Snowshoe Mountain Homes Real Estate News
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
304-572-6731
888-489-1943
Thursday, December 10, 2009
New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 01/09/2010.
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Thursday, December 3, 2009
New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 01/02/2010.
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Thursday, November 26, 2009
New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 12/26/2009.
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Thursday, November 19, 2009
New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 12/19/2009.
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Tuesday, November 17, 2009
INTRAWEST AND POWDR CORP ANNOUNCE A DEFINITIVE PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR COPPER MOUNTAIN IN COLORADO
VANCOUVER, B.C. and PARK CITY, UT—November 17, 2009—Intrawest and Powdr Corp today announced they have entered into a definitive purchase agreement to sell Intrawest’s interests in Copper Mountain to Powdr Corp. The transaction is anticipated to close in December 2009 and the agreement is subject to regulatory approvals including the issuance of a U.S. Forest Service special-use permit to Powdr Corp.
This winter season it is business as usual at Copper Mountain. Once the transaction is finalized Intrawest and Powdr Corp have committed to work together to ensure that all of the multi-mountain season pass products, vacation reservations and joint marketing initiatives will be honored for the 2009-2010 winter season. This includes the Rocky Mountain Super Pass suite of products that provide skiers and riders with access to Copper Mountain, Steamboat Resort and Winter Park Resort. In addition, vacation packages, season passes and lift tickets for all three mountains will continue to be available online at www.skicolorado.com
About Powdr Corp Powdr Corp is one of the leading mountain resort owners and operators in the United States. Headquartered in Park City, Utah, Powdr Corp currently owns and operates seven ski and snowboard resorts including Park City Mountain Resort in Park City, Utah, Killington Resort and Pico Resort in Killington, Vermont, Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Oregon, Boreal Resort and Soda Springs Resort, both in Donner Summit, California, and Las Vegas Ski and Snowboard Resort outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. Powdr Corp also operates Gorgoza Park, a lift-served tubing park, in Park City, Utah. For additional information, please visit www.powdr.com
About Intrawest
Intrawest is a leader in the development and management of experiential destination resorts. The Company has a network of resorts at North America’s most popular mountain destinations including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world. In addition, Intrawest markets and sells real estate at its resorts in North America. Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit http://www.intrawest.com/
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731. For professional photography services, check out my website http://www.kirstenboehmer.com/
Thursday, November 12, 2009
New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 12/12/2009.
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Thursday, November 5, 2009
New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 12/05/2009.
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Season Kickoff!!!
Snowshoe Mountain will get the upcoming ski and snowboard season started on Friday, November 13th at the Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre. The event, called The Snowshoe Open, will feature a rail jam and big air competition. The Snowflex Centre, which is located at Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA, is home to the only Snowflex surface in the U.S. The Open begins at noon, and competition finalists for both the Big Air and Rail Jam will be chosen by a panel of judges. The finalists will show their stuff beginning at 10:30pm, and admission is free with the purchase of a Snowflex Centre lift ticket.
What is Snowflex?
Invented by Briton Engineering’s Brian Thomas, Snowflex is a synthetic material designed to simulate the slip and grip effects of snow. The most innovative surface on the market, Snowflex has a patented misting system that keeps it moist, maximizing speed and edge control. Snowflex retains its shape year-round, so riders can progressively sharpen their technique on its various contours. Unlike previous terrain technologies, Snowflex has multiple layers to cushion skiers and snowboarders if they should fall.
For more information on the Snowshoe Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731. For professional photography services, check out my website www.kirstenboehmer.com
Thursday, October 29, 2009
New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 11/28/2009.
You've been sent this e-mail from Kirsten K Boehmer
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Thursday, October 22, 2009
New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 11/21/2009.
You've been sent this e-mail from Kirsten K Boehmer
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Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Vacation Homes, Rented and Traded with Facebook Friends
"Vacation rentals require a certain degree of trust. Aiming to capitalize on the trust shared among Facebook friends, Shared Porch is a Facebook app that lets users list and rent vacation homes through the popular social network.
Using Second Porch, Facebook members can list vacation properties for rent or trade and control whether their ad is visible to everyone on the network, or just their friends. Listing a home is free, and those looking for a place can search by map, location, amenities, price or relationship. Not only are they able to see the "face behind the place," as Second Porch puts it, but they can also view detailed descriptions and photos along with comments from past guests. In addition, they can "follow" properties they like and see the recommendations of friends anywhere in the world. Currently there are some 600 listings on the site.
Though using Second Porch is currently free, the company plans to introduce a paid service for USD 99 per year that gives owners additional ways to promote their listings, according to a report in TechCrunch."
For more information:
Website: apps.facebook.com/secondporch — www.secondporch.com
Contact: admin@secondporch.com
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731. For professional photography services, check out my website http://www.kirstenboehmer.com/
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
First Snow of the Season!
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731. For professional photography services, check out my website www.kirstenboehmer.com
Thursday, October 15, 2009
New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 11/14/2009.
You've been sent this e-mail from Kirsten K Boehmer
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Thursday, October 8, 2009
New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 11/07/2009.
You've been sent this e-mail from Kirsten K Boehmer
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Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Intrawest To Reccommend That All Resort Guests Wear Helmets - Snowshoe, WV Real Estate
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731. For professional photography services, check out my website www.kirstenboehmer.com
Thursday, October 1, 2009
New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 10/31/2009.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
This Is Our West Virginia
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731. For professional photography services, check out my website www.kirstenboehmer.com
Thursday, September 24, 2009
New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 10/24/2009.
Auction at Silver Creek Lodge!
On Site Amenities at the Silver Creek area of Snowshoe
Indoor/Outdoor Pool
Tubing Hill
Terrain Park
Night Skiing
Full Service Rental Shop
Ski and Snowboard School
Restaurants at the Silver Creek area
Bear’s Den (in the lodge)
Misty’s (in the lodge)
The Sugar Shack (base of the slopes)
Nearby Recreation
Raven Golf Club, designed by Gary Player – base of Snowshoe Mountain, 10 minutes from Silver Creek
Shavers Lake – beach with paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, water bikes and more. Fly fishing, hiking, mountain biking...
10 - Studio Units up for Auction
Studio apartments are furnished with a mini-kitchenette (dishwasher, microwave and apartment size refrigerator), Murphy bed, sleeper sofa and full bathroom. Studio apartments are available with either courtyard or poolside views. Studio apartments are recommended for two to three guests and are located at the Silver Creek Lodge.
2 - One Bedroom Condos
One-Bedroom condos feature a fully equipped kitchen with microwave and dishwasher, a living area with wood-burning fireplace and queen-size sleeper sofa, washer and dryer, and a private balcony with slope-side views. One-Bedroom condos are recommended for two to four guests and are located at the Silver Creek Lodge.
2 - Two Bedroom Loft Condos
Two-Bedroom Loft Condos feature a fully equipped kitchen with microwave and dishwasher, a living area with wood-burning fireplace and queen-size sleeper sofa, washer and dryer, private balcony and a separate bedroom and bathroom on the first floor. The loft features a separate bedroom featuring a king-size bed with private bathroom. Two-Bedroom Loft condos are recommended for two to six guests and are located at the Silver Creek Lodge.
2- Two Bedroom Condos
Two-Bedroom condos feature a fully equipped kitchen with microwave and dishwasher, a living area with wood-burning fireplace and queen-size sleeper sofa, washer and dryer, private balcony and two separate bedrooms each with private bathrooms. Two-Bedroom condos are recommended for two to six guests and are located at the Silver Creek Lodge.
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731. For professional photography services, check out my website http://www.kirstenboehmer.com/
Thursday, September 17, 2009
New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 10/17/2009.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 10/10/2009.
You've been sent this e-mail from Kirsten K Boehmer
pursuant to your request for up to date real estate information.
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Thursday, September 3, 2009
New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 10/03/2009.
You've been sent this e-mail from Kirsten K Boehmer
pursuant to your request for up to date real estate information.
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Thursday, August 27, 2009
New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 09/26/2009.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Almost new 3 Bedroom Slopeside Condo in the Snowshoe Village for sale at .50 cents on the dollar!!
Call today in order to not miss this incredible opportunity.
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or on my mobile at kirsten.boehmer@gmail.com 304-572-6731 (o) or 954-665-4492 (c).
For professional photography services, check out my website http://www.kirstenboehmer.com/
A Brief Bit of History About Snowshoe Mountain, WV - and an explanation of some of our odd-sounding slope and lodge names!
Until 1901, the high mountains that now comprise the Snowshoe resort were wilderness. Since that time, there have been two short periods of intense activity that took our wild forests- followed by returns to near-wilderness, until 1972 when the development of the resort began.
