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.

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.

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

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.

The “Stimulus Package,” signed into law on February 17, 2009, enhances that tax shelter in several ways.  Several noteworthy provisions pertain to Breckenridge CO real estate and Summit County homes, including the Homebuyer Tax Credit, FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loan Limits, Neighborhood Stabilization, Low Income Housing Grants, Tax-Exempt Housing Bonds, Energy Efficient Housing Tax Credits and Grants, Transportation Investments, and Broadband Deployment.

First-time homebuyers, as well as buyers who have not owned real estate in the last three years, may take advantage of up to $8,000 of tax credits for purchasing a principal residence between January 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009.  The credit reduces the purchaser’s income tax liability.

The combined FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac loan limits cap at $729,750, which is more reasonable for our area.  The amount equals 125 percent of the 2008 local area median home price; it may be higher in a few regions of the nation.  These 2009 limits expire on December 31, 2009. 
Our resort area mostly likely will not benefit from the Neighborhood Stabilization monies.  This $2 billion fund is set aside to assist entire neighborhoods that have seen rampant foreclosures.  However, a quarter of the funds go to households with incomes at or below 50 percent of area median income and many in the hospitality workforce are in that category.  The legislation also allows states to trade in a portion of their 2009 low-income housing tax credits for Treasury grants to finance low-income housing.

The Energy Efficient Tax Credits and Grants are welcome news for our mountain luxury homeowners.  Through 2010, homeowners may claim a 30 percent tax credit for purchases of new furnaces, windows, and insulation.  Although our specific resorts now have excellent broadband capabilities, the Broadband Deployment clause may help more of our neighboring mountain regions to connect with better communication services and wireless.  Imagine taking that waterproof laptop on a whitewater excursion! 

Many of the improvements and tax incentives offered in the Stimulus Bill, including Transportation Investments, will help bolster the value of real estate and benefit our mountain communities.

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.

Therefore, HOAs for Breckenridge real estate come in very handy.  They arrange for seasonal services, contract for competitive bulk rates, use the clout of numbers to defend the property owners, take care of structural and exterior repairs, replace aging roofs, siding, gutters, etc., allowing owners and guests to remain a step removed from the details.

Nonetheless, it behooves every buyer to discover all of the property restrictions and requirements imposed by the affiliated HOA before closing. The Colorado contract allows time to review such documents.  In single-family home developments, HOAs facilitate new building projects.  Some also require approval for remodeling, additions, and landscaping changes.  Many HOAs include an Architectural Review Committee that enforces building guidelines and approves all plans. This helps protect your investment and the overall neighborhood environment.

During a real estate transaction you will be able to obtain declarations, bylaws, rules and regulations, financials, Profit and Loss, and prior HOA meeting minutes to review, in order to obtain background information on the property you will be purchasing.  In Summit County, Breckenridge your broker will be able to obtain information for home and unit sales and renter occupancy.

It is in everyone’s best interest for HOAs to ensure that buyers understand their guidelines.  Some are more proactive about it than others are.  Buyers and their real estate agents should investigate the title record and HOA restrictions regardless.  Those buyers who want to be more involved in decision-making about repairs and contractors should definitely read and agree to all of the details before closing.  Otherwise, they must trust the HOAs to walk that fine line, operating with the best interests of all parties in mind.  HOAs are actually doing an excellent job in our beautiful mountain towns. 

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.

Celebrating in style, on April 4, 2009 the Town of Breckenridge kicks off her 150th birthday party.  Everyone is invited.  From dancing in downtown Breckenridge real estate to gold nugget hunts for children, the proud roar of this quaint resort town will echo throughout the Rocky Mountains during today’s festivities and throughout the year to come. 

Revolving around the Old Courthouse, now 100 years old, the Old Fashioned Street Party includes the removal of a time capsule from the courthouse cornerstone, a bucket brigade, live bluegrass music, and a grand fireworks display this evening.  The Six Million Dollar Band, an Anniversary Toast with local legends, and the Quantum Ski Club’s Retro Ski Bash are all on schedule.

A rich heritage began in 1859 when a group of prospectors decided to incorporate to bring some order to a rabble-rousing camp for miners and the accompanying settlement.  Some found gold and others discovered the pristine beauty of the Ten Mile Range and the Continental Divide.

This is the year for families, history buffs, and anyone looking for excitement to explore again the old trails and stories of the area.  Replete with brothels and saloons, gold booms and busts, adventure and hope, the history of Breckenridge will come to life during Kingdom Days June 20 and 21.  Events and activities include tours of the historic mines, museum exhibits, gunfights, live music, old time arts and crafts, storytelling, historic hikes, activities for children, and the Annual Outhouse Races.

On August 15 and 16, the Mining and Railroad Weekend adds a critical piece to the puzzle.  It highlights the railroad relics and the historic railroad route.

One special venue this year is the Edwin Carter Museum with exhibit themes tracing the evolution of Carter’s life as a miner, taxidermist, and scientist as well as a new theater room and interactive learning center for children.  Naturalist Carter paved the way for today’s environmental awareness.  There will also be the unveiling of new additions to the Arts District, a cutting-edge campus with ceramics studio, performance arts venue, artist-in-residence studios, workshop space.  French Gulch and Iowa Hill boast new signage explaining the Town’s history along the trails.

They say that the characters may have changed but the outcast, the visionary, and a slew of other characters remain in our beautiful mountain community.  Come appreciate the white gold still falling from the sky and appreciate what it took to bring us to this point.

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.

Buyers wanting good deals for ski-in/ski-out Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, or Keystone real estate can beat the Christmas rush this week.  Interested in cheering on participants in the Hartford Ski Spectacular?  Also happening this week, it is the nation’s largest winter sports festival for individuals with physical disabilities. 

And by Saturday, your family may enjoy the Rocky Mountain Christmas concert with John Adams and Friends performing at 7:00 p.m. in the Riverwalk Center.  This is the first winter season available for events in the new Riverwalk facilities and a jovial Santa will be on hand.  The concert benefits the Father Dyer United Methodist Church Food Bank and Special Services Program. 

Smiling Santa will also show up this weekend at Breckenridge Associates downtown for “Santa Visits.”  Breckenridge Associates Real Estate is also the sponsor of the week-long Breckenridge Snowflake Challenge, a grassroots contest in its first year founded by our associate Rob Neyland.  For $5,000 in prize money, locals are having the time of their lives helping Neyland bring back the roots of the native street art.

Located in the Rocky Mountains about an hour and a half west of Denver, the Breckenridge Ski Resort offers a great ski school challenging terrain, gentle rollers, huge kickers, jibbing features, and several top-notch half pipes.  The resort is spread out on along the Ten Mile Range from Peak 7 to Peak 10 and is surrounded by some of North America’s highest mountain peaks.  Main Street and downtown are directly linked to the mountain with the new BreckConnect Gondola, making it easy to strike a balance between both worlds.

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