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Resort communities throughout Colorado, the western United States and around the world are prone to unique, heavily saturated luxury markets. Often found in desirable, slightly less accessible locations than national mainstream markets, resort markets tend to have a greater density of luxury offerings as higher net worth individuals are often drawn to them based on their exclusivity and proximity to world class activities year round. Seasonality, location, and employment opportunities drive the inventory of affordable homes down and most pricing within resort communities up. The famous Colorado Rocky Mountains, combined with the vast offerings of the western United States, continue to position the United States as one of the leading resort community destinations worldwide, and with the increasing desire for lifestyle- inspired home purchases, the resort community market will continue to rise.
Resort Realty Market Report
*TEXT VERSION
STEAMBOAT SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY
RESORT REPORT
Mid-Year 2015
RESORT MARKET AT A GLANCE
Resort communities throughout Colorado, the western United States and around the world are prone to unique, heavily saturated luxury markets. Often found in desirable, slightly less accessible locations than national mainstream markets, resort markets tend to have a greater density of luxury offerings as higher net worth individuals are often drawn to them based on their exclusivity and proximity to world class activities year round. Seasonality, location, and employment opportunities drive the inventory of affordable homes down and most pricing within resort communities up. The famous Colorado Rocky Mountains, combined with the vast offerings of the western United States, continue to position the United States as one of the leading resort community destinations worldwide, and with the increasing desire for lifestyle- inspired home purchases, the resort community market will continue to rise.
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO
Deep in history and long in legend, the mountain community of Steamboat Springs has risen in prominence as one of the true-grit western towns of modern age. Its friendly faces, picturesque setting, world-class amenities and healthy climate provide a rewarding environment for all to enjoy. From working cattle and horse ranches to quaint downtown bungalows, or elegant slope side condominiums, residents enjoy the Steamboat Springs lifestyle in a variety of different ways.
Single Family Homes and Condos
January through June |
2014 |
2015 |
% Change |
Average Price |
$570,608 |
$501,011 |
-12.2% |
Average Price per Square Foot |
$281 |
$259 |
-7.8% |
Average Days on Market |
210 |
207 |
-1.4% |
Highest Price |
$5,800,000 |
$5,000,000 |
-13.8% |
Lowest Price |
$35,000 |
$44,000 |
25.7% |
Number of Properties Sold |
329 |
311 |
-5.5% |
% Sold Price to List Price |
92.0% |
95.0% |
3.3% |
Total Dollar Volume Sold |
$187,730,268 |
$155,814,443 |
-17.0% |
“Although 2014 was the fifth best year on record, 2015 is heading to take over that recognition, with the first half of the year bettering 2014 by four transactions…in spite of a 7% reduction in listings. In addition, some market segments, particularly in entry-level properties, have seen significant appreciation due to high demand and low supply. However, Steamboat Springs remains one of the most affordable top-tier resort destinations in North America.”
– Douglas Labor, Broker Associate
at Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty
ASPEN, COLORADO
Aspen encompasses 3.66 square miles on a relatively flat valley floor, and is surrounded on three sides by Aspen Mountain, Smuggler Mountain and Red Mountain. Located along the upper Roaring Fork River and White River National Forest, Aspen enjoys the very best of the Rocky Mountains.
An internationally renowned resort, Aspen offers the ultimate in dining, shopping, cultural activities and year-round recreation of every sort.
Single Family Homes and Condos
January through June |
2014 |
2015 |
% Change |
Average Price |
$3,576,510 |
$3,354,643 |
-6.2% |
Average Price per Square Foot |
$1,214 |
$1,218 |
0.3% |
Average Days on Market |
284 |
269 |
-5.3% |
Highest Price |
$26,000,000 |
$19,300,000 |
-25.8% |
Lowest Price |
$110,000 |
$100,000 |
-9.1% |
Number of Properties Sold |
114 |
135 |
18.4% |
% Sold Price to List Price |
92.0% |
94.0% |
2.2% |
Total Dollar Volume Sold |
$407,722,092 |
$452,876,800 |
11.1% |
“The Aspen/Snowmass market continues to show strength and improvement. Overall prices are up 10%+ in certain neighborhoods compared to last year. Sales continue to increase year over year and listing inventory in Aspen is half the level it was during the recession. The local real estate trends point toward solid market performance for the foreseeable future.”
– Andrew Ernemann, Broker Associate at Aspen/ Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty
BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO
Breckenridge has long been celebrated, not only for its world-class skiing, but also for its friendly laid-back character. From quaint Victorian bungalows to incredible shopping, dining, concerts and outdoor activities, the town offers an approachable, vibrant charm inevery season. Breckenridge embodies the stunning beauty and laid back atmosphere of living in a Colorado ski town.
