Aspen Real Estate Update - April 25th, 2011

WINTER REAL ESTATE SALES GO CRAZY!  Dollar volume closings for single family homes in Aspen are over DOUBLE last year this time.  A total of almost $164,000,000 vs. $71,850,000.  Number of closings increased from 14 to 23. 

VALUES:  Check out homes and condos in Snowmass - selling at about half of last year's numbers!

REAL ESTATE: The market is still cooking with many deals still in the works for summer move in.  Of course, the last shocker closed in the West End a few weeks ago for about $1,800 per square foot.  There almost is no rhyme or reason for some of the closing numbers this season - both shockingly low (Star Mesa, listed $32,000,000 and closed for $16,000,000) and the absurdly high (the West End house selling for $12,300,000). Please check out the statistic list for Aspen's year to date numbers.

CALL US:  We will still find opportunities for you.  They are just getting slimmer!

SKI SEASON ENDS:  Aspen Highlansds closed yesterday and most people are  people are dreaming of beaches, biking and golfing!  It was a spectacular ski season with great snow.  There is still up to a hundred (100) inch base on the top!

CHANGING OF THE GUARD:  We wish Sarah Burggraff, my long-time assistant, best wishes as she moves on to become a full-time broker.  We welcome Susan Dillingham who assisted me in opening my new office fourteen (14) years ago!  She is highly experienced in all facets of real estate and will offer the same service you are now accustomed to!

RENTALS:  Summer rentals are moving briskly, so if you need a property, please don't wait any longer!  We are also looking for properties to accommodate more requests.

CHANGES IN RESTAURANT AND RETAIL:  North of Nell building men's store: "Testosterone" and women's store (no name) "Estrogen"?  Koto now on the Hyman Mall by the fountain is opening up a bigger store on Mill Street (around the corner) plus a cafe/juice bar in the vacated Victoria's (which is moving up to Durant).  LeTub is moving next to Kemosabe.  The biggest restaurant news is that Jeff Klein (who opened Matsuhisa) is opening a new restaurant on the Hyman Mall.  And, the Aspen Candy Company just opened by the Red Onion.  Whew - lots to check out this summer!

SUMMER ACTIVITIES:  Food & Wine Classic is June 16th - June 19th http://www.foodandwine.com/promo/classic-in-aspen/; Jazz Aspen is June 23rd - June 26th http://www.jazzaspensnowmass.org/ and, of course, the Aspen Music Festival http://www.aspenmusicfestival.com/index.cfm?method=c.eventsCalendar&swf_plugin=0,10,0.

I have some great "pocket" listings in all brackets.  Give us a call!  We always look forward to connecting!

Wishing you a wonderful spring!

My best regards,

Lorrie B. Winnerman