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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/</link>
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            <guid>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/best-deals-feb-21-2012.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/best-deals-feb-21-2012.html</link>
            <author>gunnin@colorado.net (Susan Gunnin)</author>
            <title>Best Deals - Feb 21, 2012</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Click on 'Read Full Post' below to access details. 


For info on some of the best deals available, check out the list below. I watch the market daily, and add listings that I think are real opportunities. For details on why a particular property is a great deal, give me a call and we can discuss previous sales and market history. 


New 'Best Deals' This Week (2/21/2012)


Four O'Clock Ski Home: 8-bedroom ski home close to Peak 8 with unusually high income potential 


Pine Ridge Condo: 2-bedroom ski home condo, with much more space than today's new condos, one block from Main Street 


Village at Breckenridge: 2-bedroom lockoff at base of Peak 9 


Additional Residential Best Deals: 


Base 9: Two-bedroom ski condo, under $400k


Beaver Run:  ski-in/ski-out, excellent rentals


Blue River Home: cozy home just minutes from Main Street, Breck, at only $189 per sq-ft 


Chateaux: located at the base of Peak 9, ski to your back door 


Crown Subdivision: 5-bedroom home in the Crown at only $159 per-sq-ft. Spacious, good quality, 2-car garage


Crystal Peak Lodge: huge price reduction from developer purchase price in 2008 (29%!) 


Highlands Greens Lodge: close to golf course, mountain views, private shuttle service 


Mountain Thunder Lodge: high quality ski condo, priced right


Mountainwood Condo: 2-bedroom ski condo, walk to slpes, underground parking


One Breckenridge Place: prime in-town ski location, duplex with garage


Park Avenue Lofts: across the street from ski-in/ski-out, once block from Main St, Breckenridge


Park Place: spacious, renovated ski condo with vaulted ceilings


Powderhorn Condo: slopeside ski condo, over-sized with garage, swimming pool


Tannenbaum: ski condo on the river: 2-bed +loft, 3 baths, beautiful renovation


Vienna Townhome: lowest price in a decade?


Village at Breckenridge: one-bedroom, priced to move, ski-in/ski-out, big income


White Wolf: ski duplex with garage, backing to nordic trails
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 21 Feb 2012 12:28:28 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/2012-breckenridge-snow-sculpting-contest.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/2012-breckenridge-snow-sculpting-contest.html</link>
            <author>gunnin@colorado.net (Susan Gunnin)</author>
            <title>2012 Breckenridge Snow Sculpting Contest</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Contest began Jan 24th


Once again, the space outside the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge is transformed into an outdoor sculpture gallery, with the sculpting medium being snow. Fifteen teams from around the world are in town right now, each one racing to Saturday’s finish (Jan 28, 2012), to carve their work of art from a massive block of packed snow.  


About a week before the competition begins, wooden molds are put in place, in the sculpting arena; each mold measures 10 feet x ten feet x 12 feet. Snow stompers climb into the molds and stomp the snow to pack it down. The process is repeated until the mold is full, and packed into a block ready for sculpting. 


Each team has 65 hours to sculpt, using hand tools, chicken wire, small saws, and more. Power tools and internal support structures are prohibited.  Sculptures will remain in place until February 5th, but the best time to view them is during the week of creation, or shortly thereafter, before Ullr covers them with more snow. 


In addition to the five US teams competing this year, Breckenridge is hosting teams from Finland, Spain, Germany, China, Australia, Canada, Latvia-Estonia, and Mexico. Each team submitted their rendering last summer, and was selected to participate by the local Snow Sculpture Organization Committee. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:55:13 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/best-deals-breck.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/best-deals-breck.html</link>
            <author>gunnin@colorado.net (Susan Gunnin)</author>
            <title>Best Deals Breck</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
For info on some of the best deals available, check out the list below. I watch the market daily, and add listings that I think are real opportunities.  For details on why a particular property is a great deal, give me a call and we can discuss previous sales and market history. 