“When the luxury real estate market in Summit County shows promising signs of recovery similar to what we are currently experiencing, it is typically a solid indicator that the entire Summit County market is on the upswing. So far in 2015 the continuation of low inventory levels (relative to the peak of the market in 2007/2008), along with the list price to sales price percentage tightening up, is creating increased demand for properties at all price points. Sales this year in both the luxury and market as a whole are exhibiting that trend.”
-Krystal Knott, Broker Associate at LIV Sotheby’s
Single Family Homes and Condos
January through June |
2014 |
2015 |
% Change |
Average Price |
$528,898 |
$555,611 |
5.1% |
Average Price per Square Foot |
$325 |
$340 |
4.6% |
Average Days on Market |
211 |
193 |
-8.5% |
Highest Price |
$3,640,593 |
$3,700,000 |
1.6% |
Lowest Price |
$60,000 |
$106,000 |
76.7% |
Number of Properties Sold |
612 |
736 |
20.3% |
% Sold Price to List Price |
96.0% |
96.0% |
0.0% |
Total Dollar Volume Sold |
$323,451,645 |
$407,536,293 |
26.0% |
Keystone, Copper, Frisco, Dillon & Silverthorne
VAIL, COLORADO
Vail Valley is an iconic example of luxurious alpine villages among the breathtaking Rocky Mountains. Vail Mountain boasts one of the largest and most popular ski destination resorts. Just West of Vail is the ski resort of Beaver Creek which hosts the annual“Birds of Prey”World Cup, and recently the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. It’s intimate village core has world-class dining, shopping, and fine art galleries. Vail Valley residents and visitors can also spend their time on the greens. Cordillera has it all with over 7,000 acres of mountain top splendor, four golf courses, and private Eagle River fishing.
Single Family Homes and Condos
January through June |
2014 |
2015 |
% Change |
Average Price |
$1,242,191 |
$1,216,501 |
-2.1% |
Average Price per Square Foot |
$466 |
$489 |
4.9% |
Average Days on Market |
201 |
173 |
-13.9% |
Highest Price |
$19,000,000 |
$15,750,000 |
-17.1% |
Lowest Price |
$102,000 |
$133,000 |
30.4% |
Number of Properties Sold |
489 |
519 |
6.1% |
% Sold Price to List Price |
93.5% |
94.1% |
0.6% |
Total Dollar Volume Sold |
$607,431,266 |
$631,364,099 |
3.9% |
“The real estate market in the Vail Valley is improving in the luxury homes and the $400,000 to $500,000 price range. The summer season has been very active in showings and new visitors inquiring about homes and condominiums. In addition, visitors from the Latin Countries are showing increased interest in the Vail area. We expect this to continue into the fall.”
-Dan Fitchett Jr., Managing Broker at LIV Sotheby’s International Realty
TELLURIDE, COLORADO
Telluride is located in the Southwest corner of Colorado in the San Juan Mountains. Born as a mining town, Telluride eventually became notorious in the early 70’s for its white gold- the construction of its first ski lifts. This quiet resort area is famous for its world class skiing, golf, festivals, luxurious hotels and residences. Known for its natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities Telluride has seen increased growth over the last decade, while keeping the character of its boisterous mining era nature.
Single Family Homes and Condos
January through June |
2014 |
2015 |
% Change |
Average Price |
$1,112,606 |
$1,125,473 |
1.2% |
Average Price per Square Foot |
$520 |
$542 |
4.3% |
Average Days on Market |
408 |
398 |
-2.5% |
Highest Price |
$5,675,000 |
$4,720,000 |
-16.8% |
Lowest Price |
$155,000 |
$153,000 |
-1.3% |
Number of Properties Sold |
127 |
133 |
4.7% |
% Sold Price to List Price |
91.0% |
91.9% |
1.0% |
Total Dollar Volume Sold |
$141,300,964 |
$149,687,922 |
5.9% |
“Pricing and values are generally climbing while overall transaction and transaction values remains on par with the previous year. Our market is extremely active with tourism now through Labor Day and real estate showings are truly on the rise, so we are optimistic that our summer selling season will be positive.”
-Nels Cary, Broker/Owner of Telluride Sotheby’s
CRESTED BUTTE, COLORADO
Crested Butte is a true mountain town with an easy-going attitude and a lifestyle that you simply don’t find every day. Crested Butte is a must see with plenty of festivals, events and outdoor activities year round. Crested Butte’s steep skiing terrain and endless miles of mountain biking trails just scratch the surface of what there is to do. Hiking, world class fishing, camping, outdoor festivals, music events, Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and so much more await. Visit Crested Butte to see why this place is a true Colorado gem at a reasonable value.
