February 2010, Eagle County, Colorado, Residential Sold Properties on Map

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Gypsum Creek Golf Course

Cotton Ranch Golf Course not only has a new owner, but a new name.  It is now the Gypsum Creek Golf Course, owned by the Town of Gypsum.

The Town of Gypsum has announced their Season Pass pricing and it is definitely the most affordable golf in Eagle County, Colorado.  If you are buying a pass at the Gypsum Creek Golf Course in 2010, you can be considered a “resident” if you live in Eagle County, Pitkin County or Garfield County.  If you buy the Resident Pass before March 31st, a single can have golf and a cart everyday for $1,360.  A family of up to 5 can have the same pass for $2,890.

The old members of Cotton Ranch Golf Club paid up to $37,000 for a membership and $300 a month all year, plus about $20 a person for a cart.  This is quite a savings for everyone who has been playing at Cotton Ranch.

Affordable golf at the Gypsum Creek Golf Course is going to help the real estate sales at Cotton Ranch and Sky Legend, as well as help the Town of Gypsum continue to be one of the premiere places to live in Western Eagle County.

For information on real estate sales at Cotton Ranch or anywhere in Eagle County, call or email Joan Harned or Barbara Hogoboom at Team Black Bear with Keller Williams Mountain Properties: 970-337-7777, info@teamblackbear.com.

Here is a sampling of homes & vacant lots available in Cotton Ranch & Sky Legend. Simply click on the photo to see the virtual tour of the property.

To view all available properties in the Vail (Eagle County, Colorado) MLS, please visit our website:  http://www.teamblackbear.com/PropertySearch.cfm

Cascade Village Attraction

There is no doubt that even in less than perfect economic times, people still appreciate and want the best.  Vail has held on with continued growth and sales, even though somewhat slowed, in our present market.

Our listing in the Westhaven condominium complex had more showings per week than most of our other 30 listing all put together and is now under contract!  Buyers still understand the value of owning a place in Vail since it is a premiere ski resort, and now sought after summer resort as well.

The Westhaven in the Cascade Village is a particularly great value, as it is just a couple years old and has all the amenities from your own bike/ski storage and boot dryers to access to the Cascade Sports Center and room service; and it’s brand new with all of the luxury finishes!  Cascade Village has it’s own connecting chair lift to Vail Mountain which is a fabulous feature.

For more information on Westhaven units, Cascade Village and Vail in general, call or email Joan or Barb at Team Black Bear with Keller Williams Mountain Properties:  970-337-7777 or email info@teamblackbear.com

ARROWHEAD RESORT vs SANDESTIN RESORT

I have the great pleasure of living and selling real estate in the Vail Valley, as well as owning a lovely townhome in Sandestin, Florida.  Stepping back and looking at the two locations, it becomes clear why families and soon-to-be seniors love Arrowhead Ski and Golf Resort just as the same age groups are attracted to Sandestin in the panhandle of northwestern Florida.

Both Arrowhead and Sandestin have golf available and complimentary shuttle service to get you anywhere you want to go.  The fact that Arrowhead and Sandestin are both gated communities gives that all important sense of security that is so appreciated by parents and grandparents.  And finally, being able to bike to the clubs, walk to dinner and having that sense of community all make both Arrowhead and Sandestin sought after locations.

The real estate market is also similar.  Although there are great buys in both markets, the prices have not plummeted like they have in some area with less amenities.  For great opportunities for quality properties in Arrowhead Golf and Ski Resort in Colorado or for information on who to contact in Sandestin Florida, call or email Joan or Barb at 970-337-7777 or email info@teamblackbear.com with Team Black Bear at Keller Williams Mountain Properties.

BEST Property BUYS IN The VAIL VALLEY, Colorado

Where are the best buys in the Vail Valley?  How do you find these properties with value?  Today’s real estate market in Eagle County, Colorado is a moving target.  Everyday brings new opportunities for Buyers.

Vail (including Cascade Village), Beaver Creek, Arrowhead, Edwards, Eagle Ranch and Cotton Ranch in Gypsum all represent a buyer’s market.  Even though we are still in a descending market, the wise buyer will note that the decent has slowed … this usually happens near the bottom of the market, which of course signals an upturn in prices.

