The two children appeared as if they ran through a Jackson Pollock painting. It’s unique to find kids who want to use their valuable summer time in Keystone real estate on being educated about nature. They were given fluorescent paint in several colors, a present from a few of the counselors. The counselors were painted and dressed up like various weeds and mountain plants and of course Mother Nature, and they ended up having more paint on them than the children.

It’s all part of a new enterprise at KSS called “Flower Power”. This is a mixture of tag and capture the flag with a little Discovery Channel tossed in for good measure.  The students had to locate the “flowers,” obtain some basic facts about them and return to “Mother Nature” to get whatever the plants needed to survive, all the while taking care to avoid being attacked by the “weeds.” Joel Egbert, one of the KSS camp directors, noted that Flower Power is just a typical day at KSS and that the staff enjoy it just as much as the kids do, if not more.  “Not a lot of occupations offer you the chance to produce a world,” he declared.

Three core principles

Egbert said, “Kids deserve to have magic, they really do,” explaining that what makes the camp unique and keeps the kids coming back are the camp’s three core concepts of science, fun, and adventure. In terms of science, the activities are focused on one particular theme which is then woven into the day’s lessons.  “You can find other fantastic camps, but they are usually outdated,” Egbert said. “We’re very forward-thinking. We search for techniques to truly connect to science.”

The KSS staff favors an active course of schooling rather than presenting Ben Stein-type lectures. On Tuesday, the children were taken on a hike on the EarthTrack to expose them to the great outdoors. During a woodland hike, the staff gently weave lessons into games and a scavenger hunt. The culmination was when the counselors had the campers demonstrate the interdependence of the different plants and animals in the food web using an interwoven string. The whole web fell apart when a camper holding the part that represented the sun dropped his end.  “You are the most important element!” one camper shouted to the sun. The offended sun replied “I know, I already said that.”

This active way to be taught must be succeeding because children keep returning to the camp. According to Jordan Egbert, Joel’s brother and a member of the KSS staff, 70% to 80% of campers have been at the camp before. A month to a month and a half is what quite a few of the kids sign up for, he added.  According to Jordan Egbert, the returning kids eventually end up teaching the other kids.

The Egberts said they were interested in KSS for both “selfish and selfless reasons.” Selfishly they wanted to spend as much time as possible in the mountains taking part in any and all outdoor activities, but selflessly they really wanted to work with children. This sort of interconnectivity is what allows KSS to thrive.  Jordan Egbert said, “These kids give you the same experience you give them.”

ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT CONDOMINIUM, LOT, OR KEYSTONE HOME FOR A SINGLE FAMILY? GET YOUR KEYSTONE UPDATE FROM JONNA BEADSLEY – BRECKENRIDGE ASSOCIATES TODAY! MANY FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR HOME OWNERS. JONNA@BRECKEN – Phone: (970) 390-2533

Only 20 percent of Summit County real estate is private property.  Surrounded by the White River National Forest and other government-regulated lands, our homes in Breckenridge, Dillon, Frisco, Silverthorne, and Montezuma are nestled in a Rocky Mountain haven with six major Colorado ski areas.  They include Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin, Vail, and Beaver Creek.

In addition to the scarcity of developable land, more people are seeking vacation homes and second homes.  First, the nearby population of metropolitan Denver, about 85 miles to the east, continues to expand.  Summit County is a convenient weekend-vacation spot.  Secondly, baby boomers are only just beginning to drive the second-home and vacation-home markets.  The top end of the generation has started retiring but the younger set, in its prime earning years, is out shopping for places to relax and to enjoy family memories.

Essentially, this is the right time to buy property here.  Today, there are great values at every price point coupled with low interest rates.  As build-out closes in, prices could very well begin surging as they did in Aspen.  The Source reports, “There is still land available, beginning at about $120,000 for a home site.”  We have empty lots, great places to build a family estate, dream home, duplex or fractional, or hunting cabin.  Single-family homes can still be lassoed for about $400,000 and condominiums for $220,000.  For those with distinctive taste, there are condominiums and townhomes for about $2M and single-family homes with exclusive appointments into the multi-millions as well.

With Vail Resorts sinking millions into mountain improvements and development of the Breckenridge Ski Resort bases and gondolas, the resort in certain to appreciate.  A primary gondola accesses Main Street.  That is where wonderful community events, art shows, festivals, and concerts are held annually and to celebrate our 150th birthday this year.  Then we offer fishing in the Blue River, hiking and mountain biking over the Continental Divide and on the Colorado Trail, and many more exciting and relaxing activities for every age.  Come build family memories with us.

