Your Chance to Own a Private Ski Area Will Only Cost $36,000,000

fun house to look at in case you like the slopes all to yourselves....from snowboarding.transworld.net

Your Chance to Own a Private Ski Area Will Only Cost $36,000,000



Elk Island Ranch, located in Kremmling, Colorado is listed for sale for the low, low asking price of just $36,000,000. This 6,343 acre private recreational playground seems to have it all for the humble millionaire looking to get away into nature. Included in the location appears to be a zone specifically cut and designed for skiing or snowboarding. The description, boasts, among many other things, “available on-site downhill skiing and snowboarding, nordic skiing, and snowmobiling,” claiming a slope with 2,400 feet of vertical.

For those with money burning a hole in their pocket, now seems to be the time to act. It doesn’t appear to mention or show a chairlift or rope tow, so your private snowboarding oasis may have to be hike access only. Unless, of course, you’ve got some spare cash to put in some sort of motorized transport of your own. That being said, some photos seem to display an array of snowmobiles and a few snowcats, which could definitely come in handy when building your ultimate private backyard park.

From the listing:

Highlighted by a stunning mountain landscape and truly exceptional improvements, Elk Island Ranch is one of Colorado's finest sporting ranches. Encompassing 6,343± completely private and contiguous acres, the raw land has been meticulously improved and equipped into a four-season recreational playground of the highest order. A rarity on a mountain property of this size, fully-furnished luxurious accommodations complement the compelling landscape. An enviable location near several resort areas and less than 10 minutes from a real town with jet strip makes the ranch easy to access and enjoy.

At the heart of this vast land mass is the "island," a broad forest of aspen and conifer trees encircled by a sea of grass and rolling sage. A mosaic of timbered areas and the accompanying edge areas and transition zones result in prime wildlife habitat creating a veritable sanctuary for elk, mule deer and pronghorn. A year-round creek flows through the center of the ranch and a variety of large and small ponds provide water for wildlife and stock. Rising above the island are private ski slopes and below are a blue-ribbon tailwater trout stream and large reservoirs for boating and fishing.

Masterfully created to be a magnet for multi-generational usage, the ranch offers a wide variety of recreational amenities and attractions throughout the year. During the warmer months, outdoor activities include trout fishing, big game hunting, shooting sports and paintball. The extensive network of roads on the ranch are ideal for horseback riding, mountain biking, motorsports or just strolling through the wildflowers. Winter is one of the most active seasons at the ranch, with on-site downhill skiing and snowboarding, Nordic skiing, snowmobiling and a breathtaking 2,400' sledding hill.

Summer slowdown or shift in the housing market?

regional considerations from Colorado Association of Realtors....

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. – July 12, 2018 – With median and average sales prices continuing to rise due to ongoing inventory issues, other key measurements of the housing market have buyers, sellers and REALTORS® asking the same seasonal question; is this the typical summer slowdown or are we seeing a shift in the housing market?

Small, month-over-month increases in active inventory, months’ supply of inventory, and new inventory were easily countered by strong seasonal sales and remain down year-over-year, according to the latest housing report from the Colorado Association of REALTORS® (CAR).

Key findings from the June 2018 Housing Reports from the Colorado Association of REALTORS®:

Denver Metro Area – (Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas & Jefferson counties)
•New listings for single-family residence and condo/townhomes remained flat from May to June and are in line with the same numbers from a year prior.
•Active listings rose more than 9 percent month-to-month for single-family homes and 4.5 percent for condo/townhomes but remain down 12 percent and 16.5 percent year-over-year, respectively.
•The median sales price for a single-family home in the seven-county metro area rose just over one percent from May to June to $440,000 and the median price of a condo/townhome stayed flat at $305,000, up 7 percent and 9 percent year-over-year, respectively. Nearly identical gains were recorded for the average sales price with single-family homes reaching $519,000 and condo/townhomes topping $362,000.
•Total months’ supply of inventory edged up slightly for both single-family (2 months) and condo/townhomes (1.5 months) from May to June but also remain well below a balanced market inventory of 4-6 months.
•Days on the market dropped from 24 to 22 for single-family residence between May and June but rose two days to 21 for condo/townhomes.

