Charlie Dresen, 970-846-6435 Sotheby's in Steamboat Springs, CO e-Pro

Here are some upcoming events taking place in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Take your pick, it's not just skiing here in Steamboat.

• Monday, February 21st – Bread Baking Demonstration at Chocolate Soup on the mountain – $40/person includes wine and appetizers, all proceeds go to the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra. www.steamboat-chamber.com
• Friday, February 25th – 11th Annual Wooden Ski Rendezvous - A family event, featuring races on wooden skis and snowshoes, pine-tarring, vintage costumes, ski movies, music and dancing and a potluck dinner on Sat. night. www.steamboat-chamber.com
• Saturday, February 26th – The North Mississippi All Stars perform in Gondola Square as a part of the Bud Light Rocks the Boat Concert Series. Modern Country/Blues www.steamboat.com
• Tuesday, March 1st – Thursday 3rd– 27th Annual Women’s Ski Camp – Join Three-time Olympian Caroline Lalive and Olympic Gold medalist Deb Armstrong in this women's only ski program. In addition, enjoy breakfast at the Stoker, lunch at Hazie’s and First Tracks on day 2 and 3. www.steamboat.com
• Friday, March 4th – Sam Bush performs in Gondola Square as a part of the Bud Light Rocks the Boat Concert Series. New Grass Revival www.steamboat.com
• Saturday, March 5th – 20th Annual Steamboat Pentathlon - This five stage winter multi-sport race includes alpine skiing/riding, snowshoeing, x-c skiing, mountain biking, and running with Standard and Short Courses available. www.steamboat-chamber.com
• Thursday, March 17th – St. Patrick’s Day Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Display at the Steamboat Ski Resort – Parade begins at 7:30pm. www.steamboat.com
• Friday, March 18th – Spring Madness Sidewalk Sales in Downtown Steamboat - The stores of downtown roll out the merchandise to help clear their shelves and racks of seasonal merchandise and make room for new goods. www.steamboat-chamber.com
• Saturday, March 19th – Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real performs in Gondola Square as a part of the Bud Light Rocks the Boat Concert Series. Rock/Soul/Latin/Funk Blend www.steamboat.com• Friday, March 25th – Saturday 26th – 1st Annual Ski4Yellow - Ski4Yellow is a chance to ski and ride with a US Olympian, World Cup or professional athlete in the fight against cancer. Skiers & Snowboarders will enjoy some of the best terrain in North America at the Steamboat Ski Area, while supporting globally the LIVESTRONG and the local Steamboat Springs’ 4 Yellow Foundation. www.ski4yellow.com
• Saturday, March 26th – John Popper & The Duskray Troubadors performs in Gondola Square as a part of the Bud Light Rocks the Boat Concert Series. Rock www.steamboat.com

---For more on this topic or questions regarding real estate in Steamboat Springs, feel free to call Charlie at 970-846-6435 or write me an email at: charlie@steamboatsmyhome.com. I will answer your post or email promptly with candid and informed answers. Click here to view all properties in Steamboat Springs in "real time" --- This is one of the few real estate sites showing all foreclosed and all short sale listings in real time and updated every few minutes.

There's been a lot of discussions lately regarding home ownership. And frankly, there are solid arguments in favor of renting versus owning a home today. The primary argument against home ownership today revolves around appreciation in the values of real estate. Over the last 2-3 year real estate has not gone up in value. In fact, home values have gone down - up to 50% or more in places. And home ownership is down as well.

Home ownership should not be taken lightly. Sure we'd all like to make gains on our real estate as we have done so almost consistently for 70+ years. But as we have learned from the past few years, nothing is guaranteed. Yet, now that we have weathered what seems like the worst of the storm, let's remember what home ownership is all about. And let's look at the past to help us in the future. Imagine that.

America is a nation of possibilities; a land of opportunities where seemingly anyone can obtain "A Better Life". And one of the components of the "American Dream" is Home Ownership. Home Ownership Offers:

• A sense of identity

• A sense of status

• Shelter

• Comfort

• An investment for the future

• A way to get ahead to "A Better Life"

Over the last 90 years, Home Ownership has increased substantially from 46% in the 1920 to 67.3% first quarter 2009 but has dropped over the last year to 66.5% for the 4^th quarter of 2010.

