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  “You can find other fantastic camps, but they are usually outdated,” Egbert said.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

Ceramics, paintings, jewelry, stained glass, and other items can be found at thirty-four different booths. The artists were selected by a jury, and some of the well-known artists whose work will be on display include Sumi von Dassow, Pam Herring, Mark Johnson, Adele Earnshaw, Tim Brown, and more.

Dassow and Herring are known for their ceramic arts. Dassow’s unique creations include Chinese pottery inscribed with “congratulations,” “double happiness,” and “tranquility”, along with horsehair pottery that has a pattern burned into its surface by draping horsehair over the pot when it is removed from the kiln.  Johnson, who lives in Breckenridge, mainly uses oil and acrylics and has lately started using soft pastels to paint plain air landscapes.

After working with watercolors for many years, Earnshaw began to only work with oil paint. Landscapes and wildlife are included in her subject matter. Her paintings have been shown in galleries all over the world and she has published several painting books.  Meet the Artists judge and photographer, Todd Powell comments that Brown, a photographer from Salida, creates “incredible digital art.”

Since artists have time to talk with visitors about their work, the show is quite popular.  It is a wonderful event because it is rather small and intimate, Powell remarked.  Tom Kramer, president of the Summit County Arts Council which organizes Meet the Artists, said “It’s a fantastic picnic in the park”.

For your Colorado Real Estate and Art requirements, get in touch with Jonna Beardsley at Breckenridge Associates. Jonna has been working with the community for thirty years and is an experienced real estate broker who would like to help you. Call me on my cellphone (970)-390-2533, or email me at Jonna@breckenridgeassociates.com.

Most people are aware of the profits that can be made by purchasing Breckenridge real estate foreclosures, which are usually owned by the mortgage lender. When a homeowner is unable to repay the mortgage, the lender will repossess the property and evict them, and then seek to sell the home quickly before incurring further financial losses. Due to the fact that the lender is trying not to lose money and is not pushing to make anything extra, foreclosure properties can yield quick profits.

Does this process have risk? Risk is involved in all investment opportunities. However, since there is nearly always a demand for homes, purchasing bank foreclosure properties can be quite profitable.  You have to be able to recognize the types of properties that will resell well, in order to successfully invest in bank foreclosures. It is also true that you generate profits by buying.

To be able to make bank foreclosures profitable, you have to know the real estate market in the area where you’re planning to buy. You need to know what is a good deal and what is not, and you must be able to estimate the approximate value of a property.

There is a huge amount of competition in the field, and also a lot of potential for those interested in investing in REO foreclosure properties. You must have competent counsel to guide you through the process, as there are some risks you need to be aware of.

For about thirty years, Jonna Beardsley has been a Realtor for Summit County and since 1978 has worked in the industry of short sales and foreclosures. If you want to get a list of short sale opportunities, upcoming foreclosures, or if you have questions about the foreclosure process or foreclosed properties, just contact Jonna. You can contact her at jonna@breckenridgeassociates.com or call her at (970) 390-2533.

Getting Pre-Approved Is An Important Step…

A big step in buying Breckenridge CO real estate is getting pre-approved. We believe that an essential issue when beginning the process of acquiring a home is to have a meeting with a lender and obtain a pre-approval. Prior to starting the process of purchasing, ask your lender what the largest amount is that you can qualify for in order to buy your property. You don’t always have to spend so much money; sometimes you can choose to spend a little less. It’s easy to fall in love with the features of homes that are not within your budget.

It is essential that you get in contact with a qualified lender. For those lenders with whom we have had good experiences in the past and that have earned our trust, we will recommend them to you.

Additionally we make a serious recommendation for the use of a lender that is local, especially if the investment is in a town home or a condo. Lenders must ensure that both the property and the buyer qualify. It’s hard for out of town lenders to get qualified for mountain properties. Local lenders have multiple years of experience and can do these tasks quickly and efficiently.

We are not expressing this to benefit them, but to allow you to save time, energy and, above all, stress. In order to determine the price most suitable for you and your comfort level, the lender will review your financial position.