Statewide –
•Up again slightly from May to June, the median sales price for a single-family residence statewide sits just shy of $400,000 and is up more than 8 percent from a year ago.
•Condo/townhome median pricing continued to edge up from its May record high and now sits at $305,000, up nearly 11 percent from June 2017.
•Despite a solid number of new single-family listings (11,909) and condo/townhome listings (3,335) in June, those figures are down more than 5 percent year-over-year as sold listings and under contract properties rose slightly from May to June.
•Statewide, there were 17,781 active listings for single-family homes in June, down nearly 15 percent from this time last year. Condo/townhomes saw a slight increase in active listings from May to June but remain down nearly 20 percent from a year ago.
•The average sales price of single-family residence and condo/townhomes remained relatively flat at $472,603 and $381,061, respectively. These prices reflect a 7 and 8 percent increase year-over-year.

Here’s a snapshot of metro-area and statewide market conditions from several of the Colorado Association of REALTORS® research spokespersons:

AURORA

“Continuing the low inventory trend in Aurora, active single-family homes on the market (554 listings in the month of June) are down 8.6 percent from 2017. While the median sales price ($381,000) is up 8.9 percent, Aurora remains a very affordable option in comparison to home prices around the Denver metro area.

“With days on the market (18) up over 2017, it appears that we are seeing a very typical summer slowing, a trend we have experienced over the past 3-5 years. Whether the market is shifting, or this is just part of the summer trend we have been experiencing remains to be seen. The condo market reflects the same lack of inventory. With just 196 listings in June, we’re down almost 16 percent year-over-year. The median condo price is up nearly 9 percent at $245,500 and the days on the market sits at just 16 days.

“It’s a good time for buyers in the market. While inventory is down from June 2017, it has increased from the March 2018 lows. It’s possible that buyers will not experience the crazy bidding wars that they experienced in the early spring,” said Aurora-area REALTOR® Sunny Banka.

BOULDER/BROOMFIELD

“Is the market finally experiencing a shift? That’s what REALTORS® ask themselves each summer and this year is no different. Listings are down, which means that sales are also down. In Broomfield County, single-family homes have experienced a modest appreciation of 4.3 percent and townhomes and condos are actually down a bit (-1.5 percent) since the beginning of the year. But signs of a strong market still remain with average days on the market still hovering at 30 days and the sales to list price ratio right at 100 percent.

“Boulder County looks similar, but with heftier appreciation at 8.7 percent and longer days on the market, likely due to the higher price points in this area. Townhomes and condos remain strong, up 6.8 percent, which often can be attributed to the strong condo sales for college students. The lack of inventory continues to be an issue, driving up prices and keeping days on the market low.

“The seasonal shift in our market is well under way and only time will tell if this shift continues into the fall or if it is the same summer slowdown we have seen every year for the last five years,” said Boulder-area REALTOR® Kelly Moye.

DENVER

“It appears that the Denver market peaked early this year. Following a three-year high for new homes entering the market in May at 1059, June dipped slightly to 886. Although this may not seem like much, that performance is just 89 percent of June 2017 and 84 percent of May 2018. The amount of sold inventory in Denver stayed steady both month-over-month and year-over-year with 99 percent as many homes selling in June over May and 101 percent over June 2017. Curiously enough, the median price in Denver dropped nearly 3 percent from last month but remains up 1 percent over this time last year. With the month’s supply of inventory and days on market remaining virtually unchanged and the amount of sold homes remaining steady, there is no cause to suggest a massive market shift at this point – though the numbers do suggest a potential sizzle rather than boil,” said Denver-area REALTOR® Matthew Leprino.

FORT COLLINS

“The monthly numbers are consistent with word on the street that interest rate increases have shifted buyers to lower price points. Combined with the seasonal slowing we see at the end of May and through June (end of school, family vacations, etc.) it is no wonder that sold listings ebbed, new listings dipped, and price reductions have made a comeback!

