Aspen Real Estate Update! - January 4th, 2012

HAPPY 2012!

It was a very busy holiday. Kenichi broke records many nights serving 500 dinners! Their biggest night previously was about 400.  Gisella added tables to serve the crowds. Several of the jewelry stores reported their best day in history having been in Aspen over 10 years.

NEW RESTAURANTS:

• Craig Cordts-Pierce has taken over the Junk space and renamed it "SALT". I am very excited that he is expanding the Popcorn Wagon hours from 10am - 3am!!!  It should be open this week. Craig is already successfully operating CP Burger at the outdoor skating rink, The Wild Fig next door, Steakhouse 316 & Brexi in the dancing bear.
• "ASPEN OVER EASY" is getting great reviews - great breakfasts. Open for breakfast & lunch below Aspen Brewery at 304 E. Hopkins Avenue.
• "FINBARR'S IRISH PUB & KITCHEN" is packed every night! Incredibly well done & popular, getting rave reviews! 415 E. Hyman Avenue.
• THE CHEESE SHOP" is now owned by the chef of the Aspen Mtn. Club & his wife, former chef at the Little Nell.  Serving homemade soups & sandwiches at 601 E. Hopkins Avenue.
• "ANNETTE'S BAKE SHOP" is open at 422 E. Hyman Avenue next to Forre Gallery.

NEW RETAIL:

• "MARIO DI LEONE" high-end designer clothing for men and women. Opening in the little cottage next to Rustique at 301 E. Hopkins.  http://www.mariodileone.com.
• "KATHRYN PENN FINE JEWERLY" is open at 525 E. Cooper Avenue next to Barton Pereirra.
• "ASPEN BLOW OUT SALON" is also open in the Fat City Plaza at 520 E. Cooper Avenue.  Wash and blow dry services only.

REAL ESTATE:

• Please e-mail susan@lbaspen.com for a copy of the statistics. 2011 was up well over 2010 in Aspen, but in Snowmass only in the condo/townhome market. Homes in Snowmass are about even with 2010, but above 2008 & 2009. Please specifically look at single-family homes & condo/townhomes. The market started out extremely strong in the first half & slowed down in the second but still had a nice finish in comparison to 2010.
• The fabulous spec homes have been absorbed & so much of the other inventory. The market is very PRICE SENSITIVE. There are now many comps in every neighborhood at the corrected prices, so we have a pretty good idea what you should pay and what you should sell for!

SKIING:

• Kudos to the Aspen Skiing Company! They have done an incredible job "husbanding" the snow and keeping the experience happy! And, what could be more fun than skiing in early winter with sunshine & 40+ degrees!! The big snows will come - they always do!

We are here for you. Please call us with all of your listing, sale or rental needs!

My best regards,

Lorrie B. Winnerman