Single Family Homes and Condos
January through June |
2014 |
2015 |
% Change |
Average Price |
$452,702 |
$545,012 |
20.4% |
Average Price per Square Foot |
$278 |
$302 |
8.7% |
Average Days on Market |
295 |
298 |
1.0% |
Highest Price |
$1,925,000 |
$2,750,000 |
42.9% |
Lowest Price |
$59,000 |
$47,500 |
-19.5% |
Number of Properties Sold |
93 |
94 |
1.1% |
% Sold Price to List Price |
93.7% |
93.1% |
-0.7% |
Total Dollar Volume Sold |
$42,101,325 |
$51,231,161 |
21.7% |
“The first half of 2015 has been very strong. Crested Butte has had its largest sales volume months in May and June since 2007. Almost every segment of Crested Butte’s market has seen increases in total sales volume and increases in median and average price. Vacant land has also started to trade again with more parcels selling around the area.”
-Cathy Benson, Broker/Owner of Benson Sotheby’s International Realty
PARK CITY, UTAH
Park City is a unique combination of easy access and remote appeal. Park City’s turn-of-the-century character, as established by silver miners of old, is alive and well. This year-round haven offers world class skiing, endless recreational opportunities, and a calendar full of concerts and events. Home to the Sundance Film Festival, the United States Ski Team, the 2002 Olympic bobsled/skeleton/ luge track and golf courses.
Single Family Homes and Condos
January through June |
2014 |
2015 |
% Change |
Average Price |
$842,076 |
$887,100 |
5.3% |
Average Price per Square Foot |
$305 |
$323 |
5.9% |
Average Days on Market |
130 |
104 |
-20.0% |
Highest Price |
$12,500,000 |
$12,750,000 |
2.0% |
Lowest Price |
$112,750 |
$139,000 |
23.3% |
Number of Properties Sold |
770 |
874 |
13.5% |
% Sold Price to List Price |
92.3% |
94.9% |
2.8% |
Total Dollar Volume Sold |
$648,398,331 |
$775,325,041 |
19.6% |
“The Park City resort market remains very complex and segmented by micro-location and price point. While the number of closed transactions was flat, the “Vail Affect” sparked greater interest which drove up the median sold price. It is anticipated that there will continue to be a shortage of inventory, which will fuel moderate increases in price and a reduction in overall days on the market.”
-Thomas Wright, President of Summit Sotheby’s
LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA
Recognized for world-class skiing, year-round outdoor recreation and unsurpassed natural beauty, Lake Tahoe is considered the jewel of the High Sierra. The lake itself is known for the clarity of its water and the panorama of surrounding mountains on all sides. At 6,229 feet above sea level, Lake Tahoe is the highest lake of its size and the second deepest in the United States. Voted “Best Lake In America” by USA Today and named “Best Summer Lake Town” by NBC News, Lake Tahoe has an average of 300 days of sunshine and is surrounded by more than a dozen ski resorts, each with their own distinct mountain flavor and appeal.
Single Family Homes and Condos
January through June |
2014 |
2015 |
% Change |
Average Price |
$1,313,144 |
$1,246,211 |
-5.1% |
Average Price per Square Foot |
$552 |
$893 |
61.8% |
Average Days on Market |
175 |
165 |
-5.7% |
Highest Price |
7,050,000 |
$6,800,000 |
-3.5% |
Lowest Price |
$120,000 |
$193,000 |
60.8% |
Number of Properties Sold |
120 |
82 |
-31.7% |
% Sold Price to List Price |
96.0% |
96.0% |
0.0% |
Total Dollar Volume Sold |
$157,577,313 |
$102,189,350 |
-35.1% |
Alpine Meadows, Squaw Valley, Northstar & Martis Camp Areas
“We’re seeing a downtrend in Lake Tahoe real estate sales volume in the first half of 2015 which is largely credited to lack of inventory. Although sales have edged down, pricing for lakefront, ski and golf homes remains strong with average price per square foot up to an impressive $2,071 (52% increase) in some markets. Buyer demand is calling for lake views and amenities such as sandy beachfront, deep-water piers and buoys. We are optimistic about a robust third quarter as well as a banner ski year with forecasters predicting an El Nino winter.”
-Peter Strand, President of Sierra Sotheby’s International Realty
JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING
The Jackson Hole region sits at the base of the Tetons in western Wyoming. The beautiful and rugged landscape is epitomized by neighboring Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Park and is iconic of the American West. The region is home to both the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Grand Targhee Resort, which are consistently ranked among the top ski resorts in North America for terrain and snowfall. The town of Jackson is home to a thriving art, entertainment and cultural scene that belies its small size. World-class outdoor recreation and adventure opportunities exist for all levels regardless of the season.
