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Prudential Steamboat Realty

Michelle & Clay Garner join the team at Prudential Steamboat Realty

Michelle and Clay Garner have joined Prudential Steamboat Realty and their network of Steamboat’s leading broker associates. The announcement was made by Cam Boyd, co-owner of Prudential last week. “These agents share Prudential Steamboat Realty’s commitment to client satisfaction and a competitive drive in the real estate market. They are exactly the type of associates we are seeking, as we continue to grow and develop as a company.”

Michelle and Clay come to Prudential with from Intrawest owned, Steamboat Ski & Resort Realty. Clay has lived in the Yampa Valley for over 20 years now, while Michelle fell victim to the Yampa Valley curse a few years ago. The Garner team is a great addition to the Prudential network, and we are happy to have their strong work ethic and professional approach on our team.

When asked about their decision to move their licenses to Prudential, Michelle said, “We asked ourselves "where do we want to establish our real estate business?" And the obvious answer here in Steamboat Springs is Prudential Steamboat Realty. Prudential offers a solid foundation for agents to build a successful career selling real estate. They have implemented systems and continue to perfect and build upon those systems, and this practice offers a great deal of support to an agent. Our business as well as our clients will benefit greatly from the professionalism of the firm.”

Prudential Steamboat Realty is Steamboat’s premier real estate brokerage. Prudential Steamboat Realty, Inc. has 44 licensed broker associates professionally trained and experienced in sales and development of Real Estate in Steamboat Springs. Our headquarters is an 8,000 square foot office located at the gateway to the ski area. Open seven days a week, we are highly efficient with the latest in technology and a superb support staff. For more information about Prudential Steamboat Realty, visit www.PrudentialSteamboatRealty.com.

Trends in Lending

An insightful look at lending in the Steamboat Springs market provided by Kathryn Pedersen of Yampa Valley Bank:

First and foremost, lenders are still making loans. We had a record month in June and expect another great month in July. As a local bank we are still lending on vacant land and doing construction loans. In the mortgage department, a good portion of the homebuyers that we are seeing today are first time homebuyers. The $8,000 tax credit is working in our eyes. Remember, the tax credit is for qualified first time homebuyers that purchase a primary residence, and close by December 1, 2009. (Please consult your tax advisor for specific questions on your situation.) We expect lenders to get very busy as the deadline approaches, so it is important to get under contract by the beginning of October to take advantage of the tax credit.

Lenders are protecting their investment and they want to be absolutely positive that they have accurate information. This means that you will most likely have to submit tax returns, paycheck stubs, asset statements and other items with your loan application. In addition, lenders will also pull your tax return transcripts from the IRS to be sure that your reported income matches the application income. It is more important than ever to be upfront with your lender about any oddities of your income or write offs.

Rates have been through a wild ride. In the past it would be surprising to see our rates change an eighth of a percentage point in a week, now we may see a quarter to half percent change in a day. This makes working with someone with their finger on the trigger more important than ever. Just an eighth difference in rate can change the affordability of your payment.

Another flash back to the past is an increase in government loans including FHA, VA and USDA. These loans lost popularity with the rise of the subprime products, but they are making a comeback. Each product has its own advantages and disadvantages and they offer programs with lower down payments and flexible credit guidelines.

It is a great time to buy. There are great programs, rates and loans are available. However, it is more important than ever to surround yourself with professionals that understand this changing lending and real estate market.

Kathryn Pedersen is a VP and Mortgage Officer at Yampa Valley Bank. You can reach her at 970-875-1609 or kpedersen@yampavalleybank.com.

Steamboat Colorado Real Estate Market Trends Monthly Update

The recent positive economic news continues to bolster the Steamboat Springs real estate market and we are seeing an increase in Buyer inquiries. In general, June is typically a slower month; however, property showings are steady (consistent with June 2008) and interest rates continue to create great opportunities for buyers in all price ranges. The number of sales for the month was 37, well below normal, and the closings were 1/3 of the sales from last year at this time. We are seeing sales occur at all price ranges in all areas, but all sales consisted of properties that were priced very aggressively. Buyers are looking for deals, and there are plenty of them out there.

The basic economic lesson of Supply and Demand is alive and well in the Steamboat Springs real estate market - plenty of listings, fewer buyers creating a genuine Buyers Market. Low interest rates have provided added value to already well-priced properties in our market; however, the guarantee of continued favorable rates is uncertain. Plus, government programs (i.e. First Time Homebuyer tax credit and higher USDA loan-to-value ratios) have sunset provisions that require action sooner rather than later - pulling buyers off the sidelines.

Sales

Single Family Homes

  • June '08 - 19
  • June '09 - 8

Condos/Townhomes

  • June '08 27
  • June '09 15

Median Price:

Single Family Homes

  • June '08 $610,000
  • June '09 $312,500

Condos/Townhomes

  • June '08 $440,000
  • June '09 $480,000

Average Days on Market:

Single Family Homes

  • June '08 149
  • June '09 223

Condos/Townhome

  • June '08 103
  • June '09 204

Based on information from the Steamboat Springs Board Of Realtors MLS. Statistics intended only to show market trends. If you would like to receive a comprehensive Market Report to please contact your Prudential Steamboat Realty broker today or email us at contact@prusteamboat.com.

Steamboat Colorado Market Update

Steamboat Springs real estate attained new levels of success this year with well over a billion dollars in sales volume. With plenty of new opportunities available for buyers today ranging from downtown lofts to mountain condominiums, Steamboat continues to offer clients a great value. To view the December 2007 market update click here: December 2007 Market Update.

For a complete Steamboat Market Report contact your Steamboat Prudential broker today at 970-879-8100.