Residential:


Alma Home: S377432; charming home in like-new condition for only $229,000


Alpine Breckenridge: S377506; 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, newer home in alpine setting


Base 9: S375271; 2-bed ski condo with 1350 sq-ft living space


Crystal Peak Lodge: S376718; ski-in/ski-out at Peak 7


Elk Ridge: S372943; walk to lift from spacious, updated townhome


Fairways: S363191; new construction, price reduced 30% from 2008 actual sales


Lakeshore: S376244; deal at under $200 psf; 5-bedroom home close to Breckenridge


Mountain Thunder Lodge: S374912; luxury condo at reduced price


Pine Ridge Condo: S377426; ski home to this 2-bedroom condo, one block from Main Street


Silver King Lode Condo: S376786; 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo in Woodmoor


Stonehaven: S376985, single family home, best deal on the Breck Golf Course 


Stonehaven: S374745; on the fairways, 4 bedrooms, 4 baths


Timber Creek Estates: S369510; stunning home, priced to sell


Quandary Breck Condo: S375711; one-bedroom condo south of Breck


Tamarisk: S377


Tiger Run Cabin: cabin overlooking he Swan River, association amenities over-the-top


Trails End Condo: S377394; ski-in/ski-out condo at greatly reduced price


Village at Breckenridge: S376376; ski-in/ski-out, 2-bedroom, lock-off, great rental income


Wildwood Lodge Condo: S377391; ski home to this one-bedroom condo, 2 blocks from Main Street Breck


Wildwood Lodge Condo: S375072; one-bedroom ski condo, overlooking stream


White Wolf: S374297; townhome close to slopes, but privacy abounds, overlooking nordic trails

﻿

﻿﻿39 Degrees: already gone﻿, call for details﻿


Spruce Valley Ranch: already gone﻿, ca﻿﻿ll for details﻿


Village at Breckenridge: ﻿﻿already gone, call for details﻿


﻿Baldy Mountain Townhome: already gone,﻿ ﻿﻿call for details﻿


Longbranch Condo: a﻿lready gone, call for details﻿﻿﻿


Main Street Station: ﻿S371978; ﻿already gone; call for details ﻿﻿﻿﻿


﻿﻿ 


Vacant Land:


Braddock Hill - Highlands at Breck


Duplex Lot in Woodmoor


Summit Estates


Fairways


Discovery Hill - Highlands at Breck: already gone


 


Give Susan a call to discuss these and other great buys in the Breckenridge area. 


Direct phone: 970-389-0182. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 19:07:31 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/2011-pro-cycling-challenge-stage-5-in-breckenridge-colorado.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/2011-pro-cycling-challenge-stage-5-in-breckenridge-colorado.html</link>
            <author>gunnin@colorado.net (Susan Gunnin)</author>
            <title>2011 Pro Cycling Challenge: Stage 5 in Breckenridge Colorado</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge takes place high in the Colorado Rockies in late August, with Breckenridge hosting the finish line for Stage 5, on August 27th. The top three racers in the Tour de France will be featured in the race, making it an even more exciting, crowd attracting local event. 


People familiar with road bike racing are telling us it's the most demanding race ever held on American soil, with racers climbing to 12,000 feet, and breathing in only two-thirds the oxygen experienced at sea level, at every gulp full. Featuring 16 international teams, and 128 gutsy riders, the race to Breckenridge (Stage 5) begins in Steamboat at 11:20 am. The riders will travel a distance of 105 miles and climb a total of 8327 feet. Expected finish times in Breckenridge (Main Street and Wellington) are between 3-4 pm. 


On the day of the race, mid-afternoon, when the bikers race into town from the north, they will skirt around the downtown area via Park Avenue, before turning onto Main Street at the south end of town, then sprint to the finish at Main Street and Wellington, right through the core of historic Breckenridge. Townies and visitors, fans and friends will be heartily cheering these gutsy riders. For details on this exciting day in our local mountains, go to www.usaprocyclingchallenge.com.


