Eliese Pivarnik, Colorado Group Realty, RSPS, CDPE Steamboat Real Estate

You wouldn't know it if you read the paper, but Steamboat Springs real estate--and ALL resort mountain communities in Colorado--smashed records for total sales in 2007. Total sales reached $1.39 billion dollars in Routt County alone.

In fact, according to the Summit Daily News, "Five Colorado mountain resort counties will set a combined record of $8.56 billion in real estate sales this year even with a recent cool-down in the market."

Average home sales around the region are:

• $1.41 million in Eagle County (Vail, Beaver Creek)
• $928,776 in Routt County (Steamboat Springs, Stagecoach)
• $794,391 in Summit County (Breckenridge, Copper, Frisco, Keystone)
  

People moving to resort communities aren't the only factor for the Colorado real estate boom. The natural gas industry has impacted the western part of the state from Rifle and Silt to Meeker, and even up to Craig, Colorado. Natural gas is fueling a housing boom in areas that wouldn't be considered "resort" areas.

For more information on Steamboat Springs Real Estate, or referrals to agents in other parts of Colorado and our resort markets, please contact Eliese Pivarnik at (970) 819-6372 or email me at eliese@steamboathomesales.com

You can also visit SteamboatHomeSales.com for information on Steamboat Springs real estate and the Steamboat community.

The 95th Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival is coming the second week in February. Lincoln Avenue, the main street in Steamboat Springs, gets covered in snow for marching bands on skis, kids being pulled behind horses on skis and snowboards, fireworks, ski jumping, shovel races, and all kinds of other snow events totally unique to Steamboat Springs. Here is the full schedule:

Wednesday, February 6

• 5:30 pm--Opening Ceremonies at Howelsen Hill

Thursday, February 7

• 4:30 pm--Cross-Country Obstacle Race
• 7:00-8:00pm--20,30,and 50 Meter Jumping
• 7:00-8:00pm--Snowboarding Jam Session at Howelson Hill

Friday, February 8

• 9:00-noon--Alpine Ski Flying Training
• 10:00--Soda Pop Slalom
• 1:30pm--Bumps, Jumps, and K18 Ski Jumping
• 3:00-6:00--Amateur Alpine Ski Flying Training
• 4:30-7:30pm--Tubing Party at Howelson Hill
• 6:00-7:30pm--Dual Slalom Bicycle Race
• 7:30pm--Red Bull Sledstyle Demo

Saturday, February 9

• 8:00-11:00am--Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast at Holy Name Catholic Church
• 8:00am--100-meter Nordic Dash
• 9:00-noon--Street Events--kids getting pulled behind horses down snow-covered Lincoln Avenue. Don't miss this one!
• 9:30am--Telemark Challenge
• 9:00-noon--Pro Alpine Ski Flying Training
• 11:00am--Snowboot Softball
• Noon--Red Bull Sledstyle Demo
• Noon-2:00pm--International Muzzle Loading Biathlon
• 1:00--Pro Alpine Ski Flying Qualifying
• 6:30pm--Night Extravaganza--Fireworks, the Lighted Man, Ski Jumpers who go through Fire--DEFINITELY do not miss this one!

Sunday, February 10, 2008

• 9:00-11:00am--Street Events
• 11:30am-- Diamond Hitch Parade on Lincoln Avenue
• 1:00pm-- Pro Alpine Ski Flying Finals
• 1:00-2:00pm--Parent Child Downhill on Howelson Hill.

There are currently only 16 Steamboat Springs, Colorado ski-in, ski-out properties available in Steamboat Springs.

At the low end of the Steamboat Springs ski-in, ski-out market are Ski Inn Condos, Storm Meadow Condos, and Ski Trail Condos. These units have one bedroom and range from $342,000-$399,900. The developments were all built in Steamboat during the 1970's. Some of the units have been renovated, but they all offer great ski-in, ski-out locations at reasonable prices. Of course, if you need more than one bedroom, you are out of luck.

Also available are two units at Steamboat Village Inn, otherwise known as the private 6th floor of the Sheraton. The Sheraton was recently purchased by Starwood and a major remodel is in the planning stages.

Below $1,000,000, you can get a two-bedroom Bear Claw, Bronze Tree, or Christie Club (the ONLY 2 bedroom unit in the Christie Club and one of the few whole ownership units.)

If you are looking for a three bedroom ski-in, ski-out place, there are only four available. They are at Chateau Chamonix, Bear Claw, and Antlers@Christie Base. Prices range from $1,294,000-$2,095,000.

Finally, there is one single family Steamboat Springs, CO, ski-in, ski-out property available. It is located on Ski Trail Lane, has 4 bedrooms, and is offered at $3,995,000.

The Steamboat Springs real estate market is strong with three ski-in, ski-out properties under contract. They range from $809,000-$3,995,000.

If you would like more information about Steamboat Springs, Colorado ski-in, ski-out properties, call Eliese Pivarnik at (970) 819-6372 or visit SteamboatHomeSales.com for more information.