Best Advice

Go one step further with the pre-qualification and complete a loan approval. This approach is the best option!

• You will know in advance what your payments will be – one of the ways the pre-approval process will help you.

• You will use your time efficiently by looking only at homes within your budget.

• You are able to choose the loan package that benefits you the most without being pushed. In the market today, there are many programs and options to pick from. Your lender will tell you your options and assist you in choosing the best one.

• Sellers prefer offers that they know qualify for secure financing. If you are competing with others, then this will give your offer an edge. A pre-approval letter along with all agreements to purchase are requested by many listing agents, today.

• You will get a closing cost estimate with a detailed explanation.

• You will enjoy peace of mind.

Vital Information for your Consulting Appointment

We will work to pin-point the area you wish to live in as well as identify any “must have” features you want in your home.

The Search Begins The Next Step…

The next step is the beginning of the search. When you decide what type of property you want, then it’s time to begin looking. To assist you in the location of your dream home, make an appointment.

You Should be Cautious When Extending an Offer…

When you discover an unbeatable property, you should make a competitive offer right away. Your buyer representative has an ample background in contract negotiations; he or she will see that you obtain the property you desire for a reasonable price

The Accepted Offer

You will have what we refer to as a pending offer when the seller accepts your offer. We will ensure that all dates and deadlines are attended to, and that every detail is handled correctly and quickly.

You Are Almost Finished Once You Reach the Inspection
Stage…

Specific details are addressed and inspections are completed to make sure that the property is ideal for you. The specifics of the contract are negotiated some more and we advance into closing!

Finishing the Closing and Signing the Closing Paperwork…

You need to be ready to wire money funds or have a cashier’s check ready, as well as sign and have the required paperwork notarized. Make sure to have your driver’s license on hand, as the title company requires a copy. You will be in your new home after the next few steps you take.

You will also need to make sure that all of your necessary utilities are turned on.

For the last 30 years Jonna Beardsley has been a certified resort specialist. Jonna’s experience and dedication will help you buy, sell, or build an investment property in the Rocky Mountains. She wants her clients to feel secure and protected, so she brings a lot to the table, such as Knowledge, Trust and Experience. Email Jonna at jonna@breckenridgeassociates.com or call her at 970-390-2533.

Gilliland’s research reflected an alternative view that she had known for a while, “However, I didn’t factor them in for years.”  A small detail caught my eye. A few miners had left Leavenworth, Kansas for Breckenridge real estate in the beginning of April.  With the study of manuscripts and other documents from the Denver Public Library, the author Mary Ellen Gilliland carried out further investigation.

“I started to uncover additional information, and it was surprising and interesting,” she said.  However her book, which is being released to coincide with Breck 150 anniversary celebrations, delves into more than the birth of local gold mining, covering progress through the World Wars, skiing history, and events up to and including the present.

Gilliland shared, “There are many stories that have gone untold,” reminding us that the Great Depression and World War II was especially difficult for the town.  The profiles of 10 pioneers are included too — prominent historical figures who have remained in the shadows throughout history.

In another of her books, “Colorado Rascals, Scoundrels and No Goods,” Gilliland profiled some less savory figures, but her most recent book concentrates on more reputable people like Christ Kaiser, a German grocer, and Robert Foote, the Denver Hotel proprietor.  There are some photos, some never before published, inside the 144 page book.

Call Breckenridge real estate expert, Jonna Beardsley if you are considering purchasing a house in the Rockies. She has served her real estate community for about thirty years!

Email jonna@breckenridgeassociates.com or call her at (970) 390-2533.

Although in most markets, home prices continue their downward spiral, some areas have seen an increase in market activity; for those who are interested in purchasing a home, affordability continues to be the most important issue. According to a recent article in the Los Angeles Times, activity has increased in some markets, like Phoenix, where bidding wars have occurred over foreclosures and short sales. According to reports, Phoenix has more homes for sale than at any time after 2006, and prices seem to be on the way to firming up. Buyers are coming back, attracted by the large sale discounts offered by foreclosed and distressed properties. However, home prices continue to drop in most parts of the country, but signs like those in Phoenix are a cause for optimism in the national real estate market.

