to help with the cost of safe housing.

Every effort, regardless of how small, has the power to make a difference to people in our community. Make a decision today to give in some way and support your community. The Mountain Living Team is proud to be a part of a group of Realtors that cares so much about their community.

Live in Frisco

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:26:54 -0600

A lot of home, nearly 2400 square feet, in Frisco for only $625,000.

Make a Smilebox photobook

More information about this great home in Frisco is available online.

Mesa Cortina - A Peaceful Mountain Community

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:01:22 -0500

The community of Mesa Cortina is located in Silverthorne below Buffalo Mountain at an elevation around 9200' to 9600'. While its address is Silverthorne it is outside of the town limits. It is comprised of the subdivisions of Mesa Cortina, Mesa Cortina West and Cortina. There are approximately 262 single family lots in Mesa Cortina with 52 still undeveloped. The lots are one third to half an acre.

The community of Mesa Cortina backs up to National Forest lands to the north and west and is often frequented by a variety of wildlife. It is not uncommon to see moose, fox and raccoon around the neighborhood. The Mesa Cortina Trail runs through the National Forest and, if you dare, will take you all the way to Vail. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trails helping to keep the sounds of nature prominent. Views are varied depending on your lot location. They range from views overlooking the town of Silverthorne to snow-capped mountains rising above Lake Dillon to the endless forests that make up the National Forest.

Mesa Cortina's HOA costs each homeowner $100/year. HOA information is available online at www.MesaCortina.com.

Getting around Mesa Cortina and in and out of the area is relatively easy. The roads within Mesa Cortina are mostly gravel and are maintained by the county. The Summit Stage doesn't have any bus routes that run through the community but they do run in nearby Wildernest.

Mesa Cortina is a mixture of second home owners and full time residents. The community has its own water and sewer system so no wells or septic tanks are necessary. When building your home you can expect tap fees to run approximately $12,000. Other utilities available include electric service from Xcel Energy, Comcast for cable and internet, phone service from US West, and trash pick up from your choice of several providers.

There are currently 8 single family homes in Mesa Cortina for sale. They range from $450,000 to $975,000. Looking back through June 2007 14 homes have sold in this neighborhood and one is currently under contract. The sold prices range from $350,000 to $949,900. 2 lots are currently on the market in Mesa Cortina at $260,000 and $285,000. There is one currently under contract and 2 have sold since June 2007. Those lots sold for $214,000 and $265,000. If you are looking to purchase property in Mesa Cortina, The Mountain Living Team currently has two homes and one lot listed for sale in the community.

The lot is on a dead end street and backs to National Forest land. It is a half acre building site with fir, aspen, pine and spruce trees and a variety of wildflowers and undergrowth. It is the perfect setting for an amazing Summit County home. For more information and photos go to www.mountain-living.com/203elkthistle.html.

One of the two homes for sale is a beautiful log home. From the deck you can see the mountains rising above Lake Dillon. Inside this amazing home, no detail has been overlooked. From the log accents to the covered deck to the huge workshop, everything has been thought of here. More information and pictures are available at www.mountain-living.com/111shootingstar.html.

The second of the homes is a classic mountain A-frame. Nearly 100% original, it brings "simple" back to second homes. With huge windows to the front and back you can take full advantage of the National Forest this home backs up to. For more information and photos of one of the most affordable homes you'll find in Mesa Cortina go to www.mountain-living.com/267royalredbird.html.

If you are looking for a mountain community that offers National Forest, wildlife, privacy and quiet, Mesa Cortina is definately worth a look.

A Chameleon Condo that Will Mirror You

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 11:47:44 -0500

The one thing in life that is constant is change. You will change with time, your family will change, your job will change, your needs will change. When those changes happen it is one less thing you need to worry about if your property will change with you. Full of country charm, this Frisco condo is versatile enough to suit your needs even as they change. It makes a great second home, is easy to rent for either long term or shert term rentals, and is in an great location for your primary residence.

As your second home you'll get to enjoy the amazing lake, mountain and wetland views on every visit to Summit County. Regardless of the activities you come to Summit County for, this condo is in a convenient Frisco location. Five ski areas are within a 30 minute drive as are four golf courses. You can pick up the paved rec path nearby, which is perfect for bicycling, roller blading or walking on. Several shopping centers and restaurants are also within walking distance. If you'd like to venture further, you can grab the local free bus to take you almost anywhere in the county.

If you are looking for a rental property, this two bedroom, two bath condo is a great candidate. There are three separate entrances and two lock-off options. These options can convert this condo to two units, a 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo and a 1 bedroom, 1 bath hotel-like room. Even if your thought is buying a second home, periodic rentals can help pay the bills for your vacation retreat. There are a variety of property management companies available that can make being a landlord a painless experience - even from thousands of miles away.