With the threat of rising interest rates this summer, there is no better time to buy real estate in the Vail Valley / Eagle County, Colorado.  Now, to find the best buys, you will need an aggressive & knowledgeable local Realtor.

Team Black Bear has been helping buyers & sellers with their investment and primary properties; selling real estate in the Vail Valley, Eagle County & the Western Slope of Colorado for over 24 years!  TEAM BLACK BEAR can send you daily or weekly updates on the property deals currently available throughout Eagle County.

In Eagle Ranch and Cotton Ranch some homes and lots are bank owned or possible short sales, but many are just highly motivated sellers with enough equity that they can and will sell for much less than they have put into the property.  This is often true in Cascade Village in Vail, Arrowhead Ski and Golf resort, Bellyache Ridge/Red Sky Ranch, Eagle Ranch and Cotton Ranch.  When wealthy owners are ready to move on, they have the capability to sell as low as they choose, without ‘bank’ approval.

Please contact Joan or Barb at Team Black Bear TODAY to get set-up with receiving regular emails containing info on the best buys in the Vail Valley / Eagle County, Colorado.  TEAM BLACK BEAR: 970-337-7777 or info@teamblackbear.com

Eagle Ranch Update: There has never been a better time to buy at Eagle Ranch – prices are back to 2004 levels!

Inventories are down, but many of those still on the market are priced very realistically.  Currently there are 58 properties at Eagle Ranch listed availablein the Vail Valley’s Multiple Listing Service.  Of these 58 properties, approximately 17 are condos and town-homes and the remainder are single family homes.

The Builder still has unsold units in Aiden’s Meadow which are offered at great prices and with various incentives.  Several single family homes are priced well below cost.

Of the 58 total properties available in Eagle Ranch, 5 are POSSIBLE SHORT SALES.  Often short sales can be acquired for well under the asking price.

Opportunity abounds at Eagle Ranch for first time and move up buyers – get in the market to take advantage of the first time and move up buyer tax credits.  Whether it is a condo, town-home or single family, make it your goal in 2010 to take advantage of value pricing.  Team Black Bear at Keller Williams Mountain Properties knows the market and can lead you through the process to make your dreams come true at Eagle Ranch!  Contact TEAM BLACK BEAR today: 970-337-7777 or info@teamblackbear.com.

Search all available properties listing in the Vail Valley’s multi-list system: http://www.teamblackbear.com/PropertySearch.cfm

JOAN HARNED Earns NAR Short Sales and Foreclosure Certification

Buyers and Sellers Benefit from REALTOR® Expertise in Distressed Sales

Eagle, CO, January 2010 - Joan Harned with TEAM BLACK BEAR at Keller Williams Mountain Properties has earned the nationally recognized Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource certification. The National Association of REALTORS^®offers the SFR certification to REALTORS^® who want to help both buyers and sellers navigate these complicated transactions, as demand for professional expertise with distressed sales grows.

According to a recent NAR survey, nearly one-third of all existing homes sold recently were either short sales or foreclosures.  For many real estate professionals, short sales and foreclosures are the new “traditional” transaction.  REALTORS^®who have earned the SFR certification know how to help sellers maneuver the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities.

“As leading advocates for home-ownership, REALTORS^®believe that any family that loses its home to foreclosure is one family too many, but unfortunately, there are situations in which people just cannot afford to keep their homes, and a foreclosure or a short sale results,” said 2009 NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth. “Foreclosures and short sales can offer opportunities for home buyers and benefit the larger community, as well, but it’s extremely important to have the help of a real estate professional like a REALTOR^®who has earned the SFR certification for these kinds of purchases.”

The certification program includes training on how to qualify sellers for short sales, negotiate with lenders, protect buyers, and limit risk, and provides resources to help REALTORS^®stay current on national and state-specific information as the market for these distressed properties evolves. To earn the SFR certification, REALTORS^Ò are required to take one core course and three Webinars.  For more information about the SFR certification, visit www.REALTORSFR.org or call 1-877-510-7855.

For more information on Buying or Selling a Distressed Property, contact Joan Harned with TEAM BLACK BEAR at Keller Williams Mountain Properties in Eagle, Colorado: 970-337-7777 or info@teamblackbear.com.

