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

Price It Right from Day 1

Many Steamboat Springs real estate sellers think the best way to list a home is to “try a number” then lower the price later. Not pricing your Steamboat home right in the beginning can cost you. John R. Knight, in his 2002 study, “Listing Price, Time on Market, and Ultimate Selling Price” found that sellers who priced their homes right from Day 1 sold for 97% of list price, and those that reduced their homes sold them for 88% of list price. Do your homework and price it right. It will sell faster, for more $$$, in less time.

Use A Realtor

Going FSBO seems like a great way to save money. After all, why pay 6% when you can do it yourself? How hard can it be? Actually, studies prove that homes listed with a Realtor have selling prices from 8%-15% higher than those that are sold FSBO. Not only will your Realtor do all the marketing, paperwork, deadlines, coordinating financing, etc., but you’ll net more money. (Email Eliese@steamboathomesales.com for a free market analysis.)

Do Quick Fixes—NOT Major Remodels

This isn’t the time to do a total kitchen remodel or add on a family room. Keep it simple with exterior “first impression” fix-ups—freshly painted front doors, landscaped lawns, and pots of fresh flowers. Inside, fix all the little things like leaky faucets and chipped paint. Give Buyers the impression your home is well cared for, without spending money you can’t recoup.

“Stage” your Steamboat Springs Property

Staging isn’t decorating. It’s UN-decorating. Staging is creating a neutral environment where anyone can visualize living with their own things. Take down the doll collection, the mounted animal collection, the beer can collection. Paint the bright red and violet walls tan or a light mossy green. Take out furniture to make the rooms bigger. Get one or two nice, healthy, large plants.

Get Rid Of Clutter

Most people have too much stuff. When shelves are bulging with toys, mud rooms have stacks of dirty shoes and coats and the kitchen counters are covered in appliances, Buyers look at your “things” instead of your house. It’s not appealing. Pack up everything you don’t immediately need (like that bread machine you haven’t used in years and the clothes in the size you’ll wear some day) and let your house shine.

Visit SteamboatHomeSales.com for more information on buying and selling Steamboat Springs, CO real estate.

Despite a slow end to 2007, Steamboat Springs, CO again recorded a record year in real estate sales. Routt County will reach $1.5 billion by the time all transactions are recorded.

November trends:

• Less inventory meant less sales volume. Sales were off 35% from November, 2006.
• Fewer entry level homes were sold (defined as less than $500,000).
• November, 2006 had 109.
• November 2007 had only 53.
  
• As sales have stabilized, listing prices should stabilize as well. Last year, as prices increased 5% a month, Sellers asked for--and got--eye-popping increases over the last units sold in their condo development.

Fractional sales have been growing in Steamboat Springs, CO as an alternative for people who still desire luxury accomodations but don't want to invest in an entire condominium they'll only use a few weeks a year.

Through November, there have been 92 transactions at the Steamboat Grand. The average price is $110,772, for over $10,000,000 in sales. The Steamboat Grand was recently ranked in the Top 50 Ski Hotels by Conde Nast magazine. It has a full-service spa, a great year-round outdoor pool and spas, several restaurants and conference rooms, concierge, ski rental, and shops.

At the Christie Club, a ski-in, ski-out property, 22 fractional transactions have closed this year. The average price is $222,564. The Christie Club offers three and four bedroom units without a "hotel" feel. Decks overlook the ski area where you put your skis on at the door and you are literally on the slopes.

Another fractional opportunity in Steamboat Springs exists at The Porches. The Porches are large, four, five, and six bedroom homes with room for the entire extended family. They are built on three levels so the grandkids can be playing pool or watching the big-screen tv in the basement while the adults can talk over cocktails around the fireplace. There is a separate clubhouse with fitness facilities, spas, and pool.

Finally, One Steamboat Place is being built right beside the gondola building. The much-anticipated development will be finished in two years and offer 336 1/8th ownership interests.

Read about fractional ownership at SteamboatHomeSales.com or call Eliese Pivarnik, Century 21 Ski Town Associates, at (970) 819-6372 to schedule a showing at any of Steamboat's fractional or whole ownership properties.

Looking for a Steamboat Springs, CO ski condo? Better act fast--there are only 156 available between $189,000 and $5,800,000.

Here's how they break down:

Steamboat Springs, Colorado Ski Condos from $189,000 - $300,000 (14 available)

There are only 14 Steamboat Springs, Colorado Ski Condos that are showing as active below $300,000. They range from a 295 square foot studio in Mt Werner Meadows to a two-bedroom--the only two bedroom in this price range--at Meadowlark. There are several one bedroom units in Walton Village, the Rockies, and Shadow Run.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado Ski Condos from $301,000 - $400,000 (16 available)

There are only 16 Steamboat Springs, Colorado Ski Condos that are showing as active between $301,000-$400,000. These are mainly one and two bedroom condos in the same developments (the Rockies, Walton Village, Shadow Run, and the West) that have had a few upgrades or some remodeling. The median days on market is only 56--these places go fast.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado Ski Condos from $401,000 - $500,000 (32 available)

Here are the "meat and potato" Steamboat Springs, Colorado Ski Condos--the popular two bedroom, two bath configuration. Sunray Meadows, Storm Meadows (with its pseudo ski-in, ski-out location), Quail Run, and the Villas at Walton Creek are all popular places because they are close to the mountain and they are on the free bus route.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado Ski Condos from $501,000 - $600,000 (7 available)

This price range begins to see some three bedroom Steamboat Springs, Colorado Ski Condos at Sunburst and Promontory. Not much available.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado Ski Condos from $601,000 - $750,000 (10 available)

These Bronze Steamboat Springs, Colorado Ski Condos include listings at Bronze Tree, Trappeurs Crossing, and the Phoenix. Expect a seasonal concierge, ski shuttle, and more amenities.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado Ski Condos from $751,000 - $1,000,000 (24 available)

At this price level, you can get a Steamboat Springs, Colorado Ski Condo close to the slopes. Chateau Chamonix, Cornerstone, Snowflower, and Torian Plum all have units available in this price range. There are also several four bedroom units to house your extended family and friends.

Steamboat Springs, Colorado Ski Condos from $1,001,000 - $2,000,000 (31 available)

These Steamboat Springs, Colorado Ski Condos are large and well-appointed. There are plenty of four and five bedroom places in Trappeurs Crossing, Mountaineer, BlackHawk, and Bear Claw. You'll find stainless steel, granite, steam showers, hardwood, great entertainment systems, and great views!

Steamboat Springs, Colorado Ski Condos from $2,001,000 - $6,000,000 (22 available)