If you are a full time resident of Summit County, or plan to be, you probably already realize the appeal of Frisco. Frisco is a good, central location that is highly desireable. It appeals to locals, second homeowners and vacationers alike. Views are not always easy to come by in Frisco, especially in this price range. Even if you have views now, development may alter your views in the future. There are protected wetlands between this condo and Lake Dillon. Your odds are good that your views will not be impeded by future development here. The lock off could be rented out separately providing you with an additional source of income.

The flexibility of this Frisco condo is a great asset when it comes time to resell. You're not limiting your options to a small group of buyers but rather offering different options to a larger group of prospective buyers.

Interested? Get more information about this versatile Frisco condo at www.mountain-living.com/204meadowcreek.html or contact me.

3 Bedroom Town Home in Frisco, Colorado

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 12:48:44 -0500

This Home in Dillon, Colorado was Built for Entertaining

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:13:49 -0500

Those that love to entertain family and friends can do so in comfort and style in this beautiful home in Dillon, Colorado. The main floor features a huge living room with vaulted ceilings and a dramatic, southwest style fireplace. A wall of windows allow expansive views of the Continental Divide from nearly every room in the house. A huge deck off the living room enhances the breathtaking views while adding to the casual entertaining experience. Fire up the grill and you have the perfect spot for a summer barbeque or get-together. The dining room and a bonus room, perfect for a small bar area, are gently separated from the rest of the living space as is the kitchen. Hardwood floors and Saltio tile flow seamlessly throughout the main floor. Hand carved spiral columns add beautiful accents to the entry and living area. A hand peeled log railing lead you upstairs to a large loft overlooking the living room and a spacious Master suite. The Master suite is similar to the living room with a slightly smaller scale vaulted ceiling and wall of windows taking in the same awesome views. A gas fireplace is quietly tucked away in the corner of the room, a subtle reminder to take advantage of those cold winter nights with a cozy and romantic fire for you and your sweetheart. A 5 piece master bath and walk in closet complete the Master suite. Downstairs you'll find 2 more bedrooms, a shared bathroom, family room with walk out patio and a wine cellar.

Attention to details really complete the feel of this beautiful home in Dillon. Just some of the amazing touches include the hand carved, spiral columns, hand painted sinks in the bathrooms, hand peeled log railings, custom doors and high ceilings.

A touch of Southwestern stylings combine beautifully with the mountain charm in this Summit County home. This unique home is Dillon is one you don't want to miss. Priced at only $950,000 it is a bargain at only $231 a square foot. For more information go online to www.mountain-living.com/243HighMeadow.html or call 970-668-4435

Sample Copper Mountain Real Estate

Wed, 28 May 2008 11:31:00 -0500

If you are looking for a fun, casual way to see a variety of Copper Mountain real estate the Copper Condo Sampler is for you. The first Friday of the month we host a walking tour of several properties available for sale at Copper Mountain. This is an excellent way to get a glimpse of several different complexes to help you determine where you want your Copper Mountain property to be. The tour will only last approximately an hour and a half but you will leave with an abundance of information about Copper Mountain.

The Copper Condo Sampler is a great way to get a taste of Copper Mountain real estate. For more information or to RSVP for the next Copper Condo Sampler visit our website: www.mountain-living.com/ccs.html

Can everyone afford a second home in Summit County?

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:37:56 -0500

If you enjoy swishing down the slopes of your favorite Rocky Mountain ski resort or hiking one of the nearby fourteeners and are looking for a way to spend more of your time doing those types of activities without spending too much of your money, I may have the answer you have been looking for.

You have probably spent some of your time checking out property in the areas you love most and have been taken aback by the prices. Owning property in your favorite area will allow the money you put towards renting condos on every visit back into your pocket in the form of appreciation. But how can you become a second home owner in Summit County?

One way that has been growing in popularity recently is partial ownership. Rather than purchasing an entire condo you purchase only a fraction of it. Different than a timeshare where your purchase is for the time, you are actually an owner of the property. Currently, the Mountain Living Team has a 1/5^th share of a 2 bedroom condo in Silverthorne available for $49,900. This particular property is different still in the fact that you would be purchasing 1/5^th of the partnership that owns the condo. Above and beyond the initial $49,900 purchase price there is a $125/mo fee that includes the property taxes, utilities and HOA dues.

Partial ownership is not the only option when trying to figure out how to afford your Summit County vacation home. Another option is to use it for short term rentals when you are not using it. An added benefit of owning Summit County property is that tourists are almost always in town. This adds the option of short term vacation rentals as a way to pay a portion of the expenses of owning the property. Management of your rental property can be as hands on as personally speaking to and approving every person that wants to rent your property to completely hands off and letting a company handle all of the details. They simply send you a statement showing your rental income/expenses and either a bill or check for the balance. There are a variety of properties available for sale that easily accommodate the needs of short term renters. Currently the Mountain Living Team has several options available. From a $469,900 Copper Mountain condo that will rent exceptionally well during ski season to a cozy Frisco condo under $400,000 that makes a good year ‘round rental property.