A bike race of this magnitude is pretty exciting for Breckenridge, which mostly hosts downhill races in the middle of snowy winters.  Come join us for the Stage 5 finish of this inaugural event. Extra bonus: Big Head Todd and the Monsters will perform a free concert at the Breckenridge Riverwalk Center at 5 pm. 


Want to check out some real estate while you're in town? We've got plenty of great market opportunities right now, some of which you can review at www.BestDealsBreck.com. Give me a jingle and let's make some plans. The full MLS is also available for your review at www.Breck4Sale.com, and interest rates are at incredible lows!


Ride On!


Susan Gunnin


(970) 389-0182


susan@breck4sale.com


 


 


  
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            <pubDate>Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:18:12 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/tannenbaum-on-the-river-305-breckenridge-condo.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/tannenbaum-on-the-river-305-breckenridge-condo.html</link>
            <author>gunnin@colorado.net (Susan Gunnin)</author>
            <title>Tannenbaum on the River #305 - Breckenridge Condo</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ Located in Breckenridge, this contemporary ski condo is a short walk to Breck ski slopes, overlooks the Blue River, and is just steps away from national forest hiking trails. For details, click here. Newly renovated, this unit has a contemporary-designed kitchen, including new granite counters, cabinetry, and stainless appliances. Other recent upgrades include a new fireplace surround, new paint throughout unit, and new furnishings. Need some space to spread out? With vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling glass, this 1465 sq-ft condo feels even more spacious. The two bedrooms are both large enough to include two king or queen beds; both bedrooms have a private bath, as well as private entry from building exterior. Even more features: loft that will sleep two people, a 3rd full bath, and washer/dryer in unit. The lockoff design insures strong rental income on the short-term rental market. Amenities includes outdoor swimming pool, four hot tubs, and a large deck beside the river for summer gatherings. Need to feel like you're in the beautiful mountains of Colorado? Listen to the river rushing below while enjoying the privacy of a deck surrounded by spruce. In excellent condition, this unit offers mountain serenity, spaciousness, and accessibility to the hot spots (ski slopes, downtown Breck, hiking trails). Priced competitively at $570k. MLS #S376844. Details at website: www.tannenbaum305.com. ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:37:47 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/breckenridge-peak-6-expansion-update.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/breckenridge-peak-6-expansion-update.html</link>
            <author>gunnin@colorado.net (Susan Gunnin)</author>
            <title>Breckenridge Peak 6 Expansion Update</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
National Forest Service gives initial green light for Breckenridge Peak 6 expansion. 


Breckenridge Ski Resort’s Peak 6 expansion plan took another leap toward approval on Friday, June 10th, when the US Forest Service released a draft environmental impact statement (EIS).  The EIS names the resort's proposal for 550 acres of new terrain the preferred alternative for the project. 


What this alternative proposes:  550 new acres of lift-served and hike-to terrain; the installation of a six-person lift based on Peak 7, with a mid-point station on Peak 6; warming hut construction; and a 150-seat restaurant at the lift mid-point. The plan includes no residential expansion. 


The release of the draft EIS opens a 45-day public comment period and Forest Service officials will incorporate that feedback into their final decision, which will be delivered in early 2012. 


Breckenridge is consistently ranked one of the most visited ski resorts in North America, often exceeding its comfortable capacity on peak days. Currently, the resort comfortably accomodates 15,000 skiers and boarders per day; the Peak 6 expansion would grow the comfortable accommodation number to 16,000.    


The proposal for expansion has not been warmly received by everyone in the community; the initial proposal drew public outcry over impacts to wildlife, the environment, and local quality of life.