“While total homes sold are down slightly year-over-year, prices are still on the rise. It is heartening to see the townhome/condo market rebound a bit after years of stagnant activity in that sector. Affordability will remain a key driver moving forward since borrowed money is getting more expensive, wage growth remains behind the pace of home prices, and the northern front range of Colorado attracts hundreds of relocations every month. Hopefully, condos and townhomes under $300,000 will provide a much-needed lower price point for entry-level home owners,” said Fort Collins-area REALTOR® Chris Hardy.

GOLDEN AND JEFFERSON COUNTY

“Jefferson County is experiencing a flux in the market – whether it be a seasonal slowdown or an actual change in the market, we will see. Buyers continue to show more patience, more pickiness about what they are purchasing. And, the natural progression of first-time homes buyers into condos/townhomes with those people moving into larger homes is not happening. With the median home price sitting at $465,000, there simply isn’t enough affordable housing and there are a vast number of apartments being built. As a result, first time homebuyers that would typically buy a condo/townhome are looking into year-long apartment leases rather than buying.

“For single-family homes there were 1,003 new listings that hit the market in June compared to 1,065 last year. Days on the market dropped to 19 from 22 at the same time last year with the month’s supply of inventory sitting at 1.4. There were 772 homes sold in June compared to 878 this time last year.

“For townhomes/condos there were 327 new listings that came on the market in June compared to 335 this time last year, the days on the market increased to 14 from 9, and the month’s supply of inventory sits at one month. There were 249 sold in June compared to 273 this time last year and the median sale price is at $295,000.

“In downtown Golden there were 14 homes/townhomes/condos out of a total of 29 that lowered their price after 30 days on the market. Yes, homes and townhomes/condos above $500,000 are sitting longer or lowering their prices. There might be a bit of recovery in August as there was last year but only time will tell,” said Golden-area REALTOR® Barbara Ecker.

PUEBLO/PUEBLO WEST

“Wow, the median sales price for a single-family home in the Pueblo market hit $200,000 in June, up more than 11 percent from May to June and up more than 14 percent from where we sat just a few years ago. With listings down 3 percent, month-over-month, pending sales were up 14.2 percent as homes come on the market, they sell. We continue to see more new construction with permits up to 237 in the first 6 months of the year – twice the number as this time last year. Days on the market is roughly 8 weeks but is dropping. Still, multiple offers and low inventory are making it a challenge for buyers and getting to the closing table takes a lot more work, inspections, appraisals and a lot of hand-holding,” said Pueblo-West REALTOR® David Anderson.

ROYAL GORGE AREA – FREMONT AND CUSTER COUNTIES

“The Royal Gorge area real estate market, Fremont and Custer Counties, continues its slowing trend for new listings. Active inventory was down more than 22 percent from the month of June 2017. Year-over-year new listings are down 8 percent from 2017. Sold listings were lower by 31 percent from May of 2017 and 11 percent year over year.

“Lower inventories have caused an increase in our year-over-year median home price of 9 percent and the average sold price of just over 12 percent. Properties are closing an average of 34 days quicker than they were last year at this time.

“It looks like we are going to miss the summer trend of increased listings and sales this year. This stingy market will continue to drive prices higher, days on the market lower and fewer homes sold going into the fall and winter months,” said Royal Gorge-Area REALTOR® David Madone.

TELLURIDE

“The Telluride market hasn’t changed much this year. Through the first six months, sales volume is down 18 percent and the total number of sales is down 27 percent. However, the volume of sales can change quickly with a few large transactions. Yes, lack of inventory in the bottom 50 percent of the market has slowed overall sales, as well as some ‘international trade war’ challenges. However, the economy in Texas is booming and that is the biggest single one source of our second home client base. There seems to be a steady pace of properties going under contract with rumor of some very, very big transactions possible soon. Telluride continues to receive great press as a small-town resort community with more and more tourists discovering all that it offers. My prediction for the summer sales is strong and upwards in dollars and number of sales. Time will tell,” said Telluride-area REALTOR® George Harvey.

