Stan's Market Report \ january 17, 2008
Dear friends,
The ski season has again started slowly, missing good snow conditions and many slope openings through Christmas week and the start of January. Not a believer much in long term forecast, the Martin Luther King Weekend and the rest of this week looks very favorable, and we have tremendous capacity to cover the slopes in dry cold.
The real estate market is similar to that in most areas: 178 Mountain Homes and Condos are listed, 68 Mountain lots, 40 Valley Homes, and 58 Valley Lots. We, at Wintergreen Real Estate, continue to have great confidence in the market. We are not cutting budgets or staff, and we had our grand opening of the Mountain Office and coffee shop on the 28th. Don't forget I split my time between both for now-the Jeep with the 1 Stan license plate is where I am. Unfortunately, 1 Stan was second last year in sales, but I am extremely pleased that my new clients have gotten good values in a market where prices are holding and many listings are taken at unrealistic prices.
I know I have said this many times. This is a price sensitive market. It will not last forever but it is that now. I always want to pass along thanks to all the folks who provide referrals and made last year another good year, and I see this year as no different. My specialty remains home sites and new builds, but I am not above recommending an older home or condo when it passes my two inspections and meets my other qualifications of value, resale, and marketability.
We, as a company, follow trends and markets throughout the country, so that we can provide the absolute best advice and assistance to all our clients. This year will provide many challenges, but together we will work through those. I am always available to help make your Wintergreen Experience more pleasurable. My cell phone is always the best way to reach me, even though the service in parts of the mountain can be suspect. I have great service in Old Trail and my computer is my best friend.
One day soon I hope for great news, but we all know it will happen over time. I love what I do and thank all of you for giving me the opportunity to do it. See I do have a sentimental side. Matthew got what my older son calls a tumbleweed haircut (sticks up wild in the front) -he can hardly tear himself away from the mirror. The vanity must come from his mom...?
Assessments: Having been on the Board of Supervisors in Greene County for two terms in the late 80's and 90's folks would be loading their shotguns and high powered rifles by now. The assessments double Nelson's tax base and the two projects coming will be a new courthouse and possible less school funding based on the state's change in the funding formula for Nelson. I can't see the rate remaining the same, and as I get more information I will forward it along. To date, no one seems willing to provide more concrete information.
God Bless, and I keep all of you in my thoughts. Snowing hard now, so I have "Tumbleweed" for the day.
- Stan