Snowshoe occupies the southernmost end of Cheat Mountain. Here, the hard sandstone that forms the mountain wraps around to form a U-shaped basin enclosing the very headwaters of the Shavers Fork of the Cheat River. The ridge surrounding the basin is over 4,800 feet above sea level. The steepest sides of the mountain face away from this basin. Cupp Run and Shay’s Revenge ski slopes go down this steep scarp to the west. The drop to the Snowshoe gate at the bottom of the mountain on this side is more than 1,700 vertical feet. Three miles east of the mountain, the Greenbrier River flows 2,300 feet below the ridge top. Shaver’s Fork in the basin is only 700 to 800 feet below the top – hence it is perched on the mountain, high above the surrounding land.
The ski resort is on Cheat Mountain, but the other side of the basin 1.7 miles east, is actually Back Allegheny Mountain. No matter though, the whole mountain is called Cheat. Some say the name is that of an early settler, others claim that Cheat River, in its wild reaches many miles downstream, cheated many a man of his life – thus the name. While technically the river on the mountain is the Shavers Fork of Cheat, it is usually called the Cheat River locally.
Snowshoe’s ridges are so high that the evergreen forest is predominantly red spruce – a tree usually more at home in Eastern Canada. The trees spread to this region in the frigid climate of the Ice Ages of 20,000 years ago- and on the ridge tops above 3,500 feet it is still cold enough for these spruce to flourish. This forest brought the earlier invasions of men to Cheat Mountain. The same conditions that keep the spruce here now, bring hundreds of thousands of snowsports enthusiasts to our mountain.
The high ridges also force clouds to rise over them and the resulting snow favors forest growth. The snow, also, favors skiers. :)
Today, remnants of the lumbering era can still be seen on Cheat Mountain. The odd sounding names of our ski slopes and other facilities are taken from the days of logging. The roads and other traces of man are evidence in part of this adventurous and dangerous time in our history.
For example:
BALLHOOTER – A worker who rolled logs down a hill to a skid road or landing
CROSS CUT – A big-toothed two man saw, usually 6 feet long, used to cut trees.
CUPP RUN – A small stream named for the family that owned its valley years ago.
GANDY DANCER – A worker who lays and maintains railroad track.
GRAB HAMMER – A hammer with pointed ends, used to knock out “grabs” (a device of two iron hooks and chain used to fasten logs together in a trail) from the logs.
LEATHERBARK – A shrub, one common along the creek of this same name on the Cass side of Cheat Mountain.
CHOKER – A loop of cable used in skidding logs
SKIDDER – A machine with winches for skidding logs from the stump to a landing beside a railroad.
SPRUCE – Red spruce, the dominant evergreen tree on the highest ridges in West Virginia. Very common in the forests of Eastern Canada. Also means the now-abandoned old pulp mill town just north of Snowshoe. Population in 1920 was more than 300.
TIMBERLINE – The height on a mountain above which no trees can grow. No West Virginia mountain is quite that high.
POWDER MONKEY – The person responsible for the dynamite and explosives.
WHIFFLE TREE – A wooden piece used to hitch horses to a load. The traces the horse pulled on are attached to its ends, the load is attached to its center.
KNOT BUMPER – A worker who cuts limbs from a felled tree.
WHISTLEPUNK – A man out in the woods who directs the man who runs the skidder, usually by means of a battery-powered electric bell.
WIDOWMAKER – A felled tree that didn’t fall, but got caught in the limbs of other trees.
HOOTENANNY – One of the more well known words coming from the musical experiences of life. A hootenanny was a dance – the old barn dances and Saturday night parties enjoyed by the loggers on their night out of the forests.
J-HOOK – A hook in the form of a “J” that was used to pull logs. The “J” hook was imbedded in the felled tree and used to pull the cut tree or logs to the flume.
FLUME – A device which aided in the movement of logs from the felled area to the water for further transportation out of the forest.
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731. For professional photography services, check out my website www.kirstenboehmer.com
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Wow what a deal - Newly listed Foreclosure at Snowshoe Mountain
This is a property in a slopeside building, with a top floor view of the village- centrally located at the resort with a nice rental history. E-mail me for more information including photos, floorplan, income and expense estimates and to schedule a property tour. At this price, this property will not last long!
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731. For professional photography services, check out my website www.kirstenboehmer.com
Friday, August 7, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 09/06/2009.
Friday, July 31, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 08/30/2009.
Friday, July 24, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 08/23/2009.
Friday, July 17, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 08/16/2009.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Huge price reduction on a BRAND-NEW slopeside Black Bear Crossing townhome!!
This home comes fully furnished
3660 square foot home
6 bedrooms
5 1/2 baths
2 kitchens, with granite, stainless steel appliances
2 washer/dryer combo's
4 decks
Private hot tub
Located right beside the top of the Powder Ridge lift!
5 minute stroll to the excitement in the village at Snowshoe, while private and quiet when you want to get away from it all.
This home MUST BE SOLD QUICKLY- as the developers need to get it off their books! It is brand-new, completely finished, and ready to use from day one!
The price has just been reduced from $959,900 to $799,900!
This home can sleep up to 25 friends, family or renters, and should be a absolute rental machine.
The best part is that HOA Dues are only $310/month!!
(To put that in perspective, that is less than the dues you would pay for a 328 square foot Bachelor Studio at Allegheny Springs!!! You get 10x the space and you still sit slopeside!!)
This is a total no-brainer!
By the way, 4 bedroom townhomes in Logger's Run (a similar-type property at Snowshoe) grossed on average, over $44,000 in rental income last year... This 6 bedroom, brand-new Black Bear Crossing townhome should blow that out of the water!!
The purchase price is just over $200/square foot.
You cannot build this home for this price!!
**Any and all offers considered. **
Please call or e-mail me for more information on this smokin' deal of a home - including floorplans, material finishing, photographs, projected expense sheets, and/or to schedule a tour.
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731. For professional photography services, check out my website www.kirstenboehmer.com
Friday, July 10, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 08/09/2009.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Clients looking for Snowshoe area long-term rental
A friend of mine and his wife are expecting their first child this September. They are long-time Snowshoe mountain residents with great references and steady employment. Responsible, clean, etc. They are looking for a year-round rental (preferrably around the base of the mountain, but they would consider on-mountain options for the right property) with at least 2 bedrooms, or a home for purchase in the $120k range.
I often hear from folks looking for long-term rentals, (3 already this past month) but the supply is so small and very difficult to find. If you have a property that you don't use frequently and would consider renting it out on a long-term basis, please contact me and get on my list! Don't have an entire property to rent out? Properties also in high demand also include single family homes with lock-off basement or loft apartments. In tough times why not make some money on your vacant property?
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731. For professional photography services, check out my website http://www.kirstenboehmer.com/
Friday, July 3, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 08/02/2009.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Looking for some more great deals? | Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate WV
2 BEDROOM SHORT SALE IN THE LUXURIOUS SOARING EAGLE LODGE!! $279,900
Sold originally in the high $400’s!! 1,166 square feet that WALKS OUT ONTO THE HUGE COURTYARD! This means the hot tubs, firepit and grill feel like your own and you aren’t limited to a tiny balcony. Great, convenient location in this platinum-rated building with underground parking, fitness center, sauna, fabulous restaurant, at the top of the lift! Must be seen!
FULL SIZE STUDIO FORECLOSURE IN ALLEGHENY SPRINGS LODGE- $139,900
Snowshoe's Finest and one of the most popular buildings at Snowshoe! Full Studio in the Platinum-rated building, sleeps four, full kitchen, living room, fireplace, balcony, private pool & hot-tub, slopeside, check-in center, spa and restaurant in the building. Easily the lowest priced so bring offers! Better than normal rental numbers.
BANK-OWNED 4TH FLOOR EXPEDITION STATION STUDIO $119,000!
The comps are in the $70s so this one will be also. CALL TODAY IF YOU HAVE AN INTEREST. It makes money with little down and ES is slopeside and in the heart of The Village at Snowshoe.
FORECLOSED STUDIO IN THE LUXURIOUS SOARING EAGLE- $129,000
(REDUCED $52K)-First Offer Wins! Largest Studio on the mountain with 658 square feet. Sleeps 4 with a full kitchen, Dining area, queen bedroom, living room with fireplace and sleeper sofa and a balcony with huge views. Platinum-rated complex with loads of top quality amenities.
3 BEDROOM SHORT SALE In SOARING EAGLE- $356,000
1425 square foot 3 bedroom only steps from the slopes and the new Soaring Eagle Express lift. Originally $592,900! Make an offer today. Platinum-rated complex with loads of top quality amenities and a gorgeous home!
ONE BEDROOM PRE-FORECLOSURE IN HIGHLAND HOUSE (WAITING ON PRICE!)
4th Floor slopeside one bedroom that was originally $235,000. Gold-rated building with views in all directions and in the heart of The Village at Snowshoe. 548 square feet with high ceilings because of its 4th floor location so it seems bigger than others. Fitness center, hot-tub, private hearth room, ski lockers. Great deal for a one bedroom.
