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.

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

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.

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.