If you like the idea of owning a second home in Summit County but don't know how to make it a reality, contact the Mountain Living Team. We can help you find a way to become a homeowner in Summit County, Colorado.

Your Summit County Quarterly Market Snapshot

Sat, 12 Apr 2008 21:24:25 -0500

A Market Snapshot direct to you.

Get a brief overview in your inbox every quarter that gives you a look at the Summit County real estate market. With a simple click of the mouse additional, in depth information can be sent directly to you via email, or snail mail if you prefer. These reports include statistics, a market analysis and predictions for the near future of Summit County real estate.

Quality, informed real estate decisions begin with quality real estate information.

The national housing market can be identical to, the complete opposite of, or anywhere in between the conditions of the real estate market in Summit County, Denver, or other markets around the nation. The only way to know what is happening in a specific area is to find out from experts in that area. Let The Mountain Living Team be your source for Summit County real estate information. If you are considering buying or selling a Summit County property the Market Snapshot is just one more tool The Mountain Living Team can provide you with that will keep you in tune with the current market trends and conditions. It is our goal to not only assist you with your Summit County real estate transactions but to provide you with the information necessary to make sound decisions regarding those real estate transactions.

Sign up for the Summit County Market Snapshot.

It's quick and easy to sign up. Click here to send The Mountain Living Team an email that will subscribe you to our Market Snapshot. If you would like to cancel your Market Snapshot at any time, it is just as quick and easy to do. There's an unsubscribe link at the bottom of every email. Don't worry about becoming the victim of spam. The Mountain Living Team will never sell your personal information and will not spam you.

The 2008 1st Quarter Market Snapshot is available now.

The sooner you sign up, the sooner you can begin receiving quarterly updates about the Summit County real estate market.

Attention Summit County Locals & Wannabes

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:06:30 -0500

The Mountain Living Team has recently listed two condos in Frisco that are perfect for locals. Both have everything a local wants; garages, in unit laundry facilities and excellent, centralized locations.

The first is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath Cobblestone Condo only one block off Main Street in Frisco. It has an oversized 1 car garage, wood burning fireplace and a laundry room in the unit with a full size washer and dryer. Both bedrooms are huge. The master has a king size bed and its own bathroom. There's another full bathroom for the second bedroom and any additional guests you may have. Views of Mt. Royal, Mt. Victoria and Peak One can be seen from both the living room and master bedroom. More information and photos.

The second Frisco condo is a 1 bedroom, 1.5 bath Lagoon Town home. It has a 2 car tandem garage with a huge storage area in the back of the garage. At 810 square feet this is a spacious one bedroom. The living area is open from the moment you step in the door. Entertaining is easy with a nice size kitchen, a separate dining area, large deck and a wood burning fireplace in the living room. The master bedroom and entry has new laminate flooring with tile in the bathrooms. The master bathroom has a separate shower and tub. The tub is an elegant, jetted tub perfect to relax in after a day on the slopes. For added convenience there is also a stackable washer and dryer in the unit. More information and photos.

The excellent locations of both of these condos make getting around the county a breeze. There are Summit Stage bus stops close to both condos, Lake Dillon is nearby as are miles of bike paths. There are 6 ski resorts within approximately a half an hour drive of either condo. Hiking trails will take you all over the thousands of acres of National Forest Land that's nearby. Also close by is the Frisco Nordic Center which offers cross country or snowshoe trails and more. If you love Summit County, Frisco is a great central location that offers quick and easy accessibility to practically anywhere in the county. More information about Frisco, Colorado.

These condos in Frisco would also make great rental properties for second home owners or investors. This was just a quick peek at a couple of the condos available for sale in Frisco, Colorado. If these don't fit your needs contact us and we would be happy to show you what is currently available that will meet your needs.

Help for Those Facing Foreclosure

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 17:30:02 -0600

Are you like millions of people across the country that are currently stressing about their mortgage payments? Maybe you are unable to make the payments and are in default with the fear of foreclosure looming. Maybe something unexpected has happened in your life and while you are still current on your mortgage you are wondering how long you can keep it up. Maybe you are in one of those unfortunate situations we have heard so much about lately and have an adjustable rate mortgage that will be adjusting in the future to a payment amount you can't afford. No matter what your situation, there's help available.

The first step is to call the national counseling hotline President Bush publicized. 888-995-4673 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week offering a HUD-approved counselor to listen to your situation, get all the facts, and recommend a course of action for you. They can help you the most if you are prepared. Have income and expense numbers in hand before calling.