The main concept is the affordability of homes in multiple locations. “Affordability is a huge topic of conversation today. And affordability has improved quite a bit in the past several years all around the country. In Phoenix and similar markets, there is no better time than now,” says Wayne Yamano, John Burns Real Estate Consulting’s Senior Manager.” The ratio between housing costs and income is currently at it’s best. In certain markets, like Phoenix, it can be more cost effective to buy a home (if you take into account the money saved by the tax advantages) than it is to rent the average price apartment”, he says. “When the peak selling period occurred, the prices were too high and the gap was huge.”

“But now,” he continued, “in many markets, we’ve crossed that threshold, so it’s cheaper to own a home than to rent.” Since interest rates on home loans are still quite low, this opportunity is even more attractive. Yamano says it’s quite hard to time the market. Consider your home to be a shelter rather than an investment. Don’t try to time the market; just make the leap and buy the house, especially if it suits the needs of your growing family. If you wait, you may find that even if real estate prices drop, interest rates may rise! “Interest rates are especially low now and we doubt that they’ll remain there for too long. In fact, in the last two weeks, we were looking at a considerable increase. Yamano mentions that, while it is possible that prices could decrease a little more, if you see interest rates begin to go up, then it won’t matter because you’re home payment would end up being the same.

Jonna Beardsley – Breckenridge Associates “Home town Team – World Class Service” is one of the many industry inside sources that have been put together to create Breckenride Real Estate More Affordable. For almost thirty years now in Breckenridge and Summit County, Jonna has been assisting investors with their real estate requirements. You can get in touch with Jonna through e-mail; jonna@breckenridgeassociates.com or cell 970-390-2533. Be sure to check out her web site: jonnabeardsley.com.

Prior to the Spring 2007 restoration project, town planner Jenn Cram reported the structure was falling apart.  The structure was disassembled into 12 different pieces before being reassembled again with an accuracy of within an inch of its historical configuration. The horses are long gone now, however the artifacts and stalls, such as old horseshoes for example, can be found at the site still.

This stable has been used since around August, plus it hosts many art events, such as: oil painting, textiles, and “life drawing” of nude models.

According to Cram, the stable, which is situated in the southwest corner of the arts district, is among a group of approximately 14 structures slated to be worked on as the budget permits over the next 5 to 25 years.

The idea is to give residents and visitors something close to the Anderson Ranch Arts Center located in Snowmass.

She indicated that the Fuqua stable exists as “one of the largest endeavors” and the “gem of the arts district.” It will become one of many attractions in the city this year as the Breck 150 celebration picks up steam, marking the sesquicentennial anniversary of the town’s founding.

This 1237 square foot stable was originally built in 1880 for $600, and was quickly rented to J.P. Fuqua, who used it for horses, according to Rebecca Waugh, town historian.  Over the next several years, the structure changed owners several times, and was also used to store mining equipment as well as other types of equipment.

The city purchased the property in 2002 and started using the Breckenridge Arts District Master Plan in 2004. The corner of Ridge Street and Washington Avenue contains several old structures.

The district is the home of Quandary Antiques, Robert H. Whyte House and Tim Shop, and several other historic buildings.  Cram stated that visitors will be attracted to the town’s art scene as the district grows to connect with the area by the Breckenridge Riverwalk Center across Main Street.

The Fuqua stable earned recognition from the Colorado Historical Society in Denver, CO in the early part of this year, as Colorado’s first lady Mrs. Ritter awarded Cram and the town one of eight Stephen H. Hart rewards.  Per the historical society, this resource is a treasure to see restored, both inside and out.

Call Jonna Beardsley if you are in Breckenridge, Colorado and would like a Historic Real Estate tour. Jonna has been supporting Colorado’s history for over three decades and has assisted buyers and sellers in finding their ideal mountain home. Cell 970-390-2533 or email – jonna@breckenridgeassociates.com