Jonna Beardsley of Breckenridge Associates offers a wealth of information about Colorado Rocky Mountain real estate.  Call Jonna at (970) 453-2200 for friendly, professional assistance.

Although the new no-nonsense loans for Breckenridge, Keystone, and Silverthorne CO homes require tighter controls, they seem to be better for all parties—especially the borrowers’ situations.  Borrowers must produce documentation for income, assets, and debt load.  Applicants must qualify and underwriters are determining if the applicants are actually able to make their monthly payments, and then some.

Some buyers pay cash for Summit County CO real estate (primary residences, vacation homes in Breckenridge and Keystone, and second homes in Colorado’s playground).  Others shop around.  It is worth investigating products available through FHA-insured mortgages, credit unions, rural home loans, and local and state agencies.

With new loan limits as high as $625,500, FHA loans will account for ¼ of the mortgages in 2009.  Between 2003 and 2006, only 4% of loans involved the FHA.  The new model for FHA loans is more lenient with credit scores, requires as little as 3% down, may finance the closing costs, limits closing costs to 1% of the mortgage, has no prepayment penalties, and has relaxed the debt-to-income ratios.

However, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) must approve lenders and appraisals.  Buyers with less than 20% down payments must pay Mortgage Insurance fees and monthly Mortgage Insurance premiums that together may increase the loan by 2.25%.  If buyers have financial reserves, savings, or investments worth two months of mortgage payments, they will get better rates.  Buyers with a 30 to 33% debt-to-income ratio also best rates.

More buyers are turning to credit unions these days.  Most credit unions never got involved in the subprime loan industry.  Nor did they sell and repackage their loans as investments.  Unions normally offer fixed rate, 30-year mortgages, many times at rates lower than the banks.  If a buyer banks with a credit union, they generally receive preferential treatment.

Other buyers may find a good deal for “rural” home loans.  These loans are for people in designated rural areas where the population is less than 20,000.  Backed by the USDA Rural Development Housing and Community Facilities Program, they do not require borrowers to grow crops or raise livestock.  These loans are limited to buyers with incomes less than 115% of the household median income for the area.  The USDA programs include loans with no money down, construction loans, and more.

For low- to moderate-income families, it is also worth checking into options offered by the city, the county, and the state.  Jonna Beardsley of Breckenridge Associates offers a wealth of information about Colorado Rocky Mountain real estate.  Call Jonna at (970) 453-2200 for friendly, professional assistance.

How does Breckenridge CO real estate captivate outdoors enthusiasts?  Skiers, hikers, and golfers are fascinated by the quaint Victorian village of Breckenridge nestled into the absolute beauty of the Rocky Mountains.  And, “No heat, no bugs, no humidity!”

Summit County is the right place to fulfill all three desires of second-home shoppers.  The prevailing second-home buyers are predominantly baby boomers in their peak earning years.  They want:

     1)    Vacation homes for family use
     2)    Investment properties that will increase in value
     3)    Places to retire.

When they fall in love on annual vacations, people begin to percolate the idea of investing in second homes for future family vacations.  Why not invest in a home, condo, or fractional in an attractive resort that continues to keep its value and charm?  Some people jump in right away, investing now for a later family vacation home or even retirement.  Others poke around for a few seasons looking for bargains.  With today’s low interest rates and good prices, there are plenty of bargains available right now.

Over the past 15 years, resort real estate in Summit County has maintained an average 12.1 percent annual appreciation rate.  With only 20 percent of the property in Summit County privately owned, the area is approaching build out which will trigger rising property values.  Then, too, growing population along the Front Range is feeding the demand for vacation homes in the Rocky Mountains.

Over the next decade, millions of baby boomers will be driving the second-home market to record sales by investing in vacation homes and investment properties.  Most boomers will purchase family vacation getaways to enhance quality of life.  According to an article entitled, “Many Happy Returns” published in our Breckenridge Associates Newsletter, the aging population is “determined to remain active and challenged, and to find discovery and personal reward.” 

Second homes in our resorts are known to help families to interact in meaningful ways.  They become the centerpieces of family gatherings and traditions.  [To be continued]

Jonna Beardsley of Breckenridge Associates offers a wealth of information about real estate in the Rocky Mountains.  Call Jonna at (970) 453-2200 for friendly, professional assistance.

Many rural communities easily access the slopes at Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, and Copper Mountain and come with lower price tags.  The authentic Town of Breckenridge real estate, however, continues to be a popular place to belong.  The former mining town, although less expensive than Vail, Beaver Creek, and Aspen, retains its charming traditional feel and friendly community.  As one of the highest resorts in the world, buyers are enticed to the overall experience of living around Breckenridge.