Of course, this is not your only option. If you are considering selling your property to get out of your current situation stop considering it and take action. Talk to a real estate professional. If you have not received a letter from your lender saying they have begun foreclosure proceedings you may still have an opportunity to come away with some equity intact. If not and you end up selling your property for less than you owe, a short sale, and the lender forgives the remaining balance, in the past you would have had to pay income tax on that amount. When President Bush signed the mortgage debt forgiveness law in December borrowers who receive debt forgiveness as part of a loan workout over the next three years won't have to pay federal tax on the forgiven amount.

Having trouble paying your bills is always a stressful situation to be in. Don't give up, there is hope. There are still a few nuggets of good news out there. If you are having trouble finding the silver lining, give me a call. I am always willing to help.

Cute Mountain Getaway in Frisco, Colorado

Tue, 19 Feb 2008 10:20:18 -0600

Summer in Summit County, Colorado includes bicycling, hiking, sailing and golf; outdoor activities that take advantage of the beautiful summertime weather. Summit County winters also take advantage of the weather but for all types of skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides and ice skating. There is plenty to do in Breckenridge, Keystone, Frisco, Dillon, Copper Mountain and Silverthorne. If you enjoy Summit County no matter what time of year it is and no matter what part of the county it is in, this Meadow Creek Villa Condo is the perfect mountain getaway for you. Centrally located this Frisco condo allows you easy access to every part of the county with close proximity to Main Street in Frisco, Lake Dillon, bike trails and the Summit Stage bus stop. View a map.

Two floors above the one car garage is this cute 2 bedroom condo. Over 1000 square feet allows ample space to relax and be comfortable. The living room is a nice size with a stone-faced, gas fireplace. The kitchen has a country feel with plenty of cabinets and counter space. The dining room has multiple windows that frame awesome mountain, lake and protected wetland views. The deck also takes advantage of these same views. Both bedrooms are huge with walk in closets, one with its own bath. The bedrooms also have separate entrances to the outside and can be utilized as lock-off units if you prefer.

Resonable HOA dues of $375/mo allow you hot tub use, pay most of your utilities and handle the snow removal. Property taxes are $1,134/yr. Use our mortgage calculator to figure out how affordable this 2 bedroom Summit County condo can be at just $415,000.

See more of this cute, Frisco condo at www.mountain-living.com/202meadowcreek.html

Valentine's Day in Summit County, what a joke!

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 11:12:32 -0600

There are a lot of activities in Summit County any time of year.

Holidays are no exception. Valentine's Day in Summit County held many options for sweethearts. Your choices included dining at one of many Summit County restaurants, ice skating at Keystone, or Valentine's Day Comedy at the Silverthorne Pavilion.

Jason, my Valentine, and I had no reservations for dinner this Valentine's Day. I wasn't looking for anything extravagant and expected that the not-so-fancy restaurants wouldn't be that busy. We worked a little bit later than anticipated so we were going to be eating later too, at nearly 7:00; prime time for dinner at the restaurants. Our first choice was Old Chicago in Silverthorne. I thought there might be some guys without girlfriends eating there but didn't expect it to be a busy Valentine's Day dinner kind of place. Boy was I wrong. The place was packed! If Old Chicago was packed I expected everywhere else would be too. As we were trying to decide what to do next we drove by Village Inn. Village Inn is the fail safe. When you can't find a table anywhere else in Summit County, Village Inn always has several open. So we had our Valentine's Day dinner at Village Inn. It was a good meal with no waiting. We finished it up in Valentine's Day fashion, with one strawberry sundae topped with whipped cream and two spoons.

After dinner we headed to the Silverthorne Pavilion for the Valentine's Day Comedy show. The comedians were Nora Lynch and Phil Palisoul; no one I had ever heard of before. Nora Lynch was on first. The humor was a little more crude than I was expecting but was still good for a few laughs. Then Phil Palisoul took the stage. Phil was hilarious! I was laughing so hard I was crying at one point during the performance. I know Jason was laughing hard too, I don't think he was driven to tears like me, but definitely having a great time. I left wondering why I had never heard of this guy before. If you get a chance to see Phil Palisoul's comedy act yourself, don't let it pass you by. Make your evening a joke too!

This Valentine's Day turned out to be one of my best Valentine's Days ever. For less than the price of a bouquet of flowers, we both had a fun evening out and really enjoyed our time together. Isn't that what Valentine's Day is all about?

There's no need to wait until a holiday to enjoy yourself in Summit County.

Activities are almost always going on somewhere. See a complete list of current activities in Summit County. A-Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Dillon, Frisco, Keystone and Silverthorne are all represented on the calendar taking the hassle out of finding your next Summit County activity.

