Vail Valley Real Estate Specialist - Dawn Mullin, Broker, CNE, CRS, GRI, RSPS

"Winter is wonderful but summer is why we live here" was the saying that was posted in the old gondola building in Lionshead, as you stepped inside, and saw the topo model of Vail Mountain. That was long before the development of China Bowl and the now notorious Blue Sky Basin and Pete's Bowl. Well, that old gondola building was torn down years ago and has been replaced by the Arrabelle at Vail Square - a village of its own with condominiums, hotel rooms, restaurants, stores and an ice rink/amphitheater all located at the base of Lionshead. Since then, the Tower Residences at Lion Square, the Landmark Residences and the Ritz Carlton Residences, all new projects in Lionshead, were started and have since been completed. Lionshead has never looked so good! If you haven't visited lately, you wouldn't recognize it.

The completion of Vail's New Dawn (no, unfortunately, that does not provide a direct link to me) has finally occurred, too. The excitement in Vail Village over the past few years has been about a number of new projects that have literally changed the look of Vail's "skyline" and provided new amenities to better serve our guests. Vail Mountain now has a tremendous base facility at the bottom of the Vista Bahn which includes the new Vail Mountain Club in addition to a brand new on-mountain dining experience, The 10th, located just uphill from Mid-Vail. The Sebastian, One Willow Bridge, Vail Mountain View Residences, Manor Vail Penthouse Residences, the Lodge at Vail Chalets, The Four Seasons Resort and Solaris are all complete and nearly Sold Out. Vail Village now boasts a new outdoor ice rink that also hosts concerts and special events, a bowling establishment and three movie theaters that offer fine dining while you are being entertained. What a concept! If you haven't been to Vail in awhile, I promise you will be amazed when you see all the incredible changes!

The new Westin Riverfront Resort in Avon is also complete and Sold Out. It has been receiving rave reviews throughout the country and boasts a fabulous spa and saline pool along with one of the best decks in the Vail Valley. Stop by Cima for cocktails or a one-of-a-kind dining experience as you overlook the Eagle River and up to Beaver Creek Mountain. Don't forget, the Westin gondola, located directly adjacent to the building, provides incredible convenience and access to skiing Beaver Creek and Bachelor Gulch Mountains. There is no wonder why this property has been such a huge success! There are some exceptional resale opportunities available in this building as well as all the other new projects. Please call me for more information on these or any other properties that may be of interest.

There are remarkable values throughout the Vail Valley including Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, Arrowhead, Cordillera, Singletree, Red Sky Ranch and Eagle Ranch and in all different prices ranges. Even with the current economy and downturn in many real estate markets throughout the country, the Vail Valley has managed to put up a tough fight. Yes, there have been numerous situations where Sellers have had to sell and many Buyers have benefited from these unfortunate circumstances. Did someone say: "Buyer's Market"? We have seen price reductions up to 40+% as well as seen short sales and bank owned properties get gobbled up. Luckily, the Vail Valley is also blessed to have many Sellers who do not have to sell which provides the strength and stability that has helped our real estate market remain as strong and stable as it has throughout the years. With all this said, there has been a consistent increase in activity and sales over the past year and we have every reason to expect it to continue which will be good for everyone! If you would like to see the data, please let me know and I will be happy to provide you with detailed charts and graphs.

One of the most important aspects to remember about the Vail Valley is that it provides an environment and lifestyle that very few places in the world can duplicate. The homes can be built almost anywhere but the experience can't be touched! Here is something to think about: "I would much rather have my money invested in a home in Vail than in the stock market. When they both lose value, my home continues to bring me great joy! It's still standing the same as it was when I bought it and I can enjoy it with my family and friends just like I did when it was worth more. When I look at my investment statement, I see a piece of paper that makes me frustrated and angry! When they both gain value, I have realized that holding my children and looking outside at the gorgeous views is still more rewarding than the numbers on that piece of paper! One day, there will be no value great enough that could ever be placed on those memories. They're priceless!!"

If your time frame to own real estate in the Vail Valley (Summit County or Aspen) is in the next couple of years or your preference is to do something now with extremely low interest rates and values reflecting prices from 2002 to 2006, please give me a call. There are some outstanding opportunities just waiting for someone to start a dialogue. This is also an ideal time to downsize or increase your ability to share your home with a growing family if you've owned your current home for at least eight to ten years. If you are interested in learning what your home is worth in today's market, please contact me for more detailed information specific to your needs. With more than 23 years of acquired knowledge and experience in Vail Valley real estate, I would be honored to be your trusted advisor and real estate expert!