To see details of the project and make your own comments, please go to www.breckenridgePeak6.com. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 11 Jun 2011 14:01:02 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/mortgage-rates-slide-to-lowest-level-in-2011.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/mortgage-rates-slide-to-lowest-level-in-2011.html</link>
            <author>gunnin@colorado.net (Susan Gunnin)</author>
            <title>Mortgage Rates Slide to Lowest Level in 2011</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Fixed mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest levels of the year, giving buyers more incentive to purchase a mountain home or ski condo in Breckenridge. On May 12th Freddie Mac said the average rate on the 30-year loan fell to 4.63 percent from 4.71. The average rate on the 15-year fixed mortgage slipped to 3.82 percent from 3.89 percent. Both are at their lowest points since December 2010. It marks the fourth straight weekly decline. The average rate on a five-year adjustable-rate mortgage fell to 3.41 percent from 3.47 percent. The five-year adjustable-rate loan hit 3.25 percent last month, the lowest rate on records dating back to January 2005. The average rate on a one-year adjustable-rate loan fell to 3.11 percent from 3.14 percent. That marked the lowest level for the rate on the 1-year ARM in the last year. 


These rate reductions are on the cusp of the peak buying season in Breckenridge and Summit County. Give Susan Gunnin a call (970-389-0182) if it's your time to begin the mountain adventure. 


 
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            <pubDate>Thu, 12 May 2011 11:15:55 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/seven-myths-of-buying-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/seven-myths-of-buying-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>gunnin@colorado.net (Susan Gunnin)</author>
            <title>Seven Myths of Buying Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
When purchasing real estate, beware of preconceived notions about how your transaction should proceed. Here are a few items to look out for:1. "The perfect property is out there." Buyers tend to focus on the one thing that's wrong with a property rather than the nine out of ten things that are right. Buying property is an exercise in compromise. If you find the location and view that is desired, don't expect the kitchen to be perfect. Instead of shooting for everything on your wish list, decide which items are true deal breakers. 2. "The house has to speak to you." Buyers often get caught up in how a property "feels" of "speaks" to them. Homes are sometimes staged so they evoke pleasant emotions from house hunters - that doesn't mean you, as the new owner, can't do that yourself - create the space to be your own refuge. Unless you're buying the furniture that's there, imagine your own belongings and look at the space with a critical eye. 3. "The listing information is always accurate." When it comes to MLS data and real estate agents, don't believe everything you read and hear. If you're looking for specific information, perform your own verification or ask for direct assistance from your Realtor. Take a tape measure, count closets, notice where the electrical outlets are located, verify energy costs. Above all, hire a qualified inspector after your offer is accepted. 4. "You should buy as much house as you can get."  In real estate's heyday, it was common to see two people living in a 4000 sq-ft home, with bedrooms and baths that were rarely, if ever, used. These days, it doesn't make financial sense, and many buyers recognize the value of quality over quantity. Buy a home based on the design and comfort that enlivens you, rather than the size that is of no use.  5. "If an offer was accepted right away, it was too much." Buyers remorse is common, especially in an uncertain market. But if you and your Realtor do your homework before an offer is made, and you know your offer is inline with market values, don't look back if the offer is accepted. Buyers and sellers are likely both winners in this scenario, and it's a waste of time and energy to second guess yourself. 6. "The value of the home will increase." If we learned anything from the housing crisis, it's that homes are not cash cows. Unless you're an experienced investor or home flipper, don't expect that $200,000 condo to be worth $300,000 in two years. Owning real estate is an investment that enhances your day-to-day life - enjoy it, design it as an extension of the person you are. 7. "The property is worth the tax assessor's value placed on the property." Nonsense. The home may be listed for $300,000 and the tax valuation gives it a value of $230,000. Don't make the mistake of thinking the value of the property is equal to the tax valuation. It could be higher, it could be lower. Have a qualified Realtor discuss the details of how tax valuations are done in your area, and look to the current market to understand where values are. 


These are just a few things to think about when purchasing real estate. Once you enter the process, more details will crop up as important factors to consider. Make sure you're working with a qualified Realtor that can assist you fully in this complicated process - most buyers appreciate the guidance, knowledge, and know-how that a REaltor can bring to the table. 