MOUNTAIN LODGE 1 BEDROOM-$85,900
This is the only foreclosure in Mountain Lodge and is priced below comparable sales already. Great location and good income and on the slopes. Comedy club, restaurant, game room, private parking and conference facilities!
West Ridge 138 3 bedroom luxury stone and cedar private home $499,900 (REDUCED BY $100,000!)
Beautiful tudor style home on an acre (+/-) of land on top of Snowshoe Mountain. Owners very motivated and just reduced the price by an astonishing $100,000! Has not been on a rental program. Easily functions as a 5 bedroom. Garage, gardens, private wooded storybook setting, free door to door shuttle service. Make it your own - please call today! Must sell quickly!!
LOWEST PRICED 3 BEDROOM ON SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN!! $177,777 (JUST REDUCED)
This top floor Summit Condo sits centrally located with jaw-dropping views of the mountains, valleys and sunset to the west. The kitchen & living room is remodeled and open. The master bath has been expanded/renovated with a Jacuzzi tub to relax & soothe tired muscles. The large deck, wood-burning fireplace, fully furnished, complete with Washer/Dryer and is pet-friendly!
SENECA LODGE STUDIO IN THE SNOWSHOE VILLAGE- $134,900
Lowest Priced Condo in The Seneca Lodge by $45,000! Bachelor Studio with queen bed, full bathroom, sleeper sofa, good rental history and priced to sell quick. 3 year old building, huge underground parking area, in The Village at Snowshoe, wok-out area, Conference Space, Courtyard with amazing hot-tubs and fire area and only steps from the slopes.
LOWEST PRICED CONDO AT SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN- $55,000!
Full Studio in Silver Creek Lodge. Very family friendly with the night skiing, tubing hill, food court, arcade, indoor and outdoor pool, work out area, shopping, rental shop and more. If you want to get started in Snowshoe Real Estate at a lower price point this is the one.
RIMFIRE 4th Floor 1 BEDROOM- $149,000!
Lowest priced one bedroom in The Village at Snowshoe. Sleeps 4 with queen bed, full kitchen and bath, dining area, living room with a fireplace, sleeper sofa and a balcony with western views. Make an offer!
3 BEDROOM LEATHERBARK - $179,000!
1,200 sf, no stairs! New deck, pet-friendly, easy parking, new front-load W/D, sunny dining room, remodeled kitchen, bar, backyard, 3 min walk to slopes, on shuttle route, lowest HOA fees for a 3 br! OWNER IS SUPER-MOTIVATED!
Contact me for floorplans, historical expenses, photos and more! As always, I'm here to help!
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731. For professional photography services, check out my website www.kirstenboehmer.com
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Snowshoe GNCC University A Huge Success
The races were arguably the toughest in the nation, and with the GNCC University kicking off with such success, we expect this national event to stay at Snowshoe for many years to come!
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731. For professional photography services, check out my website www.kirstenboehmer.com
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Snowshoe Mountain GNCC off-road race
West Virginia is a motorcycle-friendly state and hugely popular with motorsports enthusiasts at every level. If you love riding and would like a basecamp for your on or off-road adventures, consider the Snowshoe Mountain area as your vacation home destination.
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731. For professional photography services, check out my website www.kirstenboehmer.com
Friday, June 26, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 07/26/2009.
Friday, June 19, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 07/19/2009.
Friday, June 12, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 07/12/2009.
Friday, June 5, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 07/05/2009.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Great new travel website
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731. For professional photography services, check out my website www.kirstenboehmer.com
Friday, May 29, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 06/28/2009.
Friday, May 22, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 06/21/2009.
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Friday, May 15, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 06/14/2009.
You've been sent this e-mail from Kirsten K Boehmer
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Friday, May 8, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 06/07/2009.
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Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Looking for a deal?
Expedition Station - 2 bedroom - Sold originally for $569,900- NOW $192,000
Soaring Eagle - Large Studio - Sold originally for $269,900- NOW $149,000
Soaring Eagle - 2 bedroom - Sold originally for $499,900- NOW $221,900
Want more information? I have floor plans, expense sheets, photos, building layouts and more. Foreclosures here are still few and far between. If you are looking to buy low and hold- this is it! Call me at once if you are interested - these won't last...
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731. For professional photography services, including portraits, weddings, and real estate photography- check out my website at www.kirstenboehmer.com
Friday, May 1, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 05/31/2009.
Friday, April 24, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 05/24/2009.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Watery getaways
As the spring has slowly been warming up the area, my husband and I recently took a drive down Dry Branch Rd and followed the river for miles and miles and hours. It continues to be spectacular back up in those valleys, on the little one-lane roads that border the river and tributaries. We talked about someday owning a wooded piece of land sitting right on the river, and building a cabin to keep in the family for fishing, canoe or float trips, swimming, as a base for skiing and snowboarding and snowshoeing and all the other wonderful things one does in the mountains. Yes it was truly a great conversation. As we drove, I was amazed at all the people, wearing their waders, out in the river fly fishing. Some were having a beer with friends, standing over the campfire, happy to be out in the warm sun after a long winter indoors. The water level was up and flowing nicely.
It also hit me - I saw hundreds of little campers or cabins over the years - properties that when I first moved to the mountains, I mis-took for full time homes (to which I used to wonder - how does someone live in such a little house out in the middle of nowhere?). What do they DO out here? It all began to make sense to me now as I put all the pieces together. I kept meeting folks from urban areas in Charleston, Washington DC, Richmond, Charlotte, etc. So many of the little places I've seen over the years have been hunting and fishing camps! Friends and families get together and buy pieces of land - some have tiny spaces bordering the river, some have massive amounts of acres that are hidden in the hollows and which give them a retreat and a safe getaway from the concrete jungle. Much of this land is incredibly affordable.
No, in some cases, there is no power (they may use solar, wind, or have a generator), no paved roads (they almost all have 4WD vehicles), and in many (but not all) cases these are not expansive homes. There's no need for that. No Home Owners Associations, no covenants and restrictions, no neighbors to keep up with, nobody to impress. (My husband always says "A man should be able to pee outside.") While I don't know about that - I get his point. Many people are constantly locked-in, regulated, there are rules for absolutely EVERYTHING in life in the cities and suburbs. Your house has to be a certain color, you can't park in certain places, and heaven-forbid your hedges aren't properly trimmed. The mountains are freeing. A rustic cabin, a nice porch, and peace and quiet along the river can be amazingly idyllic and rejuvenating. Everyone should experience it and get back in touch with what is real in the world.
A vacation to your own river cabin doesn't cost you a cent. No tickets for admission, no rental equipment, no new outfits to make sure you look nice. You actually get something back from these places - time with friends and family - actual conversations - you teach your son to light a proper campfire, you show your daughter where to pick blackberries and apples and ramps (our springtime wild-garlic/onion delicacy), you realize that a fresh catch that you hooked that day tastes better than anything that can be bought from a store. And you pass down these things, and this land, through your generations.
I thought I'd differ from my normal Snowshoe-focused posts and give you some examples of properties off the mountain, some in Pocahontas county, some in neighboring counties, and broaden your view a bit. All focused on the rivers - the lifeblood of the mountains. You don't have to spend $400k on a second home. (But you can if you want to!)
Let me know what you think... Click HERE to view and dream...
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
For professional photography services, check out my website www.kirstenboehmer.com
Friday, April 17, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 05/17/2009.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Donald Trump: Be bold and buy real estate now!
Years ago, during other tough times, John Lennon and Yoko Ono made signs stating "WAR IS OVER! (if you want it)"

It made people stop and think about the fact that we the people, need to BE the change that we want to see in the world. The saying is particularly relevant again today, whether with the current war, or perhaps it should say "RECESSION IS OVER! (if you want it)". BE the change in the economy that you want to see. Take the opportunities placed in front of you and run with them. Opportunities are everywhere (if you want them).
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731. For professional photography services, check out my website at www.kirstenboehmer.com
Friday, April 10, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 05/10/2009.
You've been sent this e-mail from Kirsten K Boehmer
pursuant to your request for up to date real estate information.
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Looking for a deal?
Expedition Station - 2 bedroom - $267,900
Soaring Eagle Lodge - Large Studio - $181,000
Soaring Eagle Lodge - 2 bedroom - $221,900
Want more information? I have floor plans, expense sheets, photos, original selling prices and more. Foreclosures here are few and far between. If you are looking to buy low - this is it!
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
5 Reasons to Buy Real Estate Now!
According to Christine Karpinski, the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) 2009 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey suggests that the iron is sizzling hot-and if you’re going to strike, the time is now.
“A few years ago when prices were escalating rapidly, people were kicking themselves for not having bought earlier when real estate was far more reasonable,” notes Karpinski, director of Owner Community for HomeAway.com and author of How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner, 2nd Edition: The Complete Guide to Buy, Manage, Furnish, Rent, Maintain and Advertise Your Vacation Rental Investment. “Well, in 2012 or so, people will look back on 2009 as another missed opportunity.”