Fun Copper Mountain Ski Condo

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:29:34 -0600

You'll have a blast everyday you spend at this Copper Mountain ski condo!

There's a variety of activities available all winter at Copper Mountain that include skiing and boarding, tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, shopping, and transportation to almost any off-site activity, Summit County location and Denver International Airport.

This 2 bedroom condo is located in Tucker Mountain Lodge, a newer complex in the heart of Copper Mountain's Center Village. With one of the best floor plans available, this corner unit has bedrooms separated by living space, a huge deck and lots of windows. Views look down the streets of Center Village with the slopes off to the side. At over 900 square feet this is a spacious Copper Mountain condo. The master bedroom easily accomodates a king size bed and a queen size bed in the second bedroom. Two full bathrooms and a sofa in the living room that pulls out into a bed allow this condo to comfortably sleep six. In the evening, after enjoying a home cooked meal made in the full size kitchen, you can relax in front of a cozy fire. If you're ready for a night out, many restaurants and bars are right outside your door. Tucker Mountain Lodge has a fitness room, hot tub, ski lockers, laundry facilities and underground parking for your use.

Copper Mountain is no longer just a winter destination. They host several events over the summer months like Guitar town and a rodeo. You can ride the lift up the mountain and bike down, play mini golf, regular golf, and go horseback riding.

If you enjoy Copper Mountain and Summit County make the most of your time there in your own Copper Mountain condo. More information available on this fun Copper Mountain condo at www.mountain-living.com/206tucker.html

Breckenridge Snow Sculpture Championship

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 17:35:01 -0600

Snow Sculpting in Breckenridge isn't a new thing.

Breckenridge's snow sculpting competition has been around since the late 70's. It started as part of UllrFest, a celebration of the mythical Norse god of snow. Breckenridge locals, businesses and civic organizations created amazing snow art, competing for a mention in the local paper and a prize of some sort. Over the years the snow sculpting competition has grown and in 1986 became part of the sanctioned Colorado Snow Sculpture Championships. Five years later the event went international and today this competition draws teams from all walks of life. They come to Breckenridge to create amazing, but temporary, works of art. The teams have a week to create their masterpieces from a 12 foot block of ice. The winners are determined by a panel of judges, there are also a People's Choice, Kid's Choice and Artists' Choice Awards. After the judging these works of art are on display for another week. If you haven't made it yet this year, hurry because they are only on display until Sunday, February 3rd.

The amazing sculptures created in only one week always leave me awe struck. This is only my second year attending the International Snow Sculpture Championships and I have not been disappointed yet nor do I ever expect to be. I only wish I would have been coming to Breckenridge to see the snow sculptures years ago. It's a fabulous artform that is truly Summit County in every way!

I'm sure it will be back again next year for its 19th year of international competition. Think Breckenridge in January and enjoy not only this International Snow Sculpting Competition but a lot of great snow blanketing the county making for some fantastic winter fun! Make a week of it and do some snowmobiling, skiing and riding, or snowshoeing while you're here. Breckenridge along with Keystone, Copper Mountain and all the Summit County towns have a way of making lasting memories. Before you know it you may find yourself coming for the entire season or, who knows, maybe you'll want to live the Summit County lifestyle year 'round!

Who won this year's International Snow Sculpture Championship?

I don't know how the judges can pick just one winner out of all the incredible sculptures but somehow they manage. This year, the 2008 International Snow Sculpture Championship first place winner was China with their sculpture titled The Warrior and the Moon. Their sculpture is the first picture at the top of this blog. The amount of detail in the snow was just incredible! It also won the People's Choice Award. Second place went to Canada and their sculpture Swan Song. In third place was Germany with Bridge of Tolerance. It also captured the Artist's Choice Award. Kid's Choice went to Canada, Ontario for their fun sculpture, Just Spooling Around.

Don't get caught in a Colorado Avalanche!

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 16:18:25 -0600

On average there are 2300 avalanches reported to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center every year. It is expected that 10 times that number actually occur in the state of Colorado but go unreported. These avalanches include those naturally occurring as well as accidentally or intentionally triggered slides.

We can expect 6 people on average to die every year due to avalanches but 68 people are caught in them. In the 2006-2007 season five people were killed and in this 2007-2008 season there have been at least 8 avalanches reported in Colorado with 4 deaths.

According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center the most dangerous type of avalanches are slab avalanches. Slab avalanches can form when stronger snow overlies weaker snow. The difference in strength can be very subtle or quite dramatic. Often, human triggered slab avalanches are 1-2 feet deep, have an area about half the size of a football field, and can reach speed over 20 mph within seconds.

