Teri McCarthy, ABR, CRS, ePRO, RSPS

I came across a wonderful video of the magestic Bison in Yellowstone National Park in Winter. Living in Jackson Hole we are fortunate to see these amazing creatures just minutes from town. You'll see frequent bison sightings from your home if you live in North Jackson, Kelly or Moose.

Did you know Yellowstone is the only place in the United States where bison have lived continuously since prehistoric times. In 1901 the bison population in Yellowstone dwindled to just 25. The Lamar Buffalo Ranch was built in the early 1900's to increase the number of bison. Today over 3,000 bison live in Yellowstone National Park. Want to know more about the majestic bison in Yellowstone? Bison FAQs

HOME FOR SALE IN GRAND TETON PARK

If you're looking for a home where the buffalo roam, this incredible log home with amazing Grand Teton view fits the bill. Take a look at this video of a rare Grand Teton Park in-holding in Moose, Wyoming.

Jackson Hole is harnessing up for the annual International Stage Stop Dog Sled Race (ISSDSR) and Winter Carnival, with festivities beginning January 27. The race, which begins in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and runs to Park City, Utah, lasts eight days and includes exciting activities to send the mushers on their way.

The ISSDSR was started in 1996 by Frank Teasley who still serves as race director. His goal was to give the public an opportunity to view sled racing first-hand, and to focus attention on the beautiful Wyoming landscape. He succeeded at both endeavors, and the race has been a winter highlight for more than a decade.

The dog sled race has also been beneficial in educating the public concerning vaccinations for children, with some of the activities and proceeds supporting medical programs for the youth along the route.

The public is invited to savor the pre-race excitement at Jackson's Town Square on January 28. Here the Winter Carnival will host a pig roast and music, running from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to enjoy food, fellowship, and fun, while the mushers and sled dogs prepare for their run.

At 6:30 p.m., the mushers and their dog teams will begin the eight-day challenge, taking off from Town Square. A large screen television erected in the square will give the public a clear view of the dog sled teams zipping across the stage one starting line on opening day.

The mushers will race two miles to the Snow King Resort, nestled at the foot of Snow King Mountain. There they will be welcomed at a free reception party where the public can mingle with the mushers. The event includes food, beverages, music, and fun from 7:00 until 9:30 p.m. A parade and fireworks extravaganza at the base of the mountain will wow viewers at 8:00 p.m.

On Saturday the mushers will set off toward Lander for stage two of their run, continuing over a week until they arrive at the finish line in Park City, Utah. Meanwhile, the Winter Carnival will continue through the weekend with guided snowshoe hikes at Grand Teton National Park, activities at the National Museum of Wildlife, and events at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Everyone is welcome at the International Stage Stop Dog Sled Race (ISSDSR) and Winter Carnival. Bundle up, bring your sense of adventure, and come on down to Jackson Hole's Town Square for an exciting experience!

The simple answer is before the relinquished property ("old investment property") is transferred. This seems very basic; however, it is misunderstood by many investors. Many people think a 1031 exchange is just a special account that can be set up after they have transferred their old investment property. However, to be entitled to defer capital gains under section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code an "exchange" must be established.

To create an exchange using a Qualified Intermediary ("QI"), the taxpayer must enter into an Exchange Agreement with a QI and that QI must be assigned into the contract for sale of the old investment property before it is transferred. Through the Exchange Agreement, the QI agrees to acquire the old investment property from the taxpayer and it transfers the property to the buyer through the contract of sale it has been assigned into. Similarly, the Exchange Agreement also provides that the QI will acquire the replacement property ("new investment property") for the taxpayer. The taxpayer assigns the QI into the taxpayer's contract to purchase the property. The QI thus becomes a party to that contract and has the seller transfer the new investment property to the taxpayer by means of a direct deed from that seller to the taxpayer. It is through the assignments of the contracts from the taxpayer to the QI that an "exchange" is created. The taxpayer is deemed to have transferred the old investment property to the QI and the QI is deemed to have transferred the new investment property back to the taxpayer, even though the deeds transfer title directly between the respective sellers and purchasers. Without the assignments there is no exchange, just a taxable sale followed by a purchase.

To avoid problems, follow these simple steps. Enter into an agreement to sell the old investment property and put that contract into escrow. Then contact IPX1031® to set up an exchange. Sound too easy? It doesn't need to be complicated. However people make it more difficult by not planning and/or waiting until the last minute. By planning ahead you can reduce your stress and make the transactions smoother.

When you choose IPX1031® as your Qualified Intermediary, you can be confident that your exchange will be handled expertly and that your funds will be safe, secure, and available when needed. Please call us when we can be of service, or if you have any questions.

To schedule a seminar, please contact:

Tracey Wilson, CES®, AVP, Business Development

Direct: 303-883-5846 Tracey.Wilson@ipx1031.com

Danita Vigil, AVP, Business Development

Direct: 303-242-6572 Danita.Vigil@ipx1031.com

Tracey and Danita's seminars are available for continuing education credit with the CO Division of Real Estate (1, 2 or 3 hour essential or advanced), CO Board of Accountancy (CPE) and CO Bar Association (CLE).

Tracey and Danita's seminars are also available for continuing education credit with the WY Real Estate Commission (3 hour minimum for Real Estate Agents, 1 hour minimum for Title Insurance Agents).

Continuing education credit courses are available via online Webinar in both CO and WY. Please call or email for more information.

Looking for an investment property to complete your 1031 Exchange or for a client? Call me (307)690-6906 for a list of the great investment properties in Jackson Hole, Wilson and Teton Village, Wyoming.

1. Sleigh bells ring, are you listening . . . Mingle with the elk in a horse-drawn sleigh on the National Elk Refuge Did you know . . . Jackson Hole has the world's largest wintering concentration of elk with national and international significance. More . .

2. Take the family on a Dog Sled Tour for a truly unique and memorable adventure. Scenic, wildlife and hotspring trips. You can even learn to mush your own team! More . .

3. Teton Science School offer Wildlife Discover Expeditions Sunrise or Wine & Wildlife at Sunset. More . .

4. For a truly memorable experience, stay at the Triangle X Guest Ranch in Grand Teton National Park. The winter season starts December 26 at the Triangle X. Cross country ski, snowmobile, snowshoe, photograph wildlife and at the end of the day return to the comfortable lodge and relax western style with a warm fire, a tasty meal and a large outdoor Jacuzzi. More . .

5. Dec 31 New Years Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks at the three ski resorts: Snow King in the Town of Jackson, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village and Grand Targhee in Alta. More . .

These are some of my favorite things but of course, there's so much more . . . skiing & boarding, shopping, wonderful restaurants, galleries, and visit Santa on the beautiful tree-lit Town Square 5-7pm every evening through the 24th.

Merry Christmas, peace and blessings! Teri