VAIL

“June is the transition month as we swing into the summer sales season for the Vail Valley. Overall transactions were slightly ahead of May but slightly down from June of 2017. The performance reflects a stable transactional standpoint with dollar increases coming from the upper end market. In 2017 year-to-date, 15 percent of the transactions represented 48 percent of dollar volume. In 2018 the relationship of 15 percent of transactions represents 54 percent of dollars which is a significant jump. This trend has been holding since the end of the first quarter and may hold through the balance of the year. One of the drivers of the trend is lack of inventory in the price points representing 85 percent of transactions. Inventory in the historically volume price points are down on average 38 percent from June of 2017. The problem shows no near-term signs of changing thus, a forecast of maintaining the current trend indicates a relatively stable market for the balance of the year. The next two months will be the key, as our summer season continues to grow a percentage of the yearly market,” said Vail-area REALTOR® Mike Budd.

7 Best Things About Buying A House In The Fall

some good considerations from trulia.com for buying a house in the fall....

The summertime real estate season is as hot as the weather, but you might want to postpone your purchase until fall.

For the first time in recent history, October surpassed June as the most popular month to get married. And these autumn-loving brides may be on to something: Although the spring months are notoriously the best time to buy real estate (as well as have a wedding), fall may be the new ideal season to buy a home.

Hear us out: One obvious reason is that it’s easier to get from open house to open house without questioning if you’ll need an AC repair ASAP upon moving into that home for sale in Phoenix, AZ. Also, families on a mission to move into a new home before school starts are out of the picture. Besides these two more obvious reasons, here are seven expert insights on why you should consider a fall real estate purchase.

1. There’s less competition

Competition for houses drops off in the fall, a time many people consider to be off-season in real estate. But there are still homes for sale — and in some cases, there’s just as much inventory as there was during the spring and summer. “[Fall] means new inventory and repositioned old inventory that did not sell in the prime season,” says Wesley Stanton, a New York, NY, agent with The Stanton Hoch Team.

This puts you in a great position to negotiate. “Fall homebuyers should consider [making] lowball offers, followed by more aggressive negotiation,” says Brian Davis, a real estate investor and director of education at Spark Rental. Davis points out that many sellers are very motivated to sell before the holidays. If possible, buyers should let these sellers know that they can close before Thanksgiving or before the school winter break.

2. Sellers are worn-out

Some sellers who put their homes on the market during the prime selling times of spring and summer might have been a tad overconfident by listing their homes for more than buyers were willing to spend. After months of no action, these sellers are often ready to make a deal. “Sellers who were unrealistic earlier in the year about price will now be more willing to reduce the price come fall,” says Thomas Miller, a Washington, DC, real estate agent. “Because there [are fewer buyers] and because the sellers are now eager to sell, they are more inclined to take the low offer than wait another six months for spring to come around.”

3. Sellers are serious

Not all homes on the market in fall are summer leftovers. Some people need to sell in the fall because the timing is right. Maybe they were having a home built, and it’s now ready. Maybe they need to move because of a job. “The sellers with houses on the market in the fall tend to be serious,” says Sam Heskel, president of Nadlan Valuation, an appraisal management company in Brooklyn, NY. “That means sellers could be more open to negotiating and accepting a lower offer.”

4. You can take advantage of tax breaks

First-time homebuyers, take note: Although you can’t escape paying income tax, you can make a dent in what you owe when you become a homeowner. “Property tax and mortgage interest are both deductions you can take for your whole year’s worth of income, even if you closed on your home in December,” says David Hryck, a New York, NY tax adviser, lawyer, and personal finance expert. “Any payments that are made prior to the closing of the loan are tax-deductible. This can make a serious difference in the amount you owe the government at the end of the year.”

5. Fall is a safer time of year

Did you know that burglars have peak seasons? They do, says Sarah Brown, a home safety expert for SafeWise.com. “July and August are prime months for burglaries to take place,” she says. “Waiting until the fall [to buy] gives you an advantage when learning about a home and the neighborhood.” You’ll be settled in your home and can take precautions — like setting up that new alarm system — before the next burglary season rolls around. Note: Check Trulia’s local maps with the crime filter before you buy.