While all home sales were down significantly in 2008 (as one would expect)-and vacation property sales were down some 30%-so were real estate prices. That, of course, makes for an extremely favorable buyer’s market. It’s not surprising at all, therefore, that the NAR report found that 80% of vacation property and investment property owners surveyed believe that now is a great time to purchase real estate.
These sentiments echo those of Walter Molony, spokesman for NAR, who said in a recent CNBC article that the second home market is “fundamentally healthy.”
“The long-term underlying demand is favorable for vacation homes because of the large number of middle-age, middle income Americans [who are the primary buyers of such properties],” Molony was quoted as saying. “In recent years, this market has been driven by the Baby Boomers, but there are two even larger population groups coming up right behind them. Those younger segments will continue to fuel this market for the next 10 years.”
Karpinski says the NAR 2009 survey results, in conjunction with a proprietary Special Report done for HomeAway, constitute clear evidence that now is an ideal time to buy a vacation home.
She offers the following insights:
- Home prices are way, way down. The National Association of Realtors survey showed that the median sales price of the typical vacation home was $150,000-down 23.1% from 2007’s median price of $195,000. (To put this in perspective, consider that when NAR started conducting this survey, the median vacation home price in 2003 was $190,000 and reached a high in 2004 of $204,100.) When combined with the rock bottom interest rates, says Karpinski, all signs point to the likelihood that we’re now at the picture perfect time to buy.
“Anecdotally, I can tell you that people who would never have purchased a detached single home on the coast are now seriously considering it,” she notes. “Homes that would have once cost $3 million have now fallen to $1.5 million. And these buyers know that the price won’t stay down long, and will never be this low again.”
- It’s never been more obvious that real estate is a sound long-term investment. The NAR survey results revealed that the share of speculator sales is down from 29% to 16%. Combined with the fact that 34% of buyers are purchasing properties within 100 miles or less of their primary residence-which suggests they intend to use it themselves-this trend indicates that more and more people are embracing a “buy and hold” strategy. Plus, Karpinski says she constantly sees evidence that people are beginning to see the long-term benefits of real estate investing earlier in life. (The median age of vacation property buyers in 2008 was a relatively young 47.)
- The vacation home rental market is booming. While 89% of vacation property owners surveyed cited “to use for vacations or as a family retreat” as a reason for purchasing their second place answer is telling, indeed. Twenty-seven percent of respondents said they were purchasing their home “to rent to others.” While this number is up from the 25% cited in last year’s survey, Karpinski predicts next year’s survey will really tell the tale. As recession-crunched homeowners pursue new income streams-and as it becomes ever more evident that the vacation rental market is booming-2009 will prove to be a huge turning point in the renting out of second homes.
- People are more in touch with “rental realities” than they once were. In the past, says Karpinski, a first-time vacation homeowner might have expected to rent out their property an unrealistic number of weeks (say, 50 weeks out of the year). But NAR’s Special Report for HomeAway shows that 44% of respondents said they plan to rent anywhere between 9-26 weeks.
- Renting by owner has become mainstream. The NAR Special Report for HomeAway reveals that 54% of respondents plan to market their homes themselves. This do-it-yourself attitude reflects not only a burgeoning confidence index among vacation property owners, but also the wealth of support resources available to those who want to rent out their homes themselves.
Everything has changed. The truth is it’s gotten so easy and so affordable that there’s no valid reason not to do it yourself.” Need one more reason to take the plunge? Consider the fact that last month Fannie Mae rescinded its four-property limit for investors. If you’re financially secure and can come up with the requisite 20% down, chances are good you’re going to easily qualify for a mortgage.
“Of course there are always risks when buying any kind of real estate,” Karpinski acknowledges. “But investors who are comfortable with risk have to realize that conditions are ripe right now for a ‘perfect storm’ of success. Even if housing prices do go lower, interest rates surely will not. And once the turnaround comes, selection won’t be nearly as good as it is right now.
“Naturally, you should be cautious and do your homework before you buy any property-but don’t be so cautious that you miss this window of opportunity,” Karpinski adds. “These windows do have a way of slamming shut, and you don’t want to be stuck on the other side wistfully looking in a few years down the road.”
Christine Karpinski is the author of How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner, 2nd Edition: The Complete Guide to Buy, Manage, Furnish, Rent, Maintain and Advertise Your Vacation Rental Investment andProfit from Your Vacation Home Dream: The Complete Guide to a Savvy Financial and Emotional Investment.
(Source: RIS Media)
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Friday, April 3, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 05/03/2009.
Friday, March 27, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 04/26/2009.
Friday, March 20, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 04/19/2009.
Friday, March 13, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 04/12/2009.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Real Estate Photography - Go Pro!
I recently took some photos for a neighbor's newly constructed home. I thought I'd share them with you. Click HERE to view them from my Flickr photostream. I'll work on getting more posted here soon. I provide professional photography services for all of my sellers at no additional charge, and offer other area agents my services as an inexpensive a-la-carte add-on for their client's listing photos. Also if you decide to go the For Sale by Owner route, let me help you present your property in the best light possible. And for those of you who are using websites like Craigslist and VRBO.com to market your rental property - think about hiring a professional to make your property stand out from a sea of competition. Contact me for very reasonable pricing! Oh- and let me know what you think about my photos from the link above! :)
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Friday, March 6, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 04/05/2009.
Friday, February 27, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 03/29/2009.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Snowshoe Mountain Welcomes Disabled Veterans for Wounded Warriors Ski Camp

The Wounded Warrior Project will be bringing injured servicemen and women to Snowshoe for a weekend on the slopes skiing with our adaptive sports program. Challenged Athletes and the Snowshoe community are very excited to have the opportunity to give something back to these soldiers who have already given so much for their country, and to all of us. The Wounded Warriors Project and Challenged Athletes of West Virginia are dedicated to helping people rise above these perceived limitations, and embrace a future where uncertainty is replaced with optimism and motivation.
The 17 soldiers taking part in this year’s event will travel from around the region, including West Virginia, Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, and Fort Belvoir in Virginia. The soldiers are veterans of active duty, having served in the Army, Air Force and Marines. Most are currently on active duty or in transitional units. The weekend’s activities are a joint effort of the Wounded Warrior program, Challenged Athletes of WV—a member of Disabled Sports USA—and Snowshoe’s adaptive ski program, which offers disabled persons the chance to experience the slopes all season.
Because adaptive ski and snowboard equipment can cost as much as $3,000, many veterans cannot afford to participate in the sport on their own. The wounded warriors and their family members are provided these opportunities free of charge, including transportation, lodging, meals, adaptive equipment and individualized instruction. With the help of these programs, athletes can accomplish things they may have thought impossible after their injuries, finding joy, comfort and pride in reestablishing their athletic ability.
Snowshoe Mountain has a long history of involvement with adaptive skiing. In partnership with Challenged Athletes of West Virginia, we are proud to carry on the tradition - "Skiing is for EVERYONE!"
Through our program, adaptive equipment and instruction are available for just about every disability group - 3 and 4 Track Skiing, Mono and Bi-Ski, Blind / Hearing-Impaired and Developmental Disabilities. All lessons are one on one and are flexible based on the needs of each skier.
Adaptive skiing has become the sport of choice for thousands of challenged individuals and their families. Technology, dedication and generosity have opened many doors previously closed to individuals with disabilities. Snowshoe is proud to be part of the many programs nationwide that continue to push open the door of opportunity.
People with a wide range of disabilities participate in skiing with their family and friends. Skiing is enjoyed by people with spinal cord injuries, amputations, cerebral palsy, sight and hearing impairment, traumatic brain injury and development disorders, just to name a few. The benefits of participation in challenging activities like skiing carry over into everyday life. After a day on the slopes, no mountain seems to high to conquer.
For more information on the Wounded Warrior Project, Challenged Athletes of West Virginia, and/or the Adaptive Ski Programs at Snowshoe Mountain, visit: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
http://www.cawvsports.org/
http://www.snowshoemtn.com/rentals-and-lessons/adaptive/index.htm
or call Dave Begg at 304-572-6708.
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731.
Friday, February 20, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 03/22/2009.
Friday, February 13, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 03/15/2009.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Snowshoe's Annual Jose Cuervo Games of Winter!
The weekend’s events kicked off last night with a warm-up party at Hoot’s. Today will feature the annual Cardboard Box Racer Building Party, followed by parties at the mountains hotspots; Moonshine Pub, the Junction, Foxfire Grille and The Connection Nightclub. The Davisson Brothers Band will provide live entertainment at The Connection.
Saturday will feature the infamous Great Games of Winter, with the cardboard box race, snow volleyball, tug-o-war and other classic competitions. After the games, the party moves indoors to the Connection Nightclub for the Bar Games of Winter. Cuervo Happy Hour will follow, featuring another live performance by the Davisson Brothers, who will also rock The Connection all night Saturday. For those nursing a Cuervo hangover on Sunday, the annual Recovery Party takes place at 1 p.m. inside Moonshine Pub.