Secluded mountain real estate near the resorts may better fit the needs of second homeowners.  It is still possible to land a studio one and two bedroom condo for $200,000 –$300,000 not too far away from the ski slope scene in Keystone, Breckenridge or Copper Mountain.  The two-or three-bedroom cabin is still available for $200,000 – $300,000 range in Fairplay, South Park area, which is right over Hoosier Pass, a 20 – 30 minute drive to the Breckenridge ski slopes.  Luxury real estate beginning in the mid $300’s for the smaller ski in ski out condo’s. Remember cash flow is everything.  The closer to the slopes (more rental income in your pocket to help pay for the investment). So it’s important to average out the cost to income approach for investment purposes. The other thing to keep in mind is the QUARTER SHARE approach.  We really have some nice opportunities throughout Summit County.

According to a European source article, the same is true in France and Italy.  In Chamonix, France, more than 435 miles of snow-packed, high-altitude ski runs make the town sought after, causing property prices to soar.  Vallorcine, a little-known village about ten miles away, offers a better buy.  But, alas, the local council recently installed a lift linking the pretty village to the expansive pistes of the Mont Blanc and invited exclusive residential projects that are sure to elevate the prices.

Close to Cervinia, Italy at the foot of the Matterhorn, the quaint village and resort of Valtournenche is considered much nicer than the bigger Cervinia.  With a bit of help, buyers can find small-scale new and renovation projects at lower prices.  About 20 minutes from Cervinia, the lovely town of Aosta features cable-car access to a small ski area at Pila which offers 40 miles of ski trails.  Nice condos can be found at good price points in the comfortable town with nice shops and European culture.

Jonna Beardsley of Breckenridge Associates is a long-time resident in Breck.  She offers a wealth of information and affordable local options.  Call Jonna at (970) 453-2200 for friendly, professional real-estate assistance in the Rocky Mountain area.

Thirty-year fixed loans up to $417,000 are available in the 6 percent range.  FHA loans for single-family homes in Summit County require 3 percent down and that will increase in 2009 to 3.5 percent.  These loans are readily available up to a maximum of $402,500.  For larger loans, the Jumbo loans are available for sums over $417,000.  They are generally available in the high 5 percent to low 6 percent range with balloons for 5-10 years.

Another option for buyers of luxury resort properties is a combination of a fixed-rate loan and a second loan.  With this arrangement, the loan to value ratio normally cannot exceed 80 percent.

Summit County is located high in the Colorado Rockies and is known as Colorado’s playground for the numerous outdoor recreational activities available in the area.  In addition to 4 major ski areas, the County also has 2 popular reservoirs, Dillon and Green Mountain, and features miles of White River National Forest, Eagles Nest Wilderness, American Discovery Trail, Colorado Trail, Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, Vail Pass National Recreation Trail, Wheeler Ten Mile National Recreation Trail, Great Parks Bicycle Route, TransAmerica Trail Bicycle Route, and the Top of the Rockies National Scenic Byway.

Park County boasts many wonderful areas for hunting, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking in the Eleven Mile State Park, Spinney Mountain State Park, Pike National Forest, Roosevelt National Forest, San Isabel National Forest, Buffalo Peaks Wilderness, Lost Creek Wilderness, American Discovery Trail, Colorado Trail, Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, Great Parks Bicycle Route, TransAmerica Trail Bicycle Route, and Guanella Pass Scenic Byway.  Many portions of the County are located within 30 minutes of the ski areas.

Contact Jonna Beardsley at (970) 453-2200 or (800) 774-7970 for friendly and professional real-estate assistance in the area.

If your home is occupied while it is on the market, then residents can begin by removing the clutter and cleaning.  The next step is to take an objective look at the property.  How do the landscaping and exterior strike you?  When you walk up to the door, what do you notice?  Does anything look unkempt or is anything in ill repair?  Take notes. 

Do the same thing upon entering the home.  What is your first impression?  Are the carpets clean?  Is there a pet odor?  Does the carpet need to be replaced altogether, or do the hardwood floors need to be refinished?

How does the furniture look?  Does it make a statement about the home, or has it seen better days?  Slip covers and throw pillows may save the day.  But, sometimes it is best to purchase a room full of new furniture to completely update the room.  A few accessories can also make a big difference. 

