"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Well, that old gondola building was torn down more than five years ago and has been replaced by the Arrabelle at Vail Square, a Rock Resorts Hotel, with 67 luxury condominium residences, new restaurants, a surplus of retail experiences and an inviting outdoor ice rink/amphitheatre. Vail Resorts was incredibly successful with this project by enticing nearly 600 reservations, all backed by $100,000 deposits, for only 52 condominiums! I guess an "incredible success" is an understatement!!! With The Arrabelle complete and the New Landmark Residences and the Tower Residences at Lion Square complete and the Ritz Carlton Residences in Lionshead well under way, Lionshead has never looked so good! You wouldn't recognize it if you haven't visited lately!!

The completion of Vail's New Dawn in Vail Village (no, unfortunately, that does not provide a direct link to me) is almost here. The excitement has been in Vail Village the past few years with a number of new projects changing the look of Vail's "skyline" and offering 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. The Vail Plaza Lodge, One Willow Bridge, The Willows, Vail Mountain View Residences, Manor Vail Penthouse Residences and the Lodge at Vail Chalets are now complete and open for business. The Four Seasons Resort and Solaris are the only two multi-use projects still under construction and nearing completion. (Please note that all of these developments have inventory available). 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 has been receiving rave reviews throughout the country! With a "killer deck" overlooking the Eagle River and up to Beaver Creek Mountain, the hottest F.A.C. in the Vail Valley, an award winning restaurant - Avondale - and a new gondola located directly adjacent to the building that takes you to Bachelor Gulch, there is no wonder why this has been such a huge success! There are a few resales available plus some terrific opportunities with their vacation club presented by Starwood. Please call me for more information.

With all the excitement about Vail and Lionshead, don't forget about Beaver Creek, Bachelor Gulch, Arrowhead, Cordillera, Red Sky Ranch and Eagle Ranch. There are some remarkable values for new construction as well as existing property and in all price ranges!

Historically, those who purchase real estate in pre-construction phases usually benefit from substantial appreciation as we've seen occur numerous times in the past. 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. Our real estate market had been accelerating at a rate that obviously couldn't be maintained. A correction was needed and it just so happened that our Country's economy was struggling at the same time. Yes, there have been numerous situations where Sellers have had to sell and many Buyers have benefited from these unfortunate circumstances. We are seeing price reductions and some short sales - even a few foreclosure here and there. Luckily, the Vail Valley is 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, we have seen a consistent increase in activity and sales over the past year and have every reason to expect it to continue which will be good for everyone!

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 low interest rates and heightened motivation, please give me a call. There are some outstanding opportunities just waiting for someone to step up to the plate. If you currently own property and 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 22 years of knowledge and experience, I would be honored to be your trusted advisor and real estate expert!