Vail Luxury Real Estate

Vail Valley Daily Photo - The Day After the Mountain Closed

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 08:30:13 -0700

THE DAY AFTER THE MOUNTAIN CLOSED -

Vail Mountain and Beaver Creek Mountain closed for the season yesterday. Closing Day revellers found 12" to 15" of new snow and crystal clear blue skies - until 11:00am. Then, near blizzard conditions closed the back bowls and drove many off the mountain. This is a typical closing day reminicent of 18 of 20 past closing days. We'll most likely have FEET of new snow now through May - another reason you won't find many Locals in the office for awhile. The beach sounds pretty good right now!

PHOTO: Nilsson Images

John Nilsson, CCIM, CRS

Broker Associate

Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate, Vail, CO

www.NilssonImages.com

Vail Valley Daily Photo: Waiting for Spring

Sat, 06 Apr 2013 20:33:03 -0700

Vail Valley Daily Photo - Waiting for Spring

The permanent snow is gone from the lower valley now and only an occasional dusting from time to time covers the countryside. The valley floor is still brown with only a hint of the coming summer. There's lots of winter left here - probably a couple of months. The lifts close next week. Time to think about a road trip!

Photo: Nilsson Images

John Nilsson, CCIM, CRS

Broker Associate

Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate, Vail, CO

www.NilssonImages.com

A FOGGY MORNING IN THE VAIL VALLEY

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 10:52:29 -0700

A FOGGY MORNING IN THE VAIL VALLEY -

Hmmm... this is interesting. Fog is a very rare event here - happens only once or twice a year. A nice heavy rain last night wiped out any last hint of snow here in the lowlands but no doubt dumped lots of nice late season snow on Vail mountain.

This is kind of a nice change. We are now in the last three weeks of ski season 2012 -2013. I'm looking forward to summer!

Photo: Nilsson Images

John Nilsson, CCIM, CRS

Broker Associate

Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate, Vail, CO

www.NilssonImages.com

A Winter Morning in the Eagle Valley

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:56:10 -0800

A WINTER MORNING IN THE EAGLE VALLEY -

I've found inspiration to feed my photography addiction difficult to find over the last few months of grey/white days here in the Valley. There are lots of skiing shots out there but somehow these shots have a "been there, done that" feeling for me....not that it's not great to be up doing a few turns, It's just that I've photographed and seen photographed just about every imaginable iteration of the wonderful sport of skiing. This is not something that gets the juices flowing.

So, it was with true grit and determination that I found myself striking out in the (very) early morning last Saturday and navigating to Gypsum Ponds, a local wildlife sancutary that's full of all kinds of exotic waterfowl in the warmer times but not much in the middle of February. I didn't know what I'd find there but I was desperate. In truth, I found nothing not frozen over. But just as I was about to leave, the sun popped over the ridge to the east and bored it's way through the heavy fog. This is what I got. Now I am inspired again.

John Nilsson PHOTO: NILSSON IMAGES

John Nilsson, CCIM, CRS

Broker Associate

Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate, Vail, CO

www.NilssonImages.com

Vail Valley Daily Photo: A Little New Snow!

Sat, 10 Nov 2012 10:31:02 -0800

VAIL VALLEY DAILY PHOTO: A LITTLE NEW SNOW!

With the eminent opening of Vail Mountain only a week away, any evidence of a little new snow is welcome! What a difference a day makes! Yesterday was shirt sleeve weather. This morning we were treated to several inches on new snow on the Mountain with more promised over the next few days. Mother Nature never seems to fail us. Maybe soon we will have a few more occupants in Lionshead Mall than an "Official Car" and statue depicting what we'd all like to be doing!

PHOTO: Nilsson Images

John Nilsson, CCIM, CRS

Broker Associate

Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate, Vail, CO

www.NilssonImages.com

Vail Valley Daily Photo: Happy Holloween!

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 05:27:09 -0700

VAIL VALLEY DAILY PHOTO: HAPPY HOLLOWEEN!

The Vail Valley get's into the mood just about as much as anywhere else and Holloween is a big time for all ages. I found this example adorning my favorite settler's cabin located just a few blocks from my house. This old place, obviously built in a fledgling Cottonwood forest - even before there was a forest - and abondoned many years ago easily plays the stage. It's no problem imagining this place covered with spiders! The trees are obviously the only reason this place is still standing.