The least expensive way to improve the overall look of the home is to apply a fresh coat of paint.  When choosing paint colors, paint one room at a time.  Look at the sample color on the wall in daytime, evening, and night with the shades drawn and open before painting the entire room.  Over half of the color in a room comes from the walls.  Color must enhance the ambience and not take over.  And examine the window coverings to decide if they need to go or to be replaced.  If they will remain, clean them. 

Showcase the space of the home as well as the furnishings.  Too many “things” in the home are just as uncomfortable as nothing at all.

Accomplishing these tasks will all be easier for the seller who has a flare for design.  But, regardless, asking a friend for objective opinions or hiring an interior designer or asking your real estate agent for help may save you money in the long run.

If a home is empty, then the best strategy for a quicker and more lucrative sale is definitely to have it staged.  Adding furniture and accessories may make several months and tens of thousands of dollars of difference during the transaction.  Interior decorators can be a great resource to help boost the curb appeal of the home.  And, if you’d like to stay out of the picture, your real-estate agent can find a professional staging company to help out. 

Contact Jonna Beardsley at (970) 453-2200 or (800) 774-7970 for friendly and professional real-estate assistance in the area.

And Vail Resorts—owner of Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper Mountain ski resorts—is making it oh so affordable to ensure that all of your family and friends enjoy the best ski season ever.  Vail Resorts is offering the new Epic Pass, Colorado Pass, Colorado Pass PLUS, Summit Pass, and a pass for free skiing for 5th and 6th graders.

Breckenridge opened up Peak 8 with service on the SuperChair and the BreckConnect Gondola.  Keystone opened with a brand new 8-passenger gondola in River Run Village and its new mid-station stop part way up the mountain.  Copper Mountain has opened the American Eagle, Easy Rider, and Excelerator lifts and also opened the Eagle Jib Park with 10 box and rail elements.

The Epic Pass is only available until November 15th.  It allows unlimited skiing at Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Arapahoe Basin, Vail, Beaver Creek, and Heavenly in Tahoe.  And it is such a bargain at $579 per adult and $279 for children ages 5-12!  Additionally, owners are enrolled for Peaks Rewards and are able to connect their passes to a credit card for easy slope side dining and snacks without carrying cash.

The Colorado Pass offers unlimited access to Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin with no restrictions and 10 days of restricted access to Vail and Beaver Creek.

The new Colorado Pass PLUS offers unlimited Access to Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin with no restrictions.  Additionally, the Colorado Pass PLUS comes with 10 days at Vail/Beaver Creek with 6 of those days being unrestricted.  Unrestricted use means skiing during the traditional blackout periods.

The Summit Pass offers unlimited access to Breckenridge, Keystone and Arapahoe Basin with no restrictions.

Older grade-school children have a special invitation.  Fifth graders have normally been allowed to visit the resorts for 3 free days each year.  Vail Resorts has added an extra day to the pass and is now offering the 4 free days of skiing to all sixth graders.

Contact Jonna Beardsley at (970) 453-2200 or (800) 774-7970 for friendly and professional real-estate assistance in the area.

For information about real estate in Breckenridge, Dillon, Keystone, Frisco, Silverthorne, and Park County real estate, contact longtime resident and Realtor® Jonna Beardsley at (970) 390-2533.  She’ll let you know the best values for Breckenridge real estate or homes in Summit County Colorado to make your family feel right at home during the Snow Sculpting Contest and ski season. 

Back in the 1970s we always held snow sculpturing contests as a part of the Ullr Fest and the creative masterpieces lined Main Street all during the Christmas seasons.  In those days, the artists were permitted to use stabilizing structures inside the artwork and so it did last longer.  That was 40 years ago and that small community event has grown into the Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Competition that we will also hold here during the latter part of January. 

Our very own Rob Neyland at Breckenridge Associates is a 30-year champion of the art and will be sponsoring the first annual local event with teammates Ron Shelton and Tom Day.  This take on the art should prove to be spectacular.  There will be no rules regarding the methods and $2,500 in prize money that has been raised by Breckenridge Associates for the event.  Participants must only obtain permission for a site for their artwork and have it completed by December 12, 2008.  Now, if your family and friends want to team up to build your own colorful celestial snowman on Main Street, contact Breckenridge Associated to learn about the details. 

The historic Town of Breckenridge is the county seat of Summit County, Colorado and boasts a year-round population of 3,500.  During the winter months, it is one of the most popular of the ski resorts in North America and offers multi-difficulty ski slopes and terrain parks on the Rocky Mountains.  Equally appealing are a plethora of summer activities such as hiking, camping, wildflower walks, fly-fishing in the Blue River, mountain biking, and boating on nearby Lake Dillon for boating as well as a full calendar of community and cultural events and festivals.