3 contracts in 32 days at the Olympian

It has been a productive spring down at the Olympian, with buyers and agents alike recognizing the incredible value in the premier riverfront development.

Please stop by our showroom on 5th street or call us to schedule a private showing for your clients. Developer has extended the 20% price incentive until further notice. Don't let your buyers miss this opportunity.

We wish to thank Niffy Bube for all of her hard work on bringing the most recent buyers.


For more information on the Olympian please contact:

Brian Ladd: 970-819-4905
brian@skitownonline.com

Tom Wilson: 970-846-4121
tomwsteamboat@yahoo.com

http://www.theolympiansteamboat.com/

Steamboat Market Picking Up Steam

After a very tough and trying 2009 for sellers in the Steamboat Springs market, things seem to be coming around and buyers are taking advantage of the lower prices, low interest rates and the high amounts of inventory.  While some of the recent volume has been reflective of delayed closings from 2007 and 2008 pre-sales for the larger projects such as Edgemont, One Steamboat Place, and Wildhorse, there is also a noticable increase in the amount of pending contracts on other product. 

Here are a few items that I thought you may find interesting:

• Total Sales Volume for the month of February 2010 is 267% over the volume from February 2009.


• Units Sold are up 165% from February 2010 compared to February 2009.

• YTD Volume is up 228% compared to the same period in 2009.

*Data provided by Bruce Carta from Land Title.

For more information about the details of our market feel free to contact me anytime.

Brian Ladd

The Olympian achieves gold medal status as Walkers’ Paradise

Steamboat Springs – A new study conducted by CEOs for Cities, a group of urban redevelopment advocates, has shown a direct correlation between above-average walkability and home values. Neighborhoods located in more walkable neighborhoods, those with a mix of daily shopping, parks, schools and social destinations, command a price premium over similar homes found in less walkable areas. Using the online walkability rating engine (www.walkscore.com), the Olympian earns a scores of 91 out of 100 - designated as a “Walkers' Paradise.”



The criteria that are used to define walkability seem to be drawn from downtown Steamboat natural attributes:

• A center: Steamboat has an easily discernable center which includes a plethora of shopping, dining, and public spaces.

• Density: The compact nature of downtown Steamboat, directly complimented with the new retail/loft buildings such as the Olympian, (www.theolympiansteamboat.com) allows local businesses to flourish and public transportation to be utilized frequently. Steamboat’s extensive public transportation system easily allows pedestrians to be transported to the ski area and can allow for a car-free vacation or allows locals to park theirs for longer periods of time.

• Mixed income/use: The attractive and eclectic nature of downtown Steamboat, from historic bungalows to new loft units, creates housing for the young and old, singles and families, and those from different income levels. In addition, it allows second homeowners to become more easily integrated into the community.

• Parks and public space: Steamboat is rich with parks and public space, including the Yampa River and core trail that goes through the heart of downtown, our new library, and our numerous public parks and playgrounds.

• Pedestrian-centric design: Buildings have been placed close to the street to cater to foot traffic, with many of the newer developments allowing for underground parking.

• Nearby schools and workplaces: Steamboat’s core is full of local business and schools close enough to allow its citizens to walk from their homes.



While those of us who live in Steamboat have known for years, downtown Steamboat meets all the walkability criteria with flying colors. This is in the top ten percent of the over 6,000,000 addresses that have been served a designation. Prudential Broker, Brian Ladd, researched the study and found this to be incredibly impactful for potential buyers.



“As a downtown Steamboat resident I have experienced first-hand the benefits of living in a “Walker’s Paradise,” said Ladd. “The opportunity to walk my kids to school, nearby parks, and sneak away for a quick fly-fishing retreat on the Yampa River is something that I do not take for granted.”



Brian Ladd recently joined the team at Prudential Steamboat Realty and will be working from the new Olympian Sales Center on 5th and Yampa. Brian is a fourth generation real estate agent and developer and Steamboat’s only Earth Advantage S.T.A.R certified agent, (Sustainability Training for Accredited Real Estate Professionals).



Sources:

“Walking the Walk” How Walkabilty Raises Home Values in U.S. Cities. Joe Cortright, Impresa, Inc,. for CEOs for Cities, August 2009. www.walkscore.com



Brian Ladd: brian@skitownonline.com (970) 819-4905

Edgemont Completes their First Building in Steamboat

I have just finished a private tour of the recently completed Edgemont building, located just above the village area in Steamboat Springs, CO.
I have been eagerly awaiting the completion of this building, as it promises to be one of the best in Steamboat. Of course, it's ski-hill location makes for ski-in/ski-out access, but the most striking aspect for me were the stunning views from virtually all of their units. The building is only a couple hundred vertical feet higher than the base area, but it makes all the difference, opening up views from the Flattops down towards Vail to the top of our ski area. These panoramic views have been optimized by thoughtful floor to ceiling windows in many of the condos and can even be further enjoyed by their large gas fire pit on the edge of the slopes.
The well designed and open condos range from 1-5 bedrooms, with the largest feeling more like a home than a condo. The appointments and details were well done with a sophisticated finish that still fits in our mountain town. Master suites that allow for separation from the guests, panoramic windows, rock surround fireplaces, and gourmet kitchens with large eating bars exemplify the little touches.

The common amenities include an outdoor pool, BBQ area, outdoor fire pit, and game and entertaining room.
I was very impressed with the execution of the building and I feel that the high prices (starting in the $800,000's) are exceeded by the quality, views, and superb location. If you have any questions about this or any other project in Steamboat, feel free to contact me anytime at (970) 819-4905 or via email.
Brian Ladd
Realtor, Prudential Steamboat Realty

Market Happenings

In an attempt to give my clients another forum to gain insight on the Steamboat Springs real estate market, I have added this blog to our website, www.SkiTownOnline.com
I will keep this site updated on a regular basis with statistics and relevant news. I welcome any comments and feedback on the postings and please feel free to call me anytime on my cell at (970) 819-4905.
Sincerely-
Brian Ladd