Much of this increase & decreases have a direct correlation to major national events that took place over the last 100 years.

1920's --Consumerism 45%
1930's --The New Deal: The National Housing Act of 1934 48%
1940's --Post WWII: GI Bill of Rights 43%
1950's --Grabbing the American Dream 54%
1960's --Society Shifts, The Good Life, Opportunity 62%
1970's --Inflation, Vietnam War, Oil Crisis 62%
1980's --Deregulation, A Free Market, Wall Street 64%
1990's --Debt Increases, Flat Earnings 64%
2000's --The Age of Real Estate, Easy Money 67%
2010 -- Mortgage Crisis, Banking fraud, Global Issues 66.5%

On average, homes have appreciated in value 5% a year - with a few exceptions (2000 - 2006 values rocketed up & 2007 through 2010 values dropped).

On average, inflation-adjusted home prices have fluctuated between $125,000 to $150,000 - with a few exceptions: Below average - $100,000 from (1920 through 1942 The Great Depression) and Above the average - $265,000 as a peak from (2000 through 2006).

So what do we do today when asked if home ownership is a good thing? I would say yes. Home ownership offers so much more than the potential investment. And I do believe that over the long-term, real estate values will go up. I'm not even going to talk about the tax-deductions here -that's another story.

There's nothing like painting a wall a special color, or gardening outside your front door, or coming "home" after a long day and just relaxing in what is yours - Home Ownership Rocks.

---For more on this topic or questions regarding real estate in Steamboat Springs, feel free to call Charlie at 970-846-6435 or write me an email at: charlie@steamboatsmyhome.com. I will answer your post or email promptly with candid and informed answers. Click here to view all properties in Steamboat Springs in "real time" --- This is one of the few real estate sites showing all foreclosed and all short sale listings in real time and updated every few minutes.

Price is almost everything today in real estate. That, and a decent product. We, myself and the sellers discussed price for a few weeks. Not much is selling and there are a handful of distressed properties around. We have to price it in the lower end of the range to get noticed. They did. We did. Under contract in 3 weeks. This Fish Creek Fall area home is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with a 2 car garage. Nothing too special about this home but it does have great views of Steamboat Springs and it's move in ready. The main floor features and great open floor plan that allows for wonderful natural light to stream in all day long. The home has character and might need a little updating but we priced it right and it went under contract in less than 3 weeks. Take a look at the pictures and a HD video of this home on Huckleberry Lane.
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---For more on this topic or questions regarding real estate in Steamboat Springs, feel free to call Charlie at 970-846-6435 or write me an email at: charlie@steamboatsmyhome.com. I will answer your post or email promptly with candid and informed answers. Click here to view all properties in Steamboat Springs in "real time" --- This is one of the few real estate sites showing all foreclosed and all short sale listings in real time and updated every few minutes.

TODAY

Steamboat Springs — ❱❱ Sam Ayer — Gondola Pub & Grill, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Local acoustic musician Sam Ayer plays happy-hour entertainment in a variety of styles. His jazz, folk and blues influences shine through in his contemporary crowd-pleasing favorites. FREE. Call 970-879-4448. 2305 Mount Werner Circle.

❱❱ First Friday Artwalk — Downtown Steamboat Springs, 5 to 8 p.m.

Peruse downtown art galleries and alternative art venues, featuring several new shows. Enjoy refreshments and appetizers and a night of socializing. Read about featured artists at Urbane and see a full list of participating businesses. Various downtown locations. FREE.

❱❱ Winter Carnival tubing party — Howelsen Hill, 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Come experience Howelsen Hill’s tubing hill as a part of Steamboat Springs’ 98th annual Winter Carnival festivities. Tubes are provided, and a waiver must be signed. Call 970-819-8010. Howelsen Parkway. See a full list of Winter Carnival events.

❱❱ Paul Potyen and Organstein jazz trio — Three Peaks Grill, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Jazz music in a dining setting. Call 970-879-3399. 2165 Pine Grove Road.

