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Living in the Winter Park/Fraser Valley and Real Estate

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Written by winterparkmountainhomes

October 9, 2009 at 1:07 am

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So what does it all mean? Grand County 187% up in unemployment benefits…

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So what does it all mean?  Grand County 187% up in unemployment benefits…

Well that’s interesting, unemployment benefits in Grand County are up a whopping 187%!   According to the Denver Post, www.denverpost.com.   Is this another sensational headline written to stir the negativity and emotions on the economy showcasing how poorly many are fairing?

The headline actually may be correct, Grand County is suffering from lack of construction however the tourism dollars seem to be stable due primarily to the proximity to Denver.  According to the sales reciepts in Winter Park and Fraser, monies are somewhat stable…. www.winterparkgov.com 

The article did bring to light that actual construction a job held by 1 in 4 residents are down but did they report that more than a few million dollar homes had recently gone under contract including one of the lofts recently offered at the Base of Winter Park Resort currently listed at $1.1 million dollars? 

Did it say that one of the Parade of Homes offered for sale in Rendezvous too went under contract at $2.1.  If the market is now being blazen as a blighted area, then this would be the time for many buyers to visit Winter Park to see the reality presented in Todays Denver Post. 

According to the Grand County Board of Realtors, many buyers may be on the fence, but the feeling that the bottom is near and looming.  If there was any option or goal of owning a second home, this may be one of the last chances to do so at an affordable price.  www.grandcountyboardofrealtors.com  However, Winter Park/Fraser valley does seem to be a somewhat more resiliant market due to its favorable family friendly status (it’s affordable) over the years from other destination resorts. 

Did the Article bring up the $20 million dollar community approved a new Recreation Center located pleasantly constructed between the towns of Winter Park and Fraser?  How about the newly built Recreation Centers’ Club House at the Fairways at Pole Creek? 

So what is so dramatic?  Is it different than other areas around Colorado or yet the Nation?

Yes, There are people out of business and jobs. 

That part is correct, but did it discuss that the major construction happening in the commerical sector was being completed by local Grand County Companies?  Ask Big Valley Construction how many folks and families they have been able to keep in the area due to construction contracts?  What about the other sub-contractors for the large construction sites, were they affliated with the community prior to the construction and their bids?  What is good for a community, lower costs overall or keeping families and contractors working?

When there were open bids for contractors many companies were offered the opportunity to submit.  Did Intrawest offer their contracts out to the general contracting community?  The contract when to Milendar- White a Denver area contractor along with imported subs to complete the base resort construction.   The questions best asked, who did benefit from a lower bid, the community of Grand County, the Local homeowners, Second Homeowners or the companies bottom line? 

There is less construction starts this year than years past.  So what are we going to do?  Take all the negative press and stop living?  Get a grip.  This has happened before and will happen again for sure!

In a county that boast about 3,900 people year round and the city of Winter Park has 650 +/- red blooded, heart beating voters in the community, such an increase seems out of whack… What is 187% of 3,900 people?  Could this be another dramatic attempt to prove that we are all on the brink of devastation?

Another moment of get a grip people and shut the television off, turn off the radio and stop reading the paper.  We can see our own paychecks an assess our own forthcoming future without more drama! 

As they say, unless you have something good to say, don’t say anything!   Articles like this on such a glorious sunny fall day does not evoke the blush of change or inspiration.

It doesn’t help bring buyers to the area for the current homes on the market or bring back jobs for those who have lost their dignity or pride for those who were interviewed.  Help move local economies by bringing more positive perspectives to those who are willing to strive and struggle in this economy!

Written by winterparkmountainhomes

September 30, 2009 at 11:37 pm

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Renting your second home a few good tips from CO Homes mag. blog

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a property well positioned in Down town Winter Park for a sale or a rental

a property well positioned in Down town Winter Park for a sale or a rental

Colorado Homes & Lifestyles Blog 

March 13th, 2009 at 04:14pm Tom

 

 

Renting out a vacation home can be a positive experience and help justify the cost and expense of vacation and second home ownership.

You may want to consider the following:

1. Rely on your real estate agent who has experience in vacation rental properties to give you a feel for the local market.

2. Check the fees on comparable rentals nearby on vacation-rental Web sites such as Homeaway.com, Ownerdirect.com, and Vamoose.com.

3. Determine whether the rental income would cover the costs of owning and maintaining the home. In addition to the mortgage and property taxes, the rental income should cover monthly utility costs, homeowners insurance, routine maintenance, and the cost of hiring someone to market, maintain and clean the home.

4. Decide who will manage the property. Fees for property management vary widely depending on location, but average fees run between 8% and 10% of the gross rental fee. The company should typically handle the maintenance, marketing and reservation.

5. Determine whether the home is a second home or an investment property. The IRS says if you use the home 15 days or more a year, or more than 10% of the days it is rented, it’s a second home so you can deduct expenses, including depreciation, repair costs and operating expenses.

6. Set up a rental contract. The contract should include details on cancellation fees, what the damage deposit covers and specifics on pets, smoking, etc. Free sample rental contracts can be found online at Formsguru.com, or for a fee you can order customized rental contracts from LawDepot.com.

7. Buy duplicates of bedding, towels, and kitchenware and store one set for your personal use away in a locked room or cabinet. Also, secure all personal objects, such as picture frames and family heirlooms.

Anyone have any other tips?

 

 

 

Editor’s note: Tom Harris is the principal of Colorado Lifestyle Real Estate, which connects second home buyers and sellers with the top Realtors in Colorado resort towns. He blogs about Colorado’s real estate market for CH&L each week.

 

Tips for Renting Out Your Second Home

Written by winterparkmountainhomes

May 21, 2009 at 10:56 pm

Posted in Uncategorized

Great Article on line regarding Winter Park Real Estate

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http://www.coloradohomesmag.com/Colorado-Homes-and-Lifestyles/Digital-Edition/index.php

Buyers looking to capture a lifestyle in mountain resorts are comparing different Colorado real estate markets and the adaptability to the credit crunch that has had the Real estate markets in a bind…

Written by winterparkmountainhomes

May 21, 2009 at 10:48 pm

Posted in Uncategorized

Have you ever considered purchasing at a Destination Resort

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Have you ever considered purchasing at a Destination Resort

Monday, April 27th, 2009 | Buyers, Listing Updates, Sellers, U.S. Real Estate News, Vacation Home Living

Destination clubs are a popular choice for luxury travelers because of the diversity of units they offer. Members of destination clubs share access to fully-furnished multi-bedroom homes around the world.

  1. Destination clubs are a good choice if you frequently go on vacation with a large group of people. The homes typically have 3-5 bedrooms, making them an attractive choice for families and entourages.
  2. Destination clubs are a good option if who want to visit many destinations in a single year. When you are a member, you have access to a large portfolio of properties that you can choose from.
  3. Destination clubs are a lifestyle investment, but not a financial investment. You will not build equity in real estate by being a member, but you will have access to a variety of luxurious destinations.
  4. Destination clubs are a good choice for individuals and families without liquidity concerns. They require an upfront deposit of 20% of the average asset value of a portfolio residence.
  5. Destination clubs are ideal if you want to enjoy the services of high-end hotels within the privacy of a home.

 Check out this website: www.bear-quarters.com, www.winterparkmountainhomes.com

Written by winterparkmountainhomes

May 11, 2009 at 6:31 pm

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Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!

Written by winterparkmountainhomes

May 11, 2009 at 5:40 pm

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