Party goers will find plenty of snow on the slopes, as Snowshoe has seen over a foot of fresh snow since Saturday, and just finished the snowiest November to January period since the 1995-96 ski season. The mountain is 100% open, offering 60 slopes and 244 acres of skiable terrain.
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Friday, February 6, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 03/08/2009.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Ski For A Cure At Snowshoe Feb. 27
Tickets for the event are $100 and include an all-day ticket to Snowshoe. Proceeds will go to support the Susan G. Komen Foundation. For those looking to ski for an additional day, tickets for Feb. 27 and March 1 are available for $45. In addition, ski and snowboard rentals are available for $18 per day with your Ski for the Cure ticket.
Tickets and rentals can be purchased by calling 877-441-4FUN or at the mountain on the day of the event.
A welcome party will be held 7 to 9 p.m. Friday Feb. 27; the Ski for a Cure event will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday Feb. 28, with related actitivies all day long finishing with a Pink Party 8 to 11 p.m. in the Big Top.
Susan G. Komen for the Cure, is the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested more than $1 billion since inception in 1982. As the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, the group is working to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and generous contributions from our partners, sponsors and fellow supporters, we have become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731.
Cell Service Expanding for the Snowshoe Mountain Area
Expansion of Nation's Fastest 3G Network, New Cell Sites Planned
CHARLESTON, W.Va., Feb. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- To address the growing demand for advanced wireless data products and services, AT&T Mobility today unveiled its network expansion plans for West Virginia in the coming year. They include rolling out its third generation (3G) mobile broadband network in new communities across the state including Morgantown, Clarksburg, Bridgeport, Beckley and vacation venues such as the Snowshoe Mountain resort in Snowshoe and the Greenbrier resort in White Sulfur Springs. The company also plans to enhance the existing 3G footprint in Charleston, Huntington, and Logan.
AT&T Mobility's 3G wireless network is available in nearly 350 major metropolitan areas in the U.S. and ranked as the nation's fastest according to recent data compiled by leading independent research firms. "We're committed to delivering dependable high speed wireless access in more places across West Virginia for consumers and business customers who need to stay connected to work, family and friends," said J. Michael Schweder, President AT&T Mid-Atlantic Region.
In 2009, the company plans to add new cell sites across the state to expand the wireless network in many areas including Huntington, Logan, Beckley, Elkins and Bridgeport in West Virginia and in the area of Ashland, Kentucky. New sites will also be built to provide coverage along US 119 between Clendenin and Spencer and highway 10 south of Huntington.
This builds on the company's 2008 investment, in which AT&T Mobility turned on 34 new cell sites across the state that boosted coverage throughout Charleston, Tornado, Hamlin, Summersville, Buckhannon and Pipestem Resort. New cell sites built in Kentucky enhanced coverage in Ashland and Olive Hill. Coverage was also expanded along several of the state's highways including I-64 at the border between WV and VA and between Huntington and Mount Olive and along US-33 between Spencer and Ripley.
AT&T Mobility's wireless network is based on GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) technologies, the most open and widely used wireless network platform in the world. As a result, only AT&T Mobility can offer 3G data roaming in more than 65 countries, including Japan and South Korea, as well as voice calling in more than 200 countries, in addition to the company's constant 3G expansion in the U.S. Nearly all devices in the company's current portfolio are "world phones" that can be used globally.
To find out more details about AT&T Mobility's coverage in West Virginia or anywhere in the United States, consumers can go to http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/. The online tool provides up-to-date wireless coverage information for specific locations. The tool can measure the quality of coverage based on a street address, intersection, ZIP code or even a landmark.
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
or 304-572-6731.
Friday, January 30, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 03/01/2009.
Friday, January 23, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 02/22/2009
Snowshoe Mountain will open 100% today!
Snowshoe offers by far the most open terrain in the region, and has seen more than three times the snowfall of some regional resorts. Make your vacation home purchase at the Southeastern ski resort with consistently the best conditions in the region! We're close to home, don't require travel via the airlines, and great in summer and winter - with some of the most spectacular fall foliage you've ever seen.
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Friday, January 16, 2009
TGIF! New Snowshoe Mountain Real Estate Activity
Click the link below to see the new properties to hit the market, and other real estate activity at Snowshoe Mountain for this week! Contact me for more information on any of these homes at:
kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Have a great weekend!
Follow this link to see the page:
Click here to view listing(s)
This link will no longer be available after 02/15/2009.
2009 Country Living Magazine's House of the Year - at Snowshoe Mountain
If not, you have two more opportunities on January 18th and the 22nd.
Don't get the DIY network on your tv? Check out the photographs by clicking HERE.
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Snowshoe in the News!
And be sure to watch the DIY network at 9pm tonight (Thursday), as one of our listings at Sawmill Village at Snowshoe Mountain Resort will be featured! The first Country Living House of the Year special, announced by the network and Country Living magazine, is a one-hour, behind-the-scenes look at the publications' annual editorial House of the Year event. Viewers will see everything that goes into the process from the planning and development stages to the actual build and final room-by-room tour. The house of the year has been an annual editorial undertaking for the magazine since 1981. This year's house is located at Snowshoe's Sawmill Village, the resort's exclusive gated residential community. The arts and crafts-inspired retreat promises to make a dramatic addition to the mountain top. Plus, for the first time ever, Country Living chose one lucky reader to design and decorate a room in the house. The completed House of the Year is featured in the magazine's February issue, on newsstands today. Encore presentations of Country Living House of the Year air on the DIY Network 7 p.m. Sunday and 7 p.m. Jan. 22.
The Home is currently for sale and listed at $1,575,000.
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Snowshoe Mountain Protects Red Spruce Forest for Flying Squirrel and other Rare Species
Read full story from WVNS-TV
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
It's the time to play ball, not the time to play catch-up!
Now, more than ever it is critically important to price your home aggressively if you want to sell. I know, you are probably thinking "Well, I will try a higher price now, knowing that I can always drop my price later." I hear it all the time. Unfortunately, you are delaying the inevitable and your listing is aging. Let me explain...
Let's remove some of the emotion from the equation and present this as if it were related to the sale of, oh -let's say- a car.
Here's the scenerio:
You own a used car lot. In the same neighborhood, there are other used car lots. Buyers are cautious about purchasing right now, since the economy is a bit sketchy, so they are looking for the very best deal with the lowest risk. Because sales are slow, you and the other car lot owners are noticing that your inventory of cars are growing and you have a surplus of cars sitting unsold on your lots. You shop your competitors prices and notice that they have begun reducing their prices to try to attract buyers. You had an idea of how much you wanted to profit from the sale of your cars, and figure that you will not lower your price and eat into your profits. Meanwhile, buyers stop by your lot and shop your prices. You overhear occasionally that they can get a similar car at the lot down the street for less money. You say to them "but this car is red, and it has heated seats, and look- the previous owner added pinstriping!" The buyers shrug their shoulders and leave the lot, since the cars are not THAT different, and besides, they may not want pinstriping. Over the next few weeks, you notice that the other neighborhood lots are starting to sell some of their cars. You finally give in and decide to reduce your price, realizing that your goal is to actually sell the cars. After all, you're paying for each of them every month! Meanwhile, the economy is still sketchy and buyers are still cautious. Your competition, who shops your prices too, decides that sales are still not happening fast enough, and so they drop their prices again. You can't believe it- you just dropped your price, and now the market has dropped further. To meet them, and sell your cars, you'd have to drop again- but you refuse, because you just dropped your price to where YOU thought it should be! The other car lots capture the few buyers that are purchasing these days, and your lot still sits full of aging inventory. People notice that you've had the same cars for sale for months- or even years - and then they start to think "Why are those cars still for sale? There must be something wrong with them, since nobody else has bought them." And the cycle continues...
This is the same exact situation that happens in the housing, or ANY market. Value of an item is determined by the price that a buyer is willing to pay for an item- and it's a constantly moving number based on many fluctuating factors. It's supply and demand. If demand for cars (or houses) goes down, and supply of cars (or houses) stays the same or increases, the value of those cars (or houses) MUST decrease in order to keep the market moving. Start off priced too high, and you will be trying to play catch-up to the rest of the market the entire time. In the long run, it will cost you time and money, because the longer something sits on the market unsold, the less it's value is worth.
Don't feel hopeless though- you as the seller, DO have control, by making sure that your home is in the best possible condition, attractive esthetically and functionally to the greatest number of possible buyers, and by being priced competitively for the current market.