NEW CLUB AT COTTON RANCH GOLF COURSE

Vail Valley’s Cotton Ranch Golf Club was purchased by the Town of Gypsum this January, 2010.  Now a group of local residents at Cotton Ranch have put together a proposal to lease the restaurant, olympic sized pool and tennis courts.  The vision is to remodel the restaurant, with a larger bar area and turn it into an affordable steak house.  The pool will be refurbished and have an exciting new slide added.  The hard surface tennis courts will remain and the clay court will be removed and replaced with volleyball and horse shoe pits.

This new club at Cotton Ranch will take up to 150 memberships, at $68 a month, which will give members access to the pool, tennis, volley ball, horseshoes and the workout facilities.  The Cotton Ranch social and recreational membership will also give each family a 10% discount on all food and beverages.  The Cotton Ranch homeowners seem very excited about the new club, as it is a very social group and it will, of course, increase their property values.

The Town of Gypsum is planning on having close to 20,000 rounds of golf played at Cotton Ranch this summer, about double from last year.  The Town may very well reach this goal, as $49 golf in the Vail Valley will bring a lot of locals and guests to Gypsum for play on Cotton Ranch’s beautiful Pete Dye Championship Golf Course.

For information on great values in real estate in Cotton Ranch and surrounding areas, please contact Joan Harned or Barbara Hogoboom with TEAM BLACK BEAR at Keller Williams Mountain Properties: 970-337-77777 or info@teamblackbear.com

To view more info on this fabulous single-family home available in Cotton Ranch, please click on the photos below.  175 Whitetail Drive, Cotton Ranch, Gypsum, Colorado:

175 Whitetail Drive, Cotton Ranch, Gypsum, Colorado: 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2-car garage on one level, wonderful floor-plan. Backs to 14th t-box/15th fairway on the Cotton Ranch golf course with great views! High-end finishes; vaulted ceilings; gas fireplace; eat-in kitchen with slab granite; double doors divide kitchen & formal dining. Master suite opens to patio; walk-in closet; jetted tub & large tiled shower. Great yard & back patio! Very well maintained property.

ARROWHEAD SKI AND GOLF RESORT 

Vail Valley’s Arrowhead Ski and Golf Resort has seen 17 closings in the last six months, and currently 4 homes are under contract in the Arrowhead neighborhood.  This sales record is very good in today’s real estate market!  These Arrowhead property sales have ranged from $590,000 to $4,400,000 and the under contract properties range from $595,000 to $5,250,000.

Arrowhead is a great place to buy! Not only because of the beautiful setting, fablulous sking and golfing opportunities, but because there are currently 76 homes listed available in the Vail multi-list for this specific real estate market area of Arrowhead.  The homes currently on the market in Vail Valley’s Arrowhead, range from $525,000 to $9,950,000 and represent some great prices and excellent values.

To take a look at the many opportunities to own luxury resort property at great values in today’s market, call or email Joan Harned or Barbara Hogoboom: 970-337-7777 or info@teamblackbear.com.  Also, search ALL Vail Valley (Eagle County, Colorado) properties available in the Vail multi-list service at: http://www.teamblackbear.com/PropertySearch.cfm

Arrowhead is a gated community in the Vail Valley of Colorado located between Edwards & Avon in Eagle County.  Ski or snowboard from Arrowhead via Village to Village trails all the way to Beaver Creek!  Arrowhead is also home to the Country Club of the Rockies Golf Club featuring a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course (link to more info on the golf club: http://www.countrycluboftherockies.com/).

Click on the photo below for more information about this beautiful residence available in a private setting in Arrowhead, 90 Riverbend Ct:

Very special custom residence next to golf & river. 4bd, 4.5ba & study/game room. Fabulous kitchen: custom cabinets, Wolf range, Viking fridge & granite. Floor to ceiling 2-sided stone fireplace, antique oak floors, flagstone entry & more! Included in property purchase: Seller will purchase an Alpine Club Membership for Buyer + new Chevy Equinox SUV. Golf membership available. No enclave fees. 

Cascade Village in Vail, Colorado 

Vail’s Cascade Village, just west of Lionshead, is often considered the best kept secret for access, amenities and real estate values.  Vacationers, as well as locals, are discovering the convenience of being just steps away from a chair lift and/or free shuttle service to Vail Village and Lionshead Village; as well as having the luxury of the Aria Club & Spa, amenities at Vail Cascade Resort, and gourmet dining available within walking distance from most accommodations.