❱❱ Rock on Ice — Howelsen Ice Arena, 6:45 to 8:45 p.m.

Rock on Ice is an ice-skating event geared toward teens but open to everyone. Skate under disco lights to music. The $6 cost includes skate rental. 285 Howelsen Parkway.

❱❱ “Peter Pan & Wendy” — Hayden Secondary Schools auditorium, 7 p.m.

Class Act Productions in Hayden presents an all-ages production of “Peter Pan & Wendy,” a story filled with wild childhood adventures, imagination and the wonder of growing up. Featuring elementary through high school actors and handmade sets by high school art students. Read about the show here. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children. Call 970-276-3761. 495 W. Jefferson Ave.

❱❱ Blissful Mayhem — Sweetwater Grill, 8 p.m.

Routt County-based classic rock band plays covers and originals. FREE. Call 970-879-9500. Eighth and Yampa streets.

❱❱ 40 oz. to Freedom — Ghost Ranch Saloon, 9 p.m.

A full-fledged tribute to the 1990s ska-punk legends Sublime, 40 oz. to Freedom named its group after one of the band’s greatest hits. Featuring the soulful vocals of Dane Scott, a true homage to the late Sublime front man Brad Nowell. Tickets are $15. Call 970-879-9898. 56 Seventh St.

❱❱ Jet Edison — Old Town Pub, 9:30 p.m.

Based on the Front Range, this rock jam band has played marathon sets with some big names in the Colorado music scene, including Cornmeal and Euforquestra. The musicians pride themselves on technical musicianship and thought-provoking lyrics. Read about the band here. Tickets are $5. Call 970-879-2101. 600 Lincoln Ave.

Missed the Boat

❱❱ Missed the Boat — The Tugboat Grill & Pub, 9:30 p.m.

Stomp your feet to the mountain-grass tunes of local band Missed the Boat. The progressive bluegrass band, complete with drums, an electric bass, mandolin, guitar and harmonica, will fill the base area with lyrical, mountain-inspired traditionals and high-energy rock jams. Tickets are $5. Call 970-879-7070. 1860 Ski Time Square Drive.

❱❱ DJ Also Starring — The Tap House Sports Grill, 10 p.m.

Local DJ spins house favorites. FREE. Call 970-879-2431. 729 Lincoln Ave.

SATURDAY

❱❱ Michael “Hi Hero” Bolton — Steaming Bean Coffee Co., 9 a.m.

A local musician will offer acoustic entertainment to the morning crowds out for Winter Carnival festivities. FREE. Call 970-879-3393. Seventh Street and Lincoln Avenue, downstairs at Old Town Square.

❱❱ Winter Carnival street events — Downtown Steamboat Springs, 9 a.m. to noon

A popular and entertaining show featuring children on skis and snowboards being pulled behind horses through the snow-covered streets of downtown. Races include street slalom, skijoring, ring and spear, donkey jump and the famous adult shovel race. The horse events are for children ages 6 to 14, and there are non-horse events for infants to 14-year-olds. Preregistration is required at the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association. Call the Chamber at 970-879-0880. Downtown Lincoln Avenue. See a full list of Winter Carnival events.

❱❱ Cate Potyen Jewelry trunk show — Wild Horse Gallery, noon to 7 p.m.

Local artist Cate Potyen displays and sells her jewelry to peruse for a loved one, or maybe “hint” to that special someone. Saturday tea at 4 p.m. FREE. Call 970-879-5515. Eighth Street and Lincoln Avenue.

❱❱ “Peter Pan & Wendy” — Hayden High School Auditorium, 3 p.m.

Class Act Productions in Hayden presents an all-ages production of “Peter Pan & Wendy,” a story filled with wild childhood adventures, imagination and the wonder of growing up. Featuring elementary through high school actors and handmade sets by high school art students. Read about the show here. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for children. Call 970-276-3761. 495 W. Jefferson Ave.

❱❱ Trevor G. Potter — Gondola Pub & Grill, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Local acoustic musician Trevor G. Potter plays happy-hour entertainment saturated with Americana and folk influences. His lyrical originals tell quiet, Western stories with an edge. FREE. Call 970-879-4448. 2305 Mount Werner Circle.