For more information on the Real Estate market including any condo, townhome or house on Snowshoe Mountain, contact Kirsten Boehmer at Kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or 304-572-6731.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Intrawest's Eastern Ski Resorts Experience the Best Early Season Snow Conditions in Recent History
Intrawest, a leader in the development and management of experiential destination resorts, today reported outstanding early season snow conditions throughout its ski resorts in eastern North America. A favorable combination of natural snow and cold temperatures suitable for snowmaking is providing the best possible early season conditions at Snowshoe Mountain (West Virginia), Tremblant (Quebec), Stratton Mountain (Vermont), Blue Mountain (Ontario) and Mountain Creek (New Jersey).
"This season, we are well ahead of schedule with excellent snow conditions and one of the strongest openings in years for our eastern ski resorts," said Andy Wirth, chief marketing officer at Intrawest. "We are experiencing historic levels of natural snow that continues to accumulate throughout the region along with cold temperatures enabling our snowmaking equipment to operate around the clock. With new trails opening every day, our resort guests have the opportunity to enjoy exceptional early season conditions at some of the most desirable ski resorts in the region."
The exceptional early season snow conditions complement early season savings available on season pass products and vacation deals at every Intrawest resort. To take advantage of package deals including savings on airfares, lodging, lift tickets and rentals, visit www.intrawest.com
Highlights from Intrawest's eastern region mountain resorts include:
Snowshoe Mountain, West Virginia
Snowshoe is experiencing a historic start to celebrate its 35th winter season. With a total cumulative snowfall of 69 inches, the resort has already received more than half of last year's snowfall total. Snowmaking efforts continue across the mountain and there will be 30 trails and 110 acres of terrain open this weekend including the entire 1,500 vertical feet of "Cupp Run", the signature slope of Snowshoe, which is scheduled to open on Saturday December 6th. Visit Snowshoe at www.snowshoemtn.com
Tremblant, Quebec
Tremblant has received 30 inches of natural snow since the beginning of the season and snow flurries continue to cover the slopes of the # 1 ranked ski resort in the east for more than a decade, according to SKI Magazine. Snow guns of one of the most powerful snow making systems in North America provide a tremendous variety of terrain and an amazing start for the 2008-2009 season. Visit Tremblant at www.tremblant.ca
Stratton Mountain, Vermont
With more than 180 acres of open terrain Stratton offers some of the best early season conditions available in the north eastern United States. The cold weather conditions are ideal for around the clock snowmaking and the prevalence of natural snow flurries means additional terrain will be opening every day. Visit Stratton at www.stratton.com
Blue Mountain, Ontario
Blue Mountain is off to a tremendous start this season with the resort's earliest opening in years. Cooler temperatures have enabled the resort's snowmaking team to take advantage of optimal early winter conditions to provide the finest ski and snowboard terrain in the region. Visit Blue Mountain at www.bluemountain.ca
Mountain Creek, New Jersey
Mountain Creek is scheduled to open its South Peak Terrain Park on Monday December 8th followed by top-to-bottom terrain at both Vernon Mountain and South Peak on Saturday December 13th. Snow enthusiasts eager to experience pre-season conditions are encouraged to take advantage of Mountain Creek's hikeable jib parks that will be available on Saturday December 6th and Sunday December 7th. Visit Mountain Creek at www.mountaincreek.com
"The weather forecast calls for cooler than normal temperatures throughout the month of December which will continue to provide an ideal environment for snowmaking at all of our eastern resorts," continued Wirth. "The unprecedented early season snowfall combined with our excellent snowmaking capabilities is great news for snow enthusiasts eager to book their ski vacations for the coming holiday season."
About Intrawest
Intrawest is a leader in the development and management of experiential destination resorts. The company has interests in ten resorts at North America's most popular mountain destinations including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Intrawest network also includes Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida and Club Intrawest - a private resort club with locations throughout North America. In addition, Intrawest develops, markets and sells real estate at its resorts and at other locations across North America and in Europe. Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia.
SOURCE Intrawest ULC
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Snow, Opening Day, Auction, New Listings and a little horn-tooting!
It's beginning to feel a lot like...ski season! This past Saturday it started snowing and it just stopped! As of Wednesday morning, Snowshoe has been blessed by this latest storm with a gorgeous fluffy blanket of snow over 2.5 feet deep! I took a couple photos over the last couple days to show you! What a way to kick winter off this year!
Some gorgeous trees right outside our office at the Brigham Center.
The flagpoles at the village entrance.
In the village looking towards the slopes. The Groomers are getting the slopes ready to go!
With all this fabulous snow, we really can't stand to see it go to waste, so yesterday evening it was announced that we will be opening 5 DAYS EARLY for our 35th anniversary year - this Friday, November 21! I can't wait to hit the slopes! We have absolutely superb conditions and I hear more snow is in the forecast!
If all this talk about ski season is getting you thinking about owning a vacation home or a rental property at Snowshoe, you may want to consider visiting in early December! There is an auction planned with a nice selection of properties being offered to the highest bidder! Some of the properties with 1 or more units available for purchase include: Top of the World, Soaring Eagle Lodge, West Ridge homes, Camp 4, Expedition Station, Silver Creek, Creekside, Whistlepunk and Rimfire Lodge. Selections are limited. If you want more information, contact me at kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com and I'll be happy to send over information on the properties. Let me help you as your exclusive buyer's agent to ensure that you are well represented!
Not interested in the auction? Click HERE to see the latest properties to hit the market!
And now for a little horn tooting! :) I was commissioned this fall to paint a mural onto one of the Terrain Park features out on the slopes! I chose this huge Wall-ride and painted this gorgeous ocean wave, inspired by one of my favorite artists, Heather Brown. As a girl who grew up surfing, I love the parallels between surfing and snowboarding and the similarities in the feelings that both give to me and to all the other surf and snow lovers out there. Look for my art on the slopes this winter! Thanks to Jamie McCourt- Snowshoe/Silver Creek Terrain Parks Manager, and his crew for giving me the opportunity to do what I love!
Me in front of my work.
A detail shot of the frothy lip of the wave.
Another shot showing one of the sides.
If you or anyone you know love hitting the rails in the park, send me a photo of the action on this rail!! I'd love to see how it looks with someone hitting it just right so it looks like they're sliding on top of the wave in their snow gear!
Thanks for taking the time to read this post! As always, for any real estate needs at Snowshoe, give me a call at 304-572-6731 or toll free at 888-489-1943, or send an e-mail to kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com or kirsten.boehmer@gmail.com!
Hope to see you on the slopes soon!
Friday, October 31, 2008
The Lowest Priced Properties on Snowshoe Mountain!
I thought I'd vary up my posting of listings this week, by presenting to you the best priced properties on the market at Snowshoe Mountain!
I scoured the Multiple Listing Service one by one, to come up with this list of all the properties around the mountain that have the best pricing for their property type. So for example, you can not only see the best priced 2 bedroom on the mountain, you can see the best priced 2 bedroom in Mountain Lodge, and the best priced 2 bedroom in Powderidge. I think I've covered everything from Jr studios, all the way up to single family homes. There are 66 properties here - all for sale, all priced the best for their property type! The best priced properties are what's moving in our current market. Scoop one of these up before they're gone!
Click HERE to view them, and let me know if I can provide you with information on any of these properties, or any other at Snowshoe Mountain! (This link will be valid for 30 days. "Lowest Priced" status may change without notice as prices are adjusted by sellers)
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Monday, October 27, 2008
A Wall Street Alternative: 5 Timely Reasons to Invest in Vacation Property
RISMEDIA, Oct. 27, 2008-The stock market is down, and if you’re like most people, your level of investing confidence has dropped as well. Yes, only those with nerves of steel feel good about playing the market right now. And if you’re not one of those hearty souls, you’re at a bit of a loss as to what to do with your nest egg. Christine Karpinski has a suggestion: Instead of pouring your money into Wall Street, why not consider Ocean Boulevard or Mountainside Drive?
“A vacation home can be a remarkably good investment right now,” says Karpinski, director of Owner Community for HomeAway.com (an online vacation home rental marketplace) and author of How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner, 2nd Edition: The Complete Guide to Buy, Manage, Furnish, Rent, Maintain and Advertise Your Vacation Rental Investment (Kinney Pollack Press, 2007, ISBN: 0-9748249-9-2, $26.00).
“Stock market woes have always pushed people to look for alternate investments, and real estate is a consistent stronghold,” she says. “Yes, home values are down right now but they have always rebounded. I wouldn’t recommend buying a second home with the expectation of flipping it for a quick buck, but if you hang onto it for a while-and better still, turn it into a vacation rental property-you’ll make a nice profit.”
So what makes buying a vacation home so attractive right now? Karpinski explains:
There are plenty of great deals to be had. Thanks to the aftermath of the real estate bubble, home prices are down right now across the board. That means in many vacation markets, you can pick up a beach condo or a mountain cabin at a decent price. And that means that if you’ve been kicking yourself for not buying a vacation home back before prices escalated beyond all reason, you’ve got a reprieve-Karpinski says that in some markets homes are back to 2000 prices.