Westhaven, one of the newest condominium complexes in Cascade Village, has underground parking, bicycle storage, boot dryers and private ski lockers; not to mention room service is also available through Vail Cascade Resort!  The prices at Westhaven and in Cascade Village in general are a very good value now with available properties priced well below $1,000 per square ft.  With three sales in the Cascade Village area in the last few months, the average percentage ratio of sales price to final list price is around 85% … this is a much higher percentage than has been seen in other parts of Eagle County, showing Cascade Village in Vail is holding value in a shifting market.

Call Joan Harned or Barbara Hogoboom with Team Black Bear at Keller Williams Mountain Properties at 970-337-7777 or email us at info@teamblackbear.com for more information on great real estate values in the Vail Valley, and specifically Cascade Village.

To view an available luxury condo at Westhaven in Cascade Village, click on this photo:

Westhaven at Vail Unit A301: Luxury 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath corner unit with 2 assigned underground parking spots, secure elevator access, storage and high-end finishes. Located adjacent to Vail Cascade Resort, ownership of unit includes membership in Aria Club & Spa and use of all amenities at Vail Cascade Resort, including: room service, swimming/hot tubs, tennis, ski concierge, shuttle service and more! Walk to ski lift, Gore Creek & bike paths.

COTTON RANCH GOLF CLUB SALE

The Town of Gypsum purchased the Cotton Ranch Golf Club, Friday January 15, 2010.

It was a creative purchase arrangement that give the Town the option to pay for the purchase over time and incorporated a sizable acreage next to the town in a separate purchase.

The two purchases have accomplished two important goals:  It has allowed the Town of Gypsum to greatly increase their recreational options for the Town (and all Eagle County residents in the Vail Valley), and it has preserved and increased the property values of home and lot owners at Cotton Ranch.

The already published goal of offering $49 rounds of golf this year will keep many golfers from leaving Eagle County to seek low prices and will expose many more golfers to the beauty of the Cotton Ranch golf course; blessed with the earliest and latest play in the valley due to the lower elevation and mild climate.

Prices on lots and homes are the lowest they have been in years, right now, and it may be an excellent time to secure a propertybefore the Cotton Ranch Golf Club is discovered by all of the Vail Valley investors.  Call Joan Harned or Barbara Hogoboom with Team Black Bear at Keller Williams Mountain Properties at 970-337-7777 or email us at info@teamblackbear.com for information on the real estate available with great values today at Cotton Ranch and surrounding neighborhoods.

Click the photos below for more info on these available properties at Cotton Ranch:

LOCAL REALTOR® AWARDED CRB DESIGNATION

EAGLE, CO: Joan E. Harned, Owner/Broker at Keller Williams Mountain Properties and a member of TEAM BLACK BEAR, was awarded the coveted CRB (Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager) Designation conferred by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB).

The Council of Real Estate Brokerage Managers (CRB), an affiliate of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, is the professional organization for brokerage management. The Council is dedicated to providing quality professional development programs, products and services that continually enhance the management productivity and profitability of its more than 7,000 members.

The CRB Designation is recognized throughout the industry as the highest level of professional achievement — a symbol of excellence in brokerage management.The most successful brokerages are owned or managed by professionals having the coveted CRB Designation.

The Council awards the CRB Designation to those individuals who successfully complete the requirements and demonstrate excellence in real estate brokerage management. Candidates must complete academic and professional courses covering such topics as finance, marketing, training, recruiting, and strategic planning.

Joan E. Harned is a real estate brokerage manager for Keller Williams Mountain Properties at 200 Capitol Street in Eagle, Colorado.  A member of the VAIL Board of REALTORS® and the Colorado ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, Joan E. Harned is also: certified Foreclosure Prevention Specialists, former Chair of the Vail Board of REALTORS®, 1998 REALTOR® of the Year-Vail Board of REALTORS®, 2009 Realtor of the Year Committee Member for Vail Board of REALTORS®, former Director (6 year term) for the Vail Board of REALTORS®, former Director on the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund Board.

For more information about real estate in Eagle County, or becoming a real estate broker with Keller Williams Mountain Properties, please contact Joan Harned at 970-337-7777 or visit www.teamblackbear.com.