PHOTO: NILSSON IMAGES

John Nilsson, CCIM, CRS

Broker Associate

Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate, Vail, CO

www.NilssonImages.com

Vail Valley Daily Photo: Last Man Standing

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 06:19:46 -0700

Vail Valley Daily Photo: Last Man Standing

In Nature as in life, there are always examples of the results of not giving up, even in the face of being surrounded by capitualion. I found a great example of this while taking an early morning walk on the bike path between the end of the Vail Golf Course and the East Vail open space. In this heavy aspen hillside forest there was nary a leaf to be seen - except on this single, otherwise unremarkable tree. Why or how it hung out in the face of overwhelming suggestion, I have no clue.

PHOTO: NILSSON IMAGES

John Nilsson, CCIM, CRS

Broker Associate

Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate, Vail, CO

www.NilssonImages.com

Vail Valley Daily Photo: End of a Nice Day

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 19:00:14 -0700

VAIL VALLEY DAILY PHOTO: END OF A NICE DAY -

The Eagle Valley is nothing but big skies and clear air (although not much air at 8,000 feet!) Cloud shots like this are the rule rather than the exception. Last night I was out in the back yard and was treated to this especially glorious display. These guys have just drifted in from Seattle. While far from the snow carriers we are waiting patiently for, they certainly make the wait worthwhile!

PHOTO: NILSSON IMAGES

John Nilsson, CCIM, CRS

Broker Associate

Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate, Vail, CO

www.NilssonImages.com

Vail Valley Daily Photo: It's a Start

Sun, 21 Oct 2012 20:12:00 -0700

VAIL VALLEY DAILY PHOTO: IT'S A START

Well, I guess some things have got to start off slow. October in Vail is always a slow starter - this year has been nothing to write home about either. First measurable snow is always just around Holloween. Then we have one big storm on the 15th of Novermber or so - just enough to open the mountain for Thanksgiving. Next, a few meaninful dumps for the Christmas crowd. January......look out! I'm looking forward to some turns!

PHOTO: NILSSON IMAGES

John Nilsson, CCIM, CRS

Broker Associate

Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate, Vail, CO

www.NilssonImages.com

Vail Valley Daily Photo: Indian Summer

Sun, 14 Oct 2012 13:31:42 -0700

VAIL DAILY PHOTO: INDIAN SUMMER -

This could be the nicest time of year here in the Vail Valley! While evenings are cool and often touching feezing, days are generally warm and sunny with perfect temperature range. Everywhere green has turned to gold and it's a perfect time to take a walk along Gore Creek. It's a little bit bitter-sweet because you know that each glorious day gets you one more day closer to a time when you won't have days like this for 5 or 6 long months. Oh well, the mountain opens in 5 weeks!

PHOTO: NILSSON IMAGES

John Nilsson, CCIM, CRS

Broker Associate

Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate, Vail, CO

www.NilssonImages.com

Vail Valley Daily Photo: A Little Helo Help

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 13:49:06 -0700

VAIL VALLEY DAILY PHOTO: A LITTLE HELO HELP

A huge heavy lift helocopter drops a cable carrier assembly onto the top of a lift tower which itself was dropped into place just minutes before. This was the amazing show yesterday as Vail Resorts hurried to complete the installation of the brand new high speed state-of-the-art Gondola replacing the old four passenger Vista Bahn chair lift out of Vail Village. Towers and assemblies from bottom to top of the mountain were installed in one day! The massive carrier cable roll is set to be delivered to the site today on a 32 wheeled flat bed. This new luxury lift will be operational for Vail's opening day - only a little more from a month away. Pray for Snow!

PHOTO: NILSSON IMAGES

John Nilsson, CCIM, CRS

Broker Associate

Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate, Vail, CO

www.NilssonImages.com

Vail Valley Daily Photo: Recycling in Red Cliff

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 09:17:10 -0700

VAIL VALLEY DAILY PHOTO: RECYCLING IN RED CLIFF

A little ways up the road from Vail on the other side of Battle Mountain Pass towards Leadville is the metropolis of Red Cliff. This little Town owes it's existence to the Gilman Mine which has long since closed. While a good deal past it's prime, Red Cliff offers a shot of Counter Culture to the starched and pressed world class resorts near by. I had the occasion to visit this little burg which is set back in a mountain cove surrounded by steep cliffs last weekend. The Third Annual Mountain Man exhibition featuring an Ax Throwing Contest as well as a Beer Keg Toss was in full swing. Carhartt overalls and Plaid checkered wool shirts were the dress of the day instead of Bogner. Beer was flowing freely. In an alley just off Main Street I found this novel way to recycle last year's (or last decade's) skis. Good way to keep ol' Rex the Malamute off the streets!