“Housing bubble or no housing bubble, you’re not going to get bargain basement prices on, say, a cottage right on the ocean-but if you’re willing to buy a few rows back, you’ll likely find that prices have fallen substantially,” notes Karpinski. “Because houses aren’t flying off the shelf, there’s less pressure on you to make a quick decision. You can afford to take your time, do your research, and refine your plan.”
Interest rates are attractive right now. Recently, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a percentage point in an effort to shore up America’s faltering economy. And rates have been reasonably low for awhile, following earlier rate cuts toward the beginning of the year. That’s good news for anyone (anyone with good credit, that is) who’s in the market for a mortgage.
“Add the lower interest rates to the lower housing prices, and it’s clear that now is the time to buy,” says Karpinski. “Of course, for the sake of our nation’s economy, we want the real estate market to pick up, but from an individual buyer’s perspective, the combination of lots of houses for sale, low prices, and falling interest rates is hard to beat.”
If you’re worried about investing in a sluggish real estate market, relax. Recent reports indicate housing is on the rebound. Last week the National Association of Realtors® reported that, “The Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI), a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in August, jumped 7.4%…and is 8.8 percent higher than August 2007.”
Other encouraging points made in the NAR article:
- Pending home sales are up strongly in vacation home-heavy areas.
- The PHSI jumped 18.4% in August. It’s now 37.8% above what it was a year ago.
- Home prices are projected to increase 2 to 3% next year.
According to Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist: “Home buyers in July were hampered by overly stringent lending criteria in the months before the government takeover of Fannie and Freddie,” he said. “August shows some unleashing of pent-up demand before the credit crisis accelerated in September.”
“If you’re anxious about your ROI, these statistics should put your mind at ease,” notes Karpinski. “But always remember to think of real estate as a long-term investment. It doesn’t really matter whether the market starts picking up steam right away. Your home will appreciate slowly over the years, and that’s all that really matters.”
You can use your rental income to offset your mortgage. (And then some!) Karpinski is a huge proponent of renting by owner (rather than using a property management company). Rent it out only seventeen weeks out of the year and your new vacation home could pay for itself. When your monthly mortgage payment is less than or equal to one peak week rental, twelve weeks of rental will cover your mortgage payments for the entire year. Other costs, including bills for your phone, power, cable, and association dues, may be paid out of your earnings from approximately five off-week rentals.
“Most owners tell me that their average weekly rate is around $1,500 to $1,600 and that their property is rented out twenty weeks or more per year,” says Karpinski. “Do the math and you’ll see that that comes out to around $30,000 or more in rental revenue each year. And here’s something interesting: While most people admit that the cost savings is the primary reason they rent by owner, they often add that the sense of control it gives them is equally important. They feel they can take better care of their property than anyone else and like to know who is renting their homes.”
It’s never been easier to market rental properties. Websites like HomeAway.com have made it easy and inexpensive for homeowners to list their properties. Plus, says Karpinski, as more and more people realize the benefits of staying in vacation homes rather than hotels, the pool of potential guests grows by leaps and bounds.
“There are lots of markets for renting vacation homes besides the usual leisure traveler,” notes Karpinski. “Business travelers are one example. If you’re a homeowner, you can approach local businesses and invite them to have clients and associates stay at your vacation home instead of at a hotel. Just make sure your house is properly equipped and you might find yourself with a self-replenishing stream of guests.”
If you’re rushing out the door to head to the bank right now, Karpinski doesn’t blame you. (She owns several vacation homes herself and knows what a fantastic investment they can be.) But she does want you to temper your enthusiasm with a word or two of caution.
“It’s not as easy to get a mortgage as it once was,” she warns. “But if you have strong credit, you can find a lender who’ll work with you. Also, don’t rush into a decision. You may be thinking, ‘Well, if I do this before the end of the year, I can get a nice tax write-off.’ That’s true. But it’s more important to take your time, make sure the property is right for you, and make sure the rent-by-owner lifestyle is right for you. It’s not for everyone-but if you know what you’re getting into, you may well decide it’s the best financial decision you could make.”
5 Reasons Why the Vacation Home Rental Market Is Holding Strong…Even in our Weak Economy
1. It’s easy for consumers to find information on vacation homes. By visiting respectable websites travelers can quickly find the vacation home that’s right for them. HomeAway’s network of vacation rentals includes over 300,000 properties all over the world, making it possible for almost anyone to find one within a two- to three-hour driving distance from their home.
2. Vacation homes tend to be less expensive than hotel rooms. This is especially true if you’re traveling with extended family or a group of friends. HomeAway recently contrasted a three-bedroom vacation rental private condo in Orlando with a popular three-star hotel and found that the condo was cheaper by more than $1,700! “That’s a big difference, and in a tenuous economy it seems even bigger,” notes Karpinski.
3. When airfare gets expensive, people start taking road trips instead. Even with gas prices relatively high, it’s still far cheaper to drive a couple hundred miles to your mountain cabin than to fly to some lavish vacation destination. “Even with the bad economy, people need to take vacations,” says Karpinski. “In fact, psychologically, they may need to get away more than ever. A fairly inexpensive stay in a nearby vacation home is the perfect solution.”
4. The weak dollar makes U.S. tourist destinations attractive to European travelers, whose currency is still strong. “On my recent trip to Hawaii, I noticed a lot of German tourists,” notes Karpinski. “And when I speak to many of the vacation homeowners I work with, they confirm that they’ve encountered a surprisingly high number of European travelers lately.”
5. Business travelers still need a place to stay. When corporations must meet with business associates-who increasingly hail from overseas-they need good lodging solutions. Enter the vacation home. “More and more executives are putting their guests up in vacation homes instead of cramped, impersonal hotel rooms,” notes Karpinski. “It’s a far more comfortable option; plus many companies work out deals with homeowners whereby they can get ‘volume discounts.’ It’s a win/win for all parties involved.”
Christine Karpinski is the author of “How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner, 2nd Edition: The Complete Guide to Buy, Manage, Furnish, Rent, Maintain and Advertise Your Vacation Rental Investment” (Kinney Pollack Press, 2007, ISBN: 0-9748249-9-2, $26.00) and “Profit from Your Vacation Home Dream: The Complete Guide to a Savvy Financial and Emotional Investment” (Kaplan, 2005, ISBN: 1-4195069-1-9, $19.95).
Contact Kirsten Boehmer for more information on any property for sale on or around Snowshoe Mountain! 304-572-6731 or kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
New Snowshoe Listings!
CLICK HERE!
For more information on these, or any other property at Snowshoe, call Kirsten at 304-572-6731 or e-mail me at kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com
Have a great week!
-Kirsten
Snowshoe update!
It's been a little while since my last post! Business has been fantastic over the last 1.5 months, with buyers finally moving forward with purchases! It took a while for folks to realize that now is that once in a decade chance to get FANTASTIC deals on a mountain vacation home at Snowshoe that people have been waiting for! And they sure have realized it! Our office has been slammed with buyer inquiries, and the activity on written contracts has been great! I recently closed on 2 properties, and we have 4 others with firm contracts this month, and several others in the works!
What's selling? A little bit of everything: a 1 bedroom Top of the World, a 3 Bedroom + Den Camp 4 Townhome, a 1 bedroom Mountain Lodge, a 3 bedroom Summit, a 2 bedroom Soaring Eagle Lodge, and a 1 bedroom Plus Allegheny Springs! That's just at our office! I'll be updating the Recent Snowshoe Sales section of my blog - so check out the most recent sales soon.
Sellers, take note! Properties that are PRICED RIGHT are receiving offers! Buyers know that now is the time to get a great deal. Listen to your Realtor's advice on the state of the market and price to SELL! If you start out high, you will be chasing the market from then on. The properties that are selling are priced the best. The Mountain Lodge 1 bedroom was the best priced in the building. So was the 2 bedroom Soaring Eagle, and the Summit 3 bedroom was the best priced 3 bedroom on Snowshoe Mountain. Keep in mind that neither the agents, nor the sellers have control over the VALUE of a property. Value is created by demand, utility, scarcity and transferability of a property. The only thing that we can influence is the LIST PRICE. Price wrong, and buyers won't see the value and your home will age on the market and lose desirability. Price right for the current market, and in most cases your home will sell.
Has your home been on the market for a long time with no buyer interest? Have your agent send you a recent Comparative Market Analysis on your home. Need to sell? MAKE YOUR PRICE ATTRACTIVE TO BUYERS!! Buyers are not willing to pay the amounts asked 2-3 years ago. If you don't NEED to sell and are just testing the waters, help create demand by reducing the supply of inventory and take your home off the market. Scarcity helps values go up!! It bears repeating that listing your home at the top of the price range will not keep your property value up. Homes that SELL determine the comparables that appraisers use to determine market value.