Single Family Homes and Condos
January through June |
2014 |
2015 |
% Change |
Average Price |
$1,082,937 |
$1,450,065 |
33.9% |
Average Price per Square Foot |
$491 |
$585 |
19.2% |
Average Days on Market |
259 |
231 |
-10.6% |
Highest Price |
$11,500,000 |
$10,250,000 |
-10.9% |
Lowest Price |
$178,500 |
$225,000 |
26.1% |
Number of Properties Sold |
141 |
181 |
28.4% |
% Sold Price to List Price |
89.4% |
89.2% |
-0.2% |
Total Dollar Volume Sold |
$152,694,152 |
$262,461,743 |
71.9% |
“Year to date, sales volume surged 43% from the comparable period last year. Unit and sales volumes exceeded levels not seen since 2007. Listings declined 10% versus June, 2014 and absorption rate fell 12% to 13 months.”
-Leonard Kleiman, Manager of Operations at Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty
BIG SKY, MONTANA
Big Sky, Montana is a world-class Rocky Mountain community, a hidden outdoor playground, and a magical year-round mountain destination for families, couples, and groups. It’s home to the biggest skiing in America, with the most skiable terrain in the U.S. with two inter-connected world-class ski resorts, the Gallatin River, with whitewater rafting and blue ribbon trout fishing, and numerous lodging and dining opportunities, from guest ranches to mountain homes. Minutes to Yellowstone National Park.
Single Family Homes and Condos
January through June |
2014 |
2015 |
% Change |
Average Price |
$799,492 |
$748,155 |
-6.4% |
Average Price per Square Foot |
$290 |
$298 |
2.8% |
Average Days on Market |
217 |
212 |
-2.3% |
Highest Price |
$7,000,000 |
$5,100,000 |
-27.1% |
Lowest Price |
$75,000 |
$90,000 |
20.0% |
Number of Properties Sold |
112 |
85 |
-24.1% |
% Sold Price to List Price |
89.0% |
90.9% |
2.1% |
Total Dollar Volume Sold |
$89,543,169 |
$63,593,196 |
-29.0% |
SUN VALLEY, IDAHO
Sun Valley is the name of the world-famous ski resort, as well as the small, European-styled village east of Ketchum. The name also encompasses the 30-mile stretch that is the Wood River Valley, an area filled with towns, rivers, mountains, gulches, campgrounds, and cliffs. SunValley is home to phenomenal mountain scenery, unlimited year-round recreational offerings, and down-to-earth people. All of this makes the Sun Valley area, whether it is Ketchum, Hailey, Bellevue, or elsewhere, an incredibly desirable place to live.
Single Family Homes and Condos
January through June |
2014 |
2015 |
% Change |
Average Price |
$726,130 |
$752,551 |
3.6% |
Average Days on Market |
177 |
217 |
22.6% |
Highest Price |
$4,250,000 |
$7,900,000 |
85.9% |
Number of Properties Sold |
164 |
160 |
-2.4% |
Total Dollar Volume Sold |
$119,085,373 |
$120,408,163 |
1.1% |
“With world-renowned resort operators Montage and Discovery Land servicing local real estate developments such as the Yellowstone Club, Spanish Peaks Mountain Club and Moonlight Basin, Big Sky now has the cachet that comes with being a high end luxurious resort town, yet our prices are still at affordable levels for the profiled resort Buyer. Montana skiing is the new Colorado and Big Sky is currently the most affordable place to purchase in the Rocky Mountains when comparing statistical sales data in the overall resort market.”
-Jeff Helmes, Broker Associate at Big Sky Sotheby’s International Realty
“The Sun Valley market continues to enjoy a steady rate of growth. As the summer is progressing, the amount of people in town suggests that we will have a very busy third quarter. Sales in Ketchum have been the strongest, as there is a demand to be right in town. Sun Valley Lodge, the nation’s first ski lodge and resort, just completed a multi- million dollar renovation to general acclaim, showing a noticeable attempt at modernizing the Sun Valley Village.”
– Derek Svennungsen, Marketing Coordinator at Sun Valley Sotheby’s International Realty
RESORT REPORT
MID-YEAR 2015 | COLORADOMARKETREPORTS.COM
All data contained within this report is based on information from REColorado, Aspen Board of Realtors MLS, SAR MLS, Vail Board of Realtors, Steamboat Springs Board of Realtors MLS, Gunnison County MLS, Telluride Association of Realtors MLS, Park City MLS, Tahoe Sierra MLS, Teton Board of Realtors MLS, Sun Valley Board of Realtors MLS, and Southwest Montana MLS. This representation is based in whole or in part on data supplied by these providers, and these providers do not guarantee nor are in any way responsible for its accuracy. MLS data may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Data within this report does not include land sales.
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Participating Sotheby’s International Realty affiliates include:
ASPEN SNOWMASS SIR BENSON SIR
BIG SKY SIR JACKSON HOLE SIR LIV SIR
SIERRA SIR STEAMBOAT SIR SUMMIT SIR SUN VALLEY SIR TELLURIDE SIR