The other problematic avalanche type in Colorado is a loose snow avalanche. Loose snow avalanches are a greater issue in spring, when the snow-pack surface is rapidly warming and losing strength. Loose snow avalanches happen when the surface snow has little strength. They usually start from a point, often under trees or cliffs. A chunk of snow starts tumbling, and knocks more snow loose. The loose avalanches fan out as they descend. Loose avalanches can be big enough to tumble a rider or climber around, and can have serious consequences if they carry you into trees, confined gullies, or over cliffs.

How do we protect ourselves? The obvious answer is abstinence. Don't go into the back country. While some people may stay away, that is not the answer for most. Education, awareness and preparedness is the answer and even then, you may not walk away from an avalanche. Your chances will be better if you take an avalanche awareness class and carry the necessary gear when you head into the back country. Check out the Forest Service National Avalanche Centerfor more information and an online class. A-Basin is offering a 3 day Avalanche school too. You can buy Avalungs and beacons as well as other essential gear online easily. There's no excuse for being in the back country unprepared. It could mean your life!

Get the lead out... of my home

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 15:32:24 -0600

It seems that there have been high lead levels found in many products lately causing people nationwide to take a look at the products around their homes and wonder if they are safe. High lead levels have already been found in a wide variety of products including some toys, jewelry, holiday lights and ornaments, poker chips, calcium supplements, chocolate, pickles, pet products and lipstick. The possibilities of your child coming in contact with one of these sources themselves or through you are almost too scary to imagine. You can find a list of recalls for items with high lead levels as well as for other reasons on the US Consumer Product Safety Commission website. If you have additional concerns home test kits are available. View Consumer Reports findings on five of them.

Even if you are successful at cleaning out all the products in your home that contain unsafe levels of lead, are you really safe? Can your home be a source for lead exposure? Regulations regarding lead-based paint have been in effect since 1992. Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes built prior to 1978. In fact, more than three-quarters of these units are believed to contain some lead-based paint. Typically lead-based paint that is in good condition is usually not a hazard. It becomes a hazard when it begins peeling or cracking or when friction spots, like doors and windows, rub creating dust. When you buy, sell or lease a home any actual knowledge of lead-based paint or their hazards is required to be disclosed. Often times the owner may not be aware of the presence of lead-based paint so it becomes the buyer's responsibility to have the property inspected for lead. If you are considering testing your home for lead read the EPA's booklet Testing Your Home For Lead , read these frequently asked questions, or call 1-800-LEAD-FYI for additional publications regarding lead.

Why not find out as much as you can? It's for your family's safety

Summit County: A Healthy Choice

Thu, 13 Dec 2007 14:20:29 -0600

Summit County, Colorado is more than just a destination. It's a lifestyle. Living in the county, either full or part time, definitely has its benefits. These benefits are not only in the appreciation of your real estate investments but in your quality of life. Experience what Summit County has to offer and you will not only have fun, you will improve your health, your mood and your life.

According to the American Heart Association for a healthy heart all adults ages 18 to 65 should be involved in a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate intensity, physical activity five days a week. Often times this activity comes in the form of walking on a treadmill or performing the same repetitive activity on some type of weight machine. While it's still an option when you are in Summit County there are many more exciting ways to exercise and, let's face it, the more exciting the exercise, the more likely we are to do it. In the winter time you can grab your skis or snowboard and hit the slopes, take a snowshoe hike, or go ice skating. Summer activities include hiking a multitude of trails, road and mountain biking and kayaking on Lake Dillon. Getting exercise is just a bonus while you're having fun in Summit County.

The effects of the Summit County lifestyle become apparent when we look at statistics compiled by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. When compared to the entire state of Colorado, fewer Summit County residents smoke, have diabetes or are overweight. More residents of the county report having more leisure time that include physical activity and eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day.

The Center of Disease Control and Prevention reports that engaging in physical activity has a multitude of benefits, but greater health benefits can be achieved by increasing the duration, frequency or intensity of physical activity. Summit County offers a great environment to live a healthier lifestyle and create a higher quality of life that everybody deserves.

Discover Villas at Swan's Nest

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 16:30:18 -0600

Located between Breckenridge and Frisco, Villas at Swan's Nest is a quaint, condo complex tucked just off the beaten path. Built in 1999 and 2000, the 138 unit complex backs to open space and has creeks and ponds surrounding it. Floor plans range from 848 to 1348 square feet and all feature a patio or deck and washer/dryer hook-ups. Most of the units have an attached one car garage or one of the 17 detached garages in the complex. Less than one third of the condos in this complex are primary residences; many are second homes or rental properties.

Travel anywhere in the county is easy from Villas at Swan's Nest. You can take Swan Mountain Road for a beautiful drive around Lake Dillon to both Dillon and Keystone. Jump on Highway 9 and soon you'll be in Breckenridge or beyond to Park County. Head the other direction and you're in Frisco and the I-70 junction ready to go anywhere you desire. If driving is not your forte, the free Summit Stage stop is nearby ready to do the driving for you.