PHOTO: NILSSON IMAGES

John Nilsson, CCIM, CRS

Broker Associate

Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate, Vail, CO

www.NilssonImages.com

An Update on the Vail/Beaver Creek Real Estate Market

Sun, 07 Oct 2012 19:10:11 -0700

AN UPDATE ON THE VAIL/BEAVER CREEK REAL ESTATE MARKET -

SLIFER, SMITH AND FRAMPTON R.E. - 5 YEAR COMPARABLE SALES, MONTH OF SEPTEMBER

The Vail/Beaver Creek real estate market was enjoying heady times in the early months of 2008. Real Estate values on most area properties had seen an unprecedented rise over the previous three years of almost 100% and the finest properties in the best locations were pushing $3,000 per square foot. Along toward the middle of the summer months, however, the market started developing a little malaise. Inventory started to build up and sales slowly started to fall off. While no one was heading for the exits, things just didn't seem to be right. November, 2008 took away all doubt as to where the market was headed - down.

Within the first two months of 2009 it was evident that our real estate market was taking a sever hit. Over the next several months we were faced with the realization that literally nothing was selling throughout the Valley. Through the balance of 2009, all of 2010, and well into 2011 we were struggling with very low numbers of units sold, increasing inventory, increasing short sales and foreclosures, and when properties sold, properties were going for 30% to 40% less than during their pre-2008 highs.

Fast forward to October, 2012. Today we are experiencing a tremendous rebound in sales numbers and buyer demand is strong and getting stronger. As demonstrated in the above graph, monthly units sold have been steadily increasing from 2009 lows. In fact, somewhere last spring monthly units sold throughout the Valley eclipsed all record high numbers in 2006 and 2007. Monthly total dollar amounts sold have yet to exceed the historic highs, however, as properties are being sold at prices that are 20% to 30% off their highs.

VAIL MULTI-LIST UNITS LISTED PER MONTH, 2012

Another striking factor in the improvement of our local real estate market can be found in the above chart. At the height of our real estate recession, the Vail Multi-List was carrying a monthly average of 2400 to 2700 listings. In the last 12 month period, we have had 1/3 fewer properties on the market and since August 2012, the numbers of listed units has taken a drastic drop and continues to trend downward. While I am still seeing new listings entering the market at decidedly lower pricing than before 2008 as well as a great deal more price reductions than price increases over listing periods, average listing days on market is falling dramatically indicating that buyers recognize the excellent values available today and are loosening their pocketbooks.

In short, with sales numbers tracking dramatically upward and units available to purchase going just as rapidly in the other direction, should this trend continue, we will soon be seeing prices trending upward. In my 40 years in the Vail Valley real estate market, I have never seen a stronger indication of the demise of the Buyer's Market and the rebirth of the Seller's Market. It is becoming evident that baring any more suprises, we could be witnessing a true "V-Shaped" recovery.

FOR MORE ON THE REBOUND IN THE NATIONAL REAL ESTATE MARKET, GO TO:

http://activerain.com/blogsview/3465829/riding-the-trillion-dollar-real-estate-recovery-roller-coaster

John Nilsson, CCIM, CRS

Broker Associate

Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate, Vail, CO

www.NilssonImages.com

Vail Valley Daily Photo: Very Early Morning in Eagle Ranch

Sun, 07 Oct 2012 10:36:33 -0700

VAIL VALLEY DAILY PHOTO: VERY EARLY MORNING IN EAGLE RANCH

Several mornings ago - around 6:00 AM - I found myself out on the Eagle Ranch Golf Course, trusty Nikon in hand, in search of the large flocks of Canadian Geese that have been frequenting our area the last few weeks. The Vail Valley is smack in the middle of the north/south flyway for these birds who come in to spend the night on the golf course in their journey north or south. I had to be out there early. You can hear the departure of each daily flight in the wee hours - somethimes well before the sun comes up. This morning yielded no geese. I did run across a big, bushy tailed fox however, which is the most likely answer to the no geese issue.

This view made it all worthwhile.

PHOTO: NILSSON IMAGES

John Nilsson, CCIM, CRS

Broker Associate

Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate, Vail, CO

www.NilssonImages.com

Vail Valley Daily Photo: First Snow

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 09:25:25 -0700

VAIL VALLEY DAILY PHOTO: FIRST SNOW

First Snow is always an exciting time here in the Vail Valley. It confirms the realization that it's time to put away the golf clubs and hiking boots and start dusting off the the ol' boards (or board as it may be). While opening day at Vail is not until just before Thanksgiving, there is always a race between Loveland Basin, Keystone, Arapaho, and Copper Mountain to see who can be the first Colorado ski area to open. Some years this has been won before Holloween. It's still pretty warm...doesn't look like it's going to happen this year - but we'll see.

PHOTO: NILSSON IMAGES

John Nilsson, CCIM, CRS

Broker Associate

Slifer Smith and Frampton Real Estate, Vail, CO