6. You’re the center of attention

Because spring and summer are ideal times to buy a home, real estate agents are usually busier then. And that could mean you might not always get the attention you want. This is also true for other professionals you’re working with to buy a house. “Service providers, such as mortgage lenders and title companies, are moving out of the summertime sales swamp and can often respond more quickly,” says John Lazenby, president of the Orlando Regional Realtor Association in Orlando, FL.

The same goes for movers. “Because summer is peak moving season, people often experience more delays and service issues, such as moving companies reaching capacity and running out of trucks to pick up shipments,” says Jack Griffin, president and chief operating officer of Atlas World Group. “The probability of experiencing a delay goes way down in the fall season.”

7. You can take advantage of end-of-year sales to outfit your home

There are bound to be improvements you’ll want to make after buying a house. You’ll also probably need to buy items to maintain your home, and if appliances weren’t part of the deal, you’ll need those too. Wouldn’t it be great to coordinate your home purchase with sales on items you’ll need? According to Consumer Reports, the calendar determines when it’s a good time to buy all sorts of consumer goods. In particular, September is a great time for buying carpet and paint. October means lawn mowers go on sale, and appliances and cookware are cheaper in November.

3 Tips to Sell Your House in the Fall

good considerations from realtor.com on selling a home in the fall...

Although the real estate business tends to slow down in the fall, the season still can be an attractive time to put a home on the market. If you want to sell your house in the next few months, it can be done.

Potential buyers—such as empty nesters or millennials who aren’t worried about moving after the school year has started—will compete for fewer homes on the market and will likely want to seal a deal before the holiday season kicks into high gear.

Here are three tips to help make your home more attractive in autumn, so you can sell your house before winter comes.

1. Clean Up

As many regions slowly shift from a sellers’ market to a moderate or buyers’ market, you’ll want to do everything you can to make your house look its best.

Pay particular attention to eliminating clutter and safety hazards that can crop up with cooler weather:
•Make sure your yard, walkways and gutters are free of leaves and debris.
•Mow your lawn so it looks neat.
•Trim trees so unexpected winds dont knock down branches that could damage your home or hurt anybody.
•If it is rainy, be sure you have a good doormat so visitors can wipe their feet and not traipse mud and water through the house.
•If you already have snow, be sure stairs and walkways leading to your front door are not icy.
•Wash decks and wipe down windows so they sparkle instead of appear streaked by rain.
•Vacuum and wash down the fireplace, especially if it hasnt been used in months.
•If you live in a region where its still warm enough to use the patio, make sure the area is inviting and arranged with the views from indoors in mind.
•Above all, make sure your doorway and the rest of the house is clear from knick knacks, bicycles and toys that make your home appear cluttered.

2. Create Autumn Curb Appeal

If your house's exterior looks drab, you may want to consider painting it a warm color, planting seasonal flowers, or placing pumpkins strategically along your walkup to accent your home’s appeal with instant color.

Potential buyers will make an instant judgment when they see your home, and you want to be sure it’s positive.

While you don’t want to go overboard with fall decorations that detract from the home itself, a few displays like a festive front-door wreath—and lighting so people can clearly see the path to your front door—can make your home feel fresh, even in the fall.

3. Keep the House Cozy

Entering a cold house could leave an unfavorable impression. So warm up your home with a fresh coat of paint and set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature.

Another way to warm up a home is with light, especially as days get shorter leading into winter. Be sure to open blinds and curtains so plenty of light illuminates the home’s interior.

A few embellishments like red, orange or golden yellow pillows can breathe new life into dull sofa—or a fall centerpiece can highlight a certain area of the home.

While you don’t want your home to look like the latest department store display, well-chosen embellishments that give potential buyers the impression you’ve paid attention to the fine details and taken care of any problems with the home will help you put your best face forward.

And remember, there’s nothing wrong with trying to sweeten the deal with the comforting aroma of a freshly-baked, cinnamon-laced apple pie or pumpkin cupcake to leave a lasting impression of your home as the potential buyer takes a bite.