Meadowgreen in Stagecoach, Colorado, Market Report Vacant Land/Investment Property Active Listings

Meadowgreen is the closest development in Stagecoach, Colorado to Steamboat Springs. It is right by the Stagecoach Reservoir for easy access to fishing and boating, and has killer views of the water. Meadowgreen also has paved roads, electricity and sewer to the lot line--a rarity in up-and-coming Stagecoach, Colorado.

For investors or builders looking to get into the Stagecoach market, now is a great time to buy. Winter is a slower time in Stagecoach and there are great opportunities before the snow thaws and activity heats up.

Visit Stagecoach-realestate.com for more information on Stagecoach, Colorado, or call Eliese Pivarnik direct at (970) 819-6372.

Steamboat Springs Neighborhoods: Where Do You Want To Live?

Whether you are a full time Steamboat Springs resident or a part-time second home owner, Steamboat has several neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. Visit Steamboathomesales.com for more information on buying and selling real estate in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Old Town–Homes in Old Town are charming older homes, either in original condition or renovated with high-end finishes. They tend to be on smaller lots, but the location is perfect for walking into town and being next to schools, parks, shopping, and restaurants. Prices start around $700,000 for small fixer-uppers and go up from there.

Fish Creek Falls–Fish Creek is a neighborhood above town offering great views of Steamboat, the mountain, and the Flat Tops. Homes and yards tend to be larger, and there are still some vacant sites on which to build. Home prices vary depending on age, size, views, and condition, but expect to pay at least $700,000-$2,000,000 for a single family home. Duplexes are also available at the lower price range. The two duplex units will have a shared wall and/or driveway. There are also many single family homes with caretaker units. These are small, legal apartments owners can leave vacant for guests or rent out to help pay the mortgage. Fish Creek Falls Recreation area is at the top of the hill and is a great place to hike and see the spectacular 283-foot waterfall.

The Mountain–Whether you are in a condo, a duplex, or a single-family home, the mountain area is where the action is from December through April. Visitors like to be close to skiing, so there is a wide variety of units in every style and price range. Entry level condos begin at $250,000 for a studio or one bedroom. Luxury condos and townhomes with ski-in, ski-out access start at $1,000,000. There are excellent rental opportunities to offset ownership expenses whether you rent your unit yourself or let a property management company handle the details. A free bus winds through the mountain area to take you to town or the ski slope.

The Mountain Shared Ownership–The mountain area also offers fractional ownership opportunities with 1/7, 1/8 or 1/4 interests. The Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel, The Christie Club, and The Porches are a few properties where owners can get all the amenities of million-dollar properties for a “fraction” of the cost. Investment for these units is small–only $50,000 to $300,000.

Stagecoach–South of Steamboat lies Stagecoach State Park and the new community being built around it. This area is booming as an alternative to the rising prices in Steamboat. Stagecoach has many neighborhoods, some more rustic than others, so deciding what is important (paved roads, sewer, vault permits, electricity) before you build or buy is key. Visit Stagecoach-realestate.com for more information.

West of Steamboat–Heritage Park and Steamboat II are family neighborhoods a short drive from town. These close-knit neighborhoods are kid-friendly and relatively affordable. Single-family homes range from approximately $400,000-$800,000 and offer yards, play ground areas and outdoor ice rinks. They are close to the Steamboat Golf Club and the Christian Heritage School.

Silver Spur is a neighborhood west of Steamboat with larger homes and larger lots, many with great views of the ski mountain. A walking path loops through the community, and there is a great playground for all the kids. Homes range from $500,000-$1,000,000.

In a couple years, Steamboat 700, will be developed. It is a new neighborhood with 1900-2100 homes/townhomes/condos between the west side of town and Steamboat II. This area is in the very early planning stages and still needs annexed into the city and platted. Steamboat 700 is highly anticipated as being one of the last “affordable” places to live near town. To give an idea of its size, it will have eight times as many housing units as Steamboat II.

Hayden–Hayden is 25 miles west of Steamboat and is experiencing growth from families and businesses looking to avoid the high prices of Steamboat. The Yampa Valley Airport is in Hayden. Several developments are being built to house people who work in Hayden and those that commute to Steamboat. The drive is a straight, flat trip on Route 40, and the area has bus service into Steamboat. If you are looking for a new home in a neighborhood at a lower price than what you can find in Steamboat, it is worth looking in Hayden. Brand new 3 BR, 2.5 BA homes of around 1400 square feet are available for $300,000.

North Routt–North Routt County is a great place to live near Steamboat if you prefer a more rural setting. With Steamboat Lake State Park, Pearl Lake State Park, and the Elk River, it is an outdoor lovers paradise. Boating, fishing, fly-fishing, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, hiking, and hunting are only a few activities right at your doorstep.

For more information on homes available in any of these neighborhoods, email eliese@steamboathomesales.com or call Eliese Pivarnik at (970) 819-6372.

Visit SteamboatHomeSales.com for Steamboat Springs real estate and community information.