Face-lifts to Steamboat Condos The West, Phoenix and Kutuk raise real estate value
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Renovation on several condominiums near the slopes of [tag]Steamboat ski resort[/tag] should result in higher prices for sellers as this market continues to turn. [tag]The West condos[/tag] removed the exterior siding and trim on all residential buildings and installed new building wrap material to help reduce moisture and air infiltration. Completing the new look is new stained cedar siding and trim. The West also updated all stair towers, put in a new “addressable” fire safety system, new railings, and new patios. Add upgrades to the wiring, sewer and other common area maintenance areas and the place is like new. [tag]The Phoenix condominiums[/tag] and the [tag]Kutuk condos[/tag] followed suit with compete exterior remodels in the works or recently completed. Some of the advertised prices don’t include the special assessment and that assessment can be significant. The West Phoenix Kutuk Most [tag]Home Owner Association[/tag] (HOA) docs are easily accessible online, if you have any questions about the status of an association, what assessments are planned, what’s done, and what to watch for, don’t hesitate to call me at 970-846-8284 Dean Laird Broker/Owner Colorado Group Realty
Condo buying season in Steamboat Springs is here! Ski-in convenience with walk-to-ski value; rent your real estate to defray costs
Friday, October 14, 2011
I often am asked which condos rent the best in the [tag]Steamboat Springs real estate[/tag] market. This is usually answered simply and overwhelmingly with [tag]ski-in ski-out[/tag]. However, rental income for a [tag]ski-in[/tag] [tag]condo[/tag] will vary depending on the condition of the residence. A newer or recently renovated condo within walking distance to Steamboat skiing will cost much less and see higher rental revenues than a fixer-upper ski-in condo. I’ve had a couple of owners of [tag]slope-side[/tag] condos recently state they barely covered their home owner association (HOA) and resort management fees last two seasons. This is due in part to the slow economy and increased inventory from a building boom in 2007, but is also due to the price point and the condo rating. Price conscious travelers in many instances are opting for a [tag]Trappeurs[/tag] condo, such as [tag]Emerald[/tag] or [tag]Bear Lodge[/tag], because they can get higher quality and another bedroom for the same price. Bear Lodge is about 2 blocks East of [tag]Gondola Square[/tag]. At times, a 3 bedroom will rival the rental price of a 2 bed ski-in. Patio units with private hot tubs are popular as well. The quality finishes and convenient amenities like pools, hot tubs and fitness rooms add value. Many travelers will choose to walk a block to skiing for a 4 star or A-rated experience. A trend we are seeing near the slopes is older buildings taking on a new look. The [tag]West[/tag] and The [tag]Phoenix[/tag], both within walking distance to the slopes, have beautiful new exteriors. The assessments were steep, but the payoff of the HOA special assessment (if not paid by seller already) can always be negotiated in a contract to purchase. For example, many condominiums at the West could use kitchen upgrades to boost rental demand; regardless, a studio condo netted an income after HOA fees, management fees and taxes. Depending on your personal use, its typical to see rental incomes offset those carrying costs before your debt service. Prices are around 20 to 40% off our high sales in 2007. Several condominium developments within walking distance to Steamboat’s Gondola Square and ski slopes are worth investigating before the winter sales season because they may be new, newly renovated or show consistent rental revenue from good management and marketing. Under $500,000 look to are The West, Phoenix and [tag]The Lodge at Steamboat[/tag]. Over $500,000 but under $1,000,000, and for more bedrooms, look to Emerald or Bear Lodge at Trappeurs. If you don’t mind a short walk to the slopes and rental income is important to you, look past the slopes and you will certainly find more bang for your buck without sacrificing convenience. Contact me for more information today.