Villas at Swan's Nest is in an excellent location for a variety of outdoor activities. Direct access to the Colorado Trail makes hiking, biking and snow shoeing easy. Enjoy fishing for trout in the stream or pond outside your door. The Breckenridge Golf Course is just down the street. Every Summit County ski resort is quick and easy to get to. Both the Frisco and Breckenridge Nordic Centers are great, nearby amenities to try out the cross country skis. Even the historic Main Streets of both Frisco and Breckenridge are close by for you to experience world class dining, entertainment and one-of-a-kind shops.

Currently there are 7 units available for sale in Villas at Swan's Nest. They are all two bedroom units, range in price from $335,000 to $449,000 and include one deed restricted unit. 15 condos have sold so far in 2007, the average sales price being $387,660. The complex is a pet friendly area with lots of open space for both animals and children to enjoy. Villas at Swan's Nest condos are reasonably priced units in a great location. If you are looking for your primary residence, a second home or income property, Villas at Swan's Nest deserve a look.

Contact The Mountain Living Team for more information about these condos or any Summit County property.

The Yin & Yang of Summit County Real Estate

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:02:11 -0600

October 2007 brought significantly fewer real estate sales than October 2006; a trend that has held true for every month of 2007 with the exception of July. Summit County properties that are already somewhere in the foreclosure process number 76. That's triple the number there were earlier this year. Hearing statistics like these may cause you some alarm and make you ready to declare the wave of doom and gloom that has engulfed the national real estate market has finally reached Summit County. Don't dispair. It's just the forces of Yin and Yang hard at work.

The Yin-Yang symbol is a symbol that represents the ancient Chinese understanding of how things work. In the symbol the outer circle represents "everything." The Yin (black) and Yang (white) shapes within the circle are the positive and negative forces that are constantly moving and cause everything to happen. The small circles indicate neither of these energies is completely black or white. One cannot exist without the other. The belief is that this type of energy exists within every process in the universe.

Keeping the Yin-Yang philosophy in mind, let's take another look at the Summit County real estate market. As I mentioned previously, October, and the entire year up to this point, have produced fewer sales than 2006 but the average sales price continues to climb. October's average sales price for all residential properties in Summit County was $578,800. That's nearly $100,000 higher than the same average sales price one year ago. The average number of days properties took to sell is also declining. Properties sold quicker in September than in any other month in 2007; creating the county-wide average for October of 111 days. But what about all those foreclosures? A closer look at the data will show you that 53 of the 76 properties are time shares, the majority of which are valued at less than $20,000. Adding this information definately paints a different picture of the local real estate market.

Look again at the Yin-Yang symbol. As you stare at this symbol you will notice that it is difficult to focus on both the black and the white areas. You'll find yourself seeing either mostly the black or mostly the white areas. You have to conciously make an effort to see both colors equally. Life is the same way. You naturally focus on either positive or negative events and must make a concious effore to see both. The national media has us all focusing on the black or negative right now. I challenge you to see both sides of the real estate market in your area. If you look, you'll find it. If you are feeling a little crazy, look at everything in your life. Are you focusing more on the Yin or Yang? Could simply a new perspective change the way you see the world?

A more in depth look at the statistics that help us to gauge the status of the current Summit County real estate market will be coming up soon. Don't miss it!

Kellie Morrissey, GRI

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 10:19:39 -0600

Kellie Morrissey, Buyer Specialist for the Mountain Living Team, has received her GRI designation. GRI, Graduate Realtor Institute, is the mark of a real estate professional who has made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services by securing a strong educational foundation. Kellie has additional training in many areas of real estate to better serve and protect her clients. Kellie's focus has always been looking out for the best interests of her clients. The GRI designation just gives her one more tool with which to do that. Congratulations Kellie!

Real estate investing for your future

Sun, 11 Nov 2007 21:37:20 -0600

According to the Social Security Administration Social Security makes up at least 90% of major sources of income for 34% of the people age 65 or older and is at least 50% of income for another 31%. That's a lot of people relying pretty heavily on their Social Security benefits! If we assume these people receive the average benefit amount of $1,051 per month, 34% of the retired population lives on less than $14,000 per year and another 31% lives on somewhere between $14,000 and $25,000 per year.

By the year 2041, social security trust funds will be exhausted and the amount of collections will only cover 75% of the costs. That means that by the time anyone that is currently 34 or younger begins receiving benefits there won't be enough money to go around. Combine this with the national average savings rate at .9% for September 2007 and I expect an even higher percentage of our retired population will be having a hard time making ends meet in the future.