❱❱ Winter Carnival Night Extravaganza — Howelsen Hill, 6:30 p.m.

A must-see evening of entertainment at Howelsen Hill. The evening features a winter sports exhibition, the Lighted Man, glow necklaces and torchlight parades, fiery hoop jumpers, an elaborate fireworks display and more. Call 970-879-0695. Howelsen Hill. See a full list of Winter Carnival Events here.

❱❱ Cosmic Night and free karaoke — Snow Bowl, 7 p.m.

FREE admission. Call 970-879-9840. 2090 Snow Bowl Plaza, off U.S. Highway 40 in west Steamboat.

❱❱ Todd Musselman — Sweetwater Grill, 8 p.m.

Local musician plays acoustic rock. FREE. Call 970-879-9500. Eighth and Yampa streets.

❱❱ Teen night — Shorty’s, 9 to 11 p.m.

Shorty’s hosts a night for local teenagers with free movies, games, karaoke and more. FREE. Call 970-736-2686. 107 Moffat Ave. in Oak Creek.

❱❱ Invisible Allies — Ghost Ranch Saloon, 9 p.m.

Ambient electronic DJs Kilo Watts and Bluetech return to the Ghost Ranch Saloon for a collaborative show, combing the smooth, downtempo soundscapes of Evan Bluetech with the glitch and “futuristic spacefunk” of Jamie Watts on the heels of their first duo EP, “Hyperdimensional Animals.” Tickets are $10. Call 970-879-9898. 56 Seventh St.

Better Than Bacon

❱❱ Better than Bacon — Old Town Pub, 9:30 p.m.

The band’s throwback spirit, coupled with driving guitars and a clear enjoyment of playing music, brings all types of people out to Bacon shows. Tickets are $5. Call 970-879-2101. 600 Lincoln Ave.

❱❱ String Board Theory — Bear River Bar & Grill, 9:30 p.m.

Dance the night away with Steamboat’s own groove-infused jam rock band, complemented by an intricate light show. FREE. Call 970-871-5150. Gondola Square at the base of Steamboat Ski Area.

❱❱ Missed the Boat — The Tugboat Grill & Pub, 9:30 p.m.

Stomp your feet to the mountain-grass tunes of local band Missed the Boat. The progressive bluegrass band, complete with drums, an electric bass, mandolin, guitar and harmonica, will fill the base area with lyrical, mountain-inspired traditionals and high-energy rock jams. Tickets are $5. Call 970-879-7070. 1860 Ski Time Square Drive.

❱❱ David Gerard with Moose — The Boathouse Pub, 10 p.m.

Gerard, of Truffle, creates his own style from his love of New Orleans R&B, pop, blues, world music and country-grass, to bring a well-rounded set of contemporary roots music to the stage. With jam rock band Moose. FREE. Call 970-879-4797. 609 Yampa St.

❱❱ DJ MelRae — The Tap House Sports Grill, 10 p.m.

Local DJ spins house favorites. FREE. Call 970-879-2431. 729 Lincoln Ave.

SUNDAY

❱❱ Michael “Hi Hero” Bolton — Steaming Bean Coffee Co., 9 a.m.

A local musician will offer acoustic entertainment to the morning crowds out for Winter Carnival festivities. FREE. Call 970-879-3393. Seventh Street and Lincoln Avenue, downstairs at Old Town Square.

❱❱ Winter Carnival street events — Downtown Steamboat Springs, 9 to 11 a.m.

A popular and entertaining show featuring children on skis and snowboards being pulled behind horses through the snow-covered streets of downtown. Races include street slalom, skijoring, ring and spear, donkey jump and the famous adult shovel race. The horse events are for children ages 6 to 14, and there are non-horse events for infants to 14-year-olds. Preregistration required at the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association. Call the Chamber at 970-879-0880. Downtown Steamboat on Lincoln Avenue. See a full list of Winter Carnival events.

❱❱ Winter Carnival Diamond Hitch Parade — Downtown Steam boat Springs, 11:30 a.m.

