Latest news on Steamboad real estate and homes for sale from one of CEBAA's exclusive buyer agents:

It finally happened!  On March 1, 2007 the Steamboat Ski Area sold to Intrawest / Fortress Investments for $265 million.  Knowing this new owner and the market of Steamboat Springs homes for sale as well as I do, I'm sure they will bring the ski area to a higher level of amenities and stature while maintaining the western hospitality and great service that we have come to expect.  The real estate market is destined to benefit from their involvement.

Reliable sources have told me that Intrawest is already planning on spending as much as $11 million in short term upgrades this summer and aggressively looking at their long term masterplan updates to the Ski Area as well as the base area. Although Intrawest has announced that they have no interest in the Sheraton hotel sale, we are expecting to hear soon who the buyer or buyer's will be. There is a distinct possibility that various portions of the Sheraton holdings will be purchased in separate parcels and by separate investors.

Along with several projects like the Wildhorse Meadows, One Steamboat place, Riverwalk, Howelson Place, etc. that should be coming out of the ground this summer the landscape of Steamboat will once again be transforming. We are very aware that the western image is important to this community and the projects all reflect that attitude.

With the sale of the ski area, the 10-plus feet of snow in February, 4-plus feet already in March and warming skies, there are many smiling faces in Steamboat Springs. If you would like to know more about the market and how our wonderful community can become a part of your life, I would be pleased to assist.

Get a list of Steamboat Springs buyer agents who are current members of the association.

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Why move to Steamboat Springs, Colorado?

When my friends Jerry and Terry decided to look for Steamboat Springs Homes for sale a few years back, I wondered why they might consider retiring there? Steamboat is about a 3 hour drive from the airport and tucked into the mountains of northwest Colorado.

They told me the reason was because it was a beautiful small town, near skiing, ranches and wildlife, and that homes were more affordable there. They were happy to have a bit cooler temperatures than they might enjoy in Denver and more snow, while still enjoying the many days of sunshine and deep blue skies Colorado is known for. They also fell in love with horses, and found that there are many homes for sale in Steamboat Springs, CO where you can a horse or nearby ranch in your own backyard and go trail-riding without having to trailer the horses.

When you get a Colorado Exclusive Buyer Agents Association buyer broker from Steamboat Springs, you will have access to all homes for sale. If you are coming in from out of state, you will be pleased to see properties this winter without getting stuck in the snow, as your buyer agent has a snow-worthy vehicle and knows the mountain roads very well.

Since 2004, the dollar volume and sales of homes in Steamboat have taken a dramatic shift upward, and the amount of listings has dropped. One can assume there has been a great deal of appreciation in this gem of a Colorado town. The annual average purchase price has continued to escalate and at the end of 2005 was about $375,000, up from $140,00 in 1995.

Many people that look at Steamboat Springs homes also consider the communities of Clark, Columbine, Craig, Hahns Peak, Hayden, Milner, Oak Creek, Stagecoach and Steamboat Lake for other rural homes for sale.

At the end of 2005, the average buyer purchased a home at 98% of the listed price, indicating that it was still a strong seller’s market then. It has since turned into more of a buyer’s market—you may wish to ask your exclusive buyer agent what is today’s percentage of listing price. Knowing this statistic helps you know how much you might be able to discount your offer.

An astounding 60+% of homes for sale in Steamboat Springs are condos or townhomes. This helps keep the cost down if you wish to use your property as a second home or vacation rental. You will be pleased to find out that Steamboat Springs has some of the lowest priced homes compared to other resort areas such as Sun Valley or Jackson Hole. Many recent purchases would agree, you get more for your money in Steamboat.

Get a list of Steamboat Springs buyer agents who are current members of the association.