Buyers always ask how long a home has been on the market. If they hear a high number of days, they inevitably follow with "What's wrong with it? Why hasn't anybody made an offer?". It often completely turns them off to the home and they move on to another property. If you get lucky and they bring an offer to the table anyway, the majority of the time the offer is considerably lower because the buyers know that people haven't found the home attractive at the current list price. The sooner that sellers get real about selling, the better the chances of a sale. Use your Realtor's expertise of the market to help you get your home SOLD!!!
Whether you are in the market to realize your dream of purchasing a home at Snowshoe during the best time to buy in a decade, or if you want to sell your home and get the best exposure to the greatest number of people who would love to call Snowshoe home- call me today at 304-572-6731 or e-mail me at kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com!
And don't forget to VOTE!!! :)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
New Snowshoe Listings this week!
Click to view listing(s)
This link is valid until 10/11/2008.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
New Mid-Station Lift This Winter on the Western Territory at Snowshoe!
The new mid-station will increase Snowshoe’s early season uphill capacity by 1200 people per hour. The 26 acres will be made-up of black diamond, expert terrain, giving more advanced skiers and riders more terrain in the early season. A high-speed detachable quad, the Western Express lift will not detach at the mid-station, which means the mid-station will be closed when the entire length of the slopes is opened later in the season. This will allow the lift to increase its speed for the longer trip from the bottom of the slopes.
Celebrating its 35th season this winter, Snowshoe is the mid-Atlantic and Southeast’s largest winter resort destination, featuring 244 acres of skiable terrain across three skiing areas. The Western Territory, which is home to two of Snowshoe’s 60 slopes, offers some of the East Coast’s most challenging terrain with a 1,500’ vertical drop along the 1.5 mile slopes. Cupp Run is Snowshoe’s signature slope and was designed by three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and skiing legend Jean Claude Killy. The slope is home to Snowshoe’s annual Cupp Run Challenge, one of the most anticipated ski races of the winter on the East Coast.
“This mid-station is a huge plus for the more advanced skiers and riders visiting Snowshoe all season,” said Ed Galford, Snowshoe Mountain’s VP of Mountain Operations. “Because of the scope of the two slopes serviced by the Western Express Lift, snowmaking is a huge endeavor, and Cupp and Shay’s are usually two of the last slopes on the mountain to be opened. Now, with a little cooperation from Mother Nature, we should be able to have the upper portion of the slopes open in time for the Holiday crowds in late December. Most importantly, the mid-station gives us options. We’re still committed to having the entire length of the slopes open as early as possible, but now, no matter what Mother Nature offers us in the early months of the season, we’ll have some great terrain open for expert skiers and riders.”
In addition to the mid-station, Snowshoe has also invested in updates to snowmaking equipment on Cupp Run, and changed the layout of the slope by widening an upper section of the trail. While the Western Territory caters to Snowshoe’s more advanced guests, the resort has also invested in improvements to its beginner areas. This season, 15 Techno Alpine fully-automated fan guns will provide improved snowmaking power to Skidder Slope, which services Snowshoe’s Ski School in the basin area. The beginner surface lift on Skidder also saw some minor adjustments this summer that will allow for easier on-off loading for beginner skiers and riders. Finally, the Magic Carpet lift in the beginner area at Snowshoe’s Silver Creek area was moved in order to enhance the beginner experience and give the Ski and Snowboard School an increased teaching area at Silver Creek.
“We’re very proud of the work we’ve done this summer across the mountain’s three areas,” said Snowshoe President and COO Bill Rock. “All of these investments show Snowshoe’s continued commitment to being the biggest and best resort in the region. I’m particularly excited to share these improvements with our guests this winter as we celebrate our 35th season.”
About Snowshoe Mountain
Celebrating its 35th winter season, Snowshoe Mountain is a four-season, Intrawest destination resort situated in the southern portion of the pristine Allegheny Mountains. This 11,000-acre playground offers 1,500 feet of vertical drop for its expansive skiing and mountain biking terrain. With a mountain top village nearly one mile high in the sky, Snowshoe offers unique variety of lodging, dining and shopping options. A host of special events and activities make the West Virginia resort a destination for the entire family.
Friday, September 5, 2008
The Raven Golf Club Receives a 4 1/2 Star Rating by Golf Digest Magazine!
Part of the Intrawest family of Raven courses, The Raven at Snowshoe is a Gary Player Signature Course offering golfers the unique experience of playing in a mountain setting. Etched into the mountainside, The Raven offers challenging rolling terrain, with some holes featuring a more than 200 foot drop from tee box to green. With such dramatic elevation changes, the views from The Raven are absolutely spectacular.
Consistently rated one of the mid-Atlantic’s top courses, The Raven has been ranked the #1 Public Access Course in West Virginia for four straight years. It has also been named the #30 resort course in the nation by GolfWeek magazine. The Raven’s season stretches until mid-October, and the cool mountain air makes Snowshoe a great golf destination all summer long. Late-season discounted rates are available.
Make The Raven your backyard playing field by becoming a Snowshoe Homeowner today, and receive fantastic discounts at the Raven every time you play! Looking for a home directly on the Raven Golf course? We have that too! Call me at 304-572-6731 or e-mail me at kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com for more details.
Monday, September 1, 2008
New listings this week!
Follow this link to see all the new Snowshoe area listings that hit the market this week:
Click to view listings
This link is valid until 10/1/2008.
Visit http://kirstenboehmer.blogspot.com and hit the "Subscribe" link (or just click HERE) to have all the new listings at Snowshoe sent to you each week, and keep an eye out for your favorite property! If you see one you like, contact me directly for more information on expenses, historical rental income, property management, experienced lending contacts and more!
Hope that you all had a great holiday weekend!
Looking forward to hearing from you this month!!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Hello to my new subscribers!
A note on the latest comings and goings here in Snowshoe real estate - This weekend launched the opening of the 2009 Country Living House of the Year, located in the gated, mountain-top community of Sawmill Village at Snowshoe Mountain Resort! Snowshoe Mountain Homes is honored to be the brokerage chosen to list this prestigious home for sale.
I spent yesterday with the owner of this home and hosted several families, reporters and other interested people through the open house in this 4-level, 5 bedroom "Sportsman's Cottage" dream home. While photos of the interior are not allowed to be shown, due to restrictions regarding the Country Living Magazine publication and the DIY-Network Television program, I can tell you that the home is exquisite. This home is over 3,000 square feet and is ski-in/ski-out. Some of the many features include: Garage with fly-tying or ski-tuning station, Central vacuum system on every floor including an awesome kick-plate system that automatically sucks up crumbs that you have swept up off the floor, sauna, hot-tub, patio with firepit, 3 fireplaces including one in the master bedroom, one in the living room and one on the top floor outside deck! Spectacular kitchen cabinetry with a huge curly-maple butcherblock island, hickory flooring, pantry, wet-bar, sleeping porch, guest suite, radiant heated flooring, instant hot-water system, a mind-blowing master bathroom and so much more! Built to Energy Star standards, this home is, as one of the visitors stated, "Awe-inspiring".
You too can tour the open house on this home available Fridays and Saturdays from 9-5, and Sundays from 9-1, every weekend through the end of October, for a $5 donation that benefits the Cystic Fibrosis foundation. Contact me for details. Interior photography is prohibited at this time.
The 2009 Country Living House of the Year is for sale! If you are interested in making this home your primary, secondary or corporate retreat, please call me for information and a showing.
Friday, August 22, 2008
New Listings at Snowshoe for August
Click here to view the listings!
This link will work until 9/21/2008.
For more information on any of these properties, please contact me!
Have a great weekend!!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Quick County Facts
Pocahontas County has the highest average elevation of any county east of the Mississippi.
Pocahontas County has the largest concentration of public lands in West Virginia. Over 62% - totaling 349,000 acres - is either state or federal property.
Five State Parks and two State Forests provide more state owned land than any county in the state.
The county has more federal land than any county in the state - 312,000 acres.
More than 800 miles of hiking and biking trails are located in the county.
More than 1/3 of the Monongahela National Forest lies within the county. These 310,000 acres provide more than 500 miles of hiking and biking trails.
Pocahontas County has approximately 9,000 residents - one of the smallest county populations in the state.
More than one million tourists visit the county each year.
Five county Visitor Centers greet more than 100,000 people annually.
Pocahontas County has the most scenic byways of any county in the state.
The Highland Scenic Highway is the highest average elevated highway east of the Mississippi.
Pocahontas County is the Birthplace of Rivers as 8 rivers have their headwaters here. All water flows out of the county.
In total earnings and employment, the impact of travel and tourism is greater to Pocahontas County than any other county in the state.*
One out of every four jobs - the largest percentage in the state - is generated by travel and tourism.*
*WV Div. of Tourism Research
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Common Closing Costs for Buyers
Keep in mind that you’ll likely be responsible for a variety of fees and expenses that you and the seller will have to pay at the time of closing. Your lender must provide a good-faith estimate of all settlement costs. The attorney or other entity conducting