 


 


 
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            <pubDate>Wed, 04 May 2011 10:48:43 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/tax-valuation-update.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/tax-valuation-update.html</link>
            <author>gunnin@colorado.net (Susan Gunnin)</author>
            <title>Tax Valuation Update</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Last Friday, April 29, 2011, the Summit County Tax Assessor's office mailed the updated valuations to property owners in the county. After watching property values decrease over the past two-plus years, our local property taxes are now playing catch-up (which is how it's done in Colorado - we pay our taxes based on property values that are two to three years in the past). So next year, in 2012, most owners will be paying a smaller tax bill than paid in 2010 and 2011. Overall, according to Beverly Breckstone, the county assessor, values have adjusted downward 16% from the previous valuation period.  This is the first time in several years that Summit County has had a decrease in property values.A sixteen percent across-the-board decrease may be the accurate ballpark number, but it's hardly reflective of actual neighborhood values. Some locations have remained flat in value, some experienced a plunge of over 30%, and a very few others have increased in value. Location, age, design, quality, and views are main factors that drive demand, prices, and valuations. The more these factors are in play, the higher the demand for the property, and hence less votality in a changing market. When considering the purchase of real estate, understanding which factors will help your property retain its value is important. Make sure you choose a Realtor that can have this discussion with you. There will always be some flex in the market, but when the market is decreasing, we all prefer the less flex. 


 
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            <pubDate>Tue, 03 May 2011 14:53:26 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/breckenridge-real-estate-update-april-30-2011.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.breck4sale.com/blog/breckenridge-real-estate-update-april-30-2011.html</link>
            <author>gunnin@colorado.net (Susan Gunnin)</author>
            <title>Breckenridge Real Estate Update April 30, 2011</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Since the ski areas (Breckenridge, Copper, Keystone) closed a week ago (April 24, 2011), we've shoveled another 15" of snow off the decks and sidewalks, and it's still coming down. Our late season skiing was over-the-top wonderful, and for those who can't get enough time on the slopes, Loveland and A-Basin remain open. But for most of us, we're ready to switch gears, and head into summer, with plans for kayaking, hiking, biking, town barbecues, gardening, farmer's markets, and music festivals in Summit County.I want to send out a hearty congratulations to Robert and Lori, who recently closed on their Breckenridge ski condo, purchased to enjoy all that our area has to offer, as well as serve as an investment property that will bring in some short-term rental income. Robert and Lori put a lot of thought into their choice, looked at multiple units, considered amenities, locations, cash-flows, and management companies. In the end, they selected a unit on the slopes that offers ski-in/ski-out access as well as privacy; it's been beautifully remodeled, has garage parking, and a deck that allows direct access to the ski hill. After visiting Breckenridge and viewing condos in mid-ski-season, they returned to the east coast and made an offer on a unit they had not previously seen. I think that takes a lot of courage and trust, but Robert and Lori worked diligently through the process, and they made a choice they are now excited to call their mountain home. If you're thinking about beginning your mountain adventure with a short-term rental property, here are some important steps in the process: (1) if securing a loan, speak to a local lender and identify your price range (2) visit my 'Search Listings' option on my website www.Breck4Sale.com, and use the Map Search option to locate your desired neighborhood (3) think about the criteria that are most important to you: size, bedrooms, location, rental income, etc (4) get in touch with me, we'll discuss your parameters, start working on cash flows, and I'll put your search criteria into my system, to locate what fits best right now, as well as those new listings that may be coming on the market. 


Prices and interest rates remain attractive for even the toughest bargain hunters - give me a call, and we can get started on your mountain getaway. My direct line is 970-389-0182; my email address is susan@breck4sale.com.  


 
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            <pubDate>Sat, 30 Apr 2011 16:38:15 -0500</pubDate>
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