What can you do about it? One way is to utilize real estate as an investment in your future. Figure out how you can purchase property now and hold on to it. Live in it, rent it or vacation in it. It doesn't matter what you do with it, just hold onto it and let it appreciate. According to the National Center for Real Estate Research " ...housing remains the primary store of wealth for most Americans." They go on to say, "Housing is also a leveraged investment so that even small percentage gains in home values can be large relative to the downpayment invested in a home."

Even if you are young and retirement is still 40 years down the road a property purchased now could be sold at any point in the future. Perhaps it will benefit you when your children are headed off to college and you need a little extra to pay the tuition, or to pay your medical bills in a time of crisis. If you treat your property as a piggy bank rather than an ATM machine and let your equity accumulate over time you can build a nest egg suitable for whatever your future holds.

If you are interested in more information regarding the benefits of real estate ownership please contact the Mountain Living Team at meredith@mountain-living.com or 888-666-0844.

Experience All Summit County has to Offer for only $699,900!

Mon, 05 Nov 2007 12:50:05 -0600

Summit County is a must for every avid, outdoor enthusiast. No matter what you enjoy doing outdoors Summit County is the place to experience it. Whether it's fly fishing, tennis, bicycling or mountain biking, hiking, sailing, kayaking, snowmobiling or skiing and riding at any of the world class ski resorts it's all right outside your door!

Frisco, located in the heart of Summit County, makes a great home base to enjoy most any activity. Main Street in Frisco is home to a variety of shopping and dining establishments as well as many town of Frisco events. The Frisco Marina is just across Summit Boulevard and a water taxi can take you across Lake Dillon to the town of Dillon. It's a short drive or free bus ride to Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, Keystone and A-Basin ski resorts.

Purchasing Summit County real estate is a great way to be able to enjoy the county as well as having great investment potenital. Summit County is a big second home market; typically bucking the trends found nationally in primary home markets. Average sale prices of properties within Summit County have been increasing dramatically over the last three years. For example, the average sale price for a duplex in Frisco in 2004 was $462,755. As of 10/26/2007 that average sale price is now $801,649. If you enjoy Summit County and the wide variety of activities available, you should consider getting into the real estate market here.

The Mountain Living Team currently has a duplex for sale in Frisco, Colorado for only $699,900. This spacious duplex lives like a single family home. With nearly 2400 square feet, 3 bedrooms & 3.5 baths you'll enjoy plenty of room for a large family. The main level offers a large living room, kitchen, and dining area, big enough for everyone to congregate. The huge deck with a private hot tub off the dining room has nice trees and mountain views. A half bath, spacious master bedroom with a walk-in closet and a master bathroom with jetted tub and separate shower finish up the main level. Two more bedrooms and a full bath make up the upper level. The various pitches of the vaulted ceilings add character to these large bedrooms, making them feel more like master suites. The lower level houses a family room, large enough for a pool table, the laundry room and another full bathroom. The one car garage has extra space that would be a perfect work area or extra storage for snowmobiles, kayaks and the like. View the photos and a virtual tour. Whatever your interests this spacious duplex easily handles all your needs in a fabulous, Frisco location!

The Mountain Living Team is your mountain resource for everything Summit County. For more information on Summit County areas, events, activities, and real estate visit our website, www.mountain-living.com, email us, or call us toll free at 888-666-0844.

Testing a Cool New Feature

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 18:38:04 -0500

After reading another Active Rain post by Maggie Dokic I discovered I can take my Excel spreadsheets, upload them into google docs and embed them in my blog posts! What a great feature. I had to give it a try. I have to be honest, I had to click on help to figure out how it works. But after 15 minutes I have the basics figured out. A little bit of a learning curve.
I have been updating my market numbers today and decided to post the average sales price for the Silverthorne area from 2004 up to today. I will have to do a blog about it now that I can embed my excel info! What a great tip Maggie! Plan on lots of spreadsheets embedded everywhere from me!

All choked up in Colorado - but still cheering!

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:35:14 -0500

Yup, there was some serious choking going on in Boston last night. Even I was choking, choking back the tears as the Rockies rotated through their pitchers without any difference in results. They couldn't quiet the bats of Boston. No matter where Boston hit the ball there wasn't a Rockies guy around to make the play. They didn't do much better offensively either, although they were facing Beckett. No matter how big a loss, it is just a loss. In Colorado we are hoping that history repeats itself and the team that gets spanked in game one, wins all the marbles.

Coloradoans haven't given up on their Rockies! Everywhere I went today there was some reference to the Rockies. Rockies jerseys on the ski slopes (yes, I skied today) and all around town, Go Rockies signs are posted everywhere. I had to get a picture when I saw that even the local bus, the Summit Stage, is rooting on the Rockies!

GO ROCKIES!!