The diamond hitch consists of at least four skiers holding on to points of a rope tied in the shape of one or more diamonds. Animals, people or vehicles may pull the skiers down the snow-filled streets. Anyone can enter the parade. Pre-registration required. Call the Winter Sports Club at 970-879-0695, ext. 100, for a parade entry form. Downtown Lincoln Avenue. See a full list of Winter Carnival events.

❱❱ Live trivia — Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, 6:30 p.m.

Test your nonessential knowledge in four rounds of questions. Call 970-871-6277. 628 Lincoln Ave. FREE.

❱❱ Sam Holt, Eric Martinez and Eric Barry — Old Town Pub, 9:30 p.m.

Dyrty Byrds musicians Holt and Martinez are joined by Steamboat regular Eric Barry in the second annual Super Bowl after party at Old Town Pub. Tickets are $5. Call 970-879-2101. 600 Lincoln Ave.

MONDAY

❱❱ Sam Ayer — Gondola Pub & Grill, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Local acoustic musician Sam Ayer plays happy-hour entertainment in a variety of styles. FREE. Call 970-879-4448. 2305 Mount Werner Circle.

❱❱ Poker night — The Tap House Sports Grill, 7 p.m.

Steamboat Recreational Poker League hosts a weekly poker tournament. Players must be at least 18. Call 970-879-2431. 729 Lincoln Ave.

❱❱ Open mic night — The Boathouse Pub, 8 p.m.

Jay Roemer hosts an open mic night. FREE. Call 970-879-4797. 609 Yampa St.

TUESDAY

❱❱ Expressions of the Spirit — 465 Anglers Drive, Suite C, noon to 1:30 p.m.

Local writer and life coach Susan de Wardt leads a weekly writing workshop. Call 970-846-6562 or visit www.mindworkscoaching.com.

❱❱ Off the Chain — Bear River Bar & Grill, 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Local musicians Randy Kelley, Ron Wheeler, Chris Koebnick and Deanna Webb Koebnick play everything from bluegrass to Led Zeppelin in this après ski show. FREE. Call 970-871-5150. Gondola Square at the base of Steamboat Ski Area.

❱❱ David Harlan — Gondola Pub & Grill, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Local musician David Harlan’s happy-hour show features original music, remakes of some great songs and a variety of instruments used to create aggressive loops. FREE. Call 970-879-4448. 2305 Mount Werner Circle.

❱❱ Storm Peak Laboratory celebration — 6:30 p.m., Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library

Bud Werner Memorial Library and Storm Peak Laboratory celebrate 30 years of atmospheric science based in Steamboat Springs. Hear from the Storm Peak Lab scientists during a community presentation and Q-and-A. Learn more about the lab’s history, what’s happening in that container at the top of the gondola and everyday atmospheric science. Visit www.steamboatlibrary.org/Events.html. Call 970-879-0240. 13th Street and Lincoln Avenue.

❱❱ Steamboat Stomp: Country swing dancing night — Ghost Ranch Saloon, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

❱❱ Off the Chain — Bear River Bar & Grill, 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Local musicians Randy Kelley, Ron Wheeler, Chris Koebnick and Deanna Webb Koebnick play everything from bluegrass to Led Zeppelin in this après ski show. FREE. Call 970-871-5150. Gondola Square at the base of Steamboat Ski Area.

❱❱ Trevor G. Potter — Gondola Pub & Grill, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Local acoustic musician Trevor G. Potter plays happy-hour entertainment saturated with Americana and folk influences. His lyrical originals tell quiet, Western stories with an edge. FREE. Call 970-879-4448. 2305 Mount Werner Circle.

❱❱ Live trivia — The Tap House Sports Grill, 6:30 p.m.

Answer questions on a variety of topics for a chance at Tap House gift cards. FREE. Call 970-879-2431. 729 Lincoln Ave.

❱❱ Pat Waters — Sweetwater Grill, 7 p.m.

Steamboat’s one-man band plays high-energy acoustic entertainment. FREE. Call 970-879-9500. Eighth and Yampa streets.

❱❱ Tracorum — The Tugboat Grill & Pub, 9:30 p.m.

From San Francisco, the soul and rhythm and blues band creates a piano-based cosmic gospel thunder-funk sound steeped in traditional roots music. Tickets are $5. Call 970-879-7070. 1860 Ski Time Square Drive.

THURSDAY

❱❱ David Harlan — Gondola Pub & Grill, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Local musician David Harlan’s happy-hour show features original music, remakes of some great songs and a variety of instruments used to create aggressive loops. FREE. Call 970-879-4448. 2305 Mount Werner Circle.

❱❱ Steve Boynton — Sweetwater Grill, 8 p.m.

Local musician plays jazz. FREE. Call 970-879-9500. Eighth and Yampa streets.

Kinetix, "People Start Hoppin"

❱❱ Kinetix — Ghost Ranch Saloon, 9 p.m.

Denver-based pop-rock band Kinetix returns to Steamboat. The band’s influences range from Rage Against the Machine to Stevie Wonder. Tickets are $5. Call 970-879-9898. 56 Seventh St.

John-Alex Mason

❱❱ John-Alex Mason — Old Town Pub, 9:30 p.m.

Hooks and great song-craft set the stage for Mason, a Front Range native, to explore deep delta and hill country blues grooves and his own brand of roots, rock and trance. In celebration of a new album release, Mason will be joined by band members from Colorado, Mississippi and Guinea in this world-boogie event. Tickets are $5. Call 970-879-2101. 600 Lincoln Ave.

❱❱ Tracorum — The Tugboat Grill & Pub, 9:30 p.m.

From San Francisco, the soul and rhythm and blues band creates a piano-based cosmic gospel thunder-funk sound steeped in traditional roots music. Tickets are $5. Call 970-879-7070. 1860 Ski Time Square Drive.

---For more on this topic or questions regarding real estate in Steamboat Springs, feel free to call Charlie at 970-846-6435 or write me an email at: charlie@steamboatsmyhome.com. I will answer your post or email promptly with candid and informed answers. Click here to view all properties in Steamboat Springs in "real time" --- This is one of the few real estate sites showing all foreclosed and all short sale listings in real time and updated every few minutes.

 

It's bitter cold in much of the United States. Uncharacteristically cold. It's cold where is live too. - 30 this morning. Yes, negative 30 this morning. And even colder tonight. But it's cold all winter here in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Get to the point you say. A few days ago a home closed here in Steamboat Springs. It was a bank owned home, once owned by a predominant lawyer in town. Was once listed for over 2.5 million. Bank owned and sitting vacant for several months it came on the market priced at $1,340,000 or so. Seemingly a relative bargain for a newer home, 5,700 square feet, and spectacular views. And it was popular. Went under contract the first week with several offers submitted. 

I represented one of those offers. And during our pre-inspection of the home, prior to offers being submitted, we looked at the home. It was cold inside. Strike one. I asked and the listing agent about a company that winterized the home prior to it getting cold. Hmm. Which company? Some company out of Denver. Strike two. 

Long story short: my client did not get the home. Someone was willing to pay cash and offer more. Done deal.

Not so fast. Turns out that during inspection, they tried to re-activate the heating. Now in nicer homes they tend to use radiant - in-floor heating. It great when done right. Or until some company from Denver doesn't know what they are doing when they winterize the place. Yes, there was water in all those heating pipes. Yes it froze. No, much of it cannot be fixed like it was. Broken pipes in concrete. Not an easy fix. And what can be fixed will cost a lot of money.

They ended up settling for $150,000 off the $1,500,000 they once agreed upon. 

What does it all mean?  If you have bank-owned empty homes for sale. And it's below freezing outside, make sure you do your due-diligence if your representing a buyer. Or if you're a buyer, make sure your inspector knows what to look for. Even one night that gets too cold could cause these empty homes to have plumbing pipes break and cause major damage. 

---For more on this topic or questions regarding real estate in Steamboat Springs, feel free to call Charlie at 970-846-6435 or write me an email at: charlie@steamboatsmyhome.com. I will answer your post or email promptly with candid and informed answers. Click here to view all properties in Steamboat Springs in "real time" --- This is one of the few real estate sites showing all foreclosed and all short sale listings in real time and updated every few minutes.