As a guy who sells homes and dirt for a living, I found the recent coverage of the local housing lotteries remarkable for a myriad of reasons. I noted the report highlighted the lucky few and didn’t talk much about those who weren’t chosen. I wondered how they felt and what they would do now. The complexities and wide-reaching effect of such programs made me think.
312 McSkimming Rd is the newest addition to the desirable East Aspen neighborhood of Aspen Grove. With architecture by George Winnie and construction by Doug Hayes, the contemporary design and finish of this stylish home is sure to appeal. Offered now for pre-completion customization, this is the time to secure a new piece of Aspen sure to last for generations. Scheduled to break ground in December 2020 with completion in Spring of 2022.
I have done my best to acknowledge the continuing economic crisis as millions remain out of work, the virus surges out of control and many local and service-oriented businesses in our mountain towns are teetering on the brink. The number of tourists who might visit this ski season is also uncertain; a critical driver of revenue and livelihood for so many in our community. COVID fatigue is a thing now and the new normal continues to take its toll as schools go distant again and restrictions for bars, restaurants and gyms creep back in.
After an unprecedented and historical selling season here in the Roaring Fork Valley, we’re finally catching our breath and settling into fall. Interest remains strong, but inventory is extremely low as a result of all the summer trades. Many deals are now getting done outside the MLS and that’s when a broker with experience, connections and resources can make all the difference. For more information, click on my video below, review the latest market report, view recent sales and listings. Reach out if I can be of help! Meantime, enjoy the cooler weather and stay healthy.
Best regards,
Scott
In his monthly real estate column in Sunday’s Aspen Times, Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty broker Scott Bayens, citing the Multiple Listings Services, reported another “nearly 500 properties under contract and set to close by the end of the year. All previous end-of-year sales numbers are sure to smashed.” Those properties are located in the Roaring Fork Valley and from Glenwood Springs to Rifle, according to Bayens.
Here in the mountains we have a couple of truisms relating to the summer season. One is “come for the winter; stay for the summer.” Another is, “summers are always too short.” Of course, as fires rage now in the month of August, and Interstate 70 remains closed, many are praying for rain and cooler temps sooner than later. But those of us lucky to live here know how special these months usually are.
Estin and Bayens, who writes a monthly real estate column for The Aspen Times, agree on the general reasoning beyond the mass move of the wealthy from cities to small market luxury towns like Aspen. A lot has to do with the current environment surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, combined with much of the civil unrest that has been sweeping through the country.
Scott Bayens, a broker with Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty, said real estate agents are trying to grasp the new normal. He confirmed the trends in Gray’s report — activity plummeted in middle March and improved in late April into May.
Now, single-family homes, townhouses and condominiums priced between $400,000 and $750,000 in the mid and lower valley are going under contract in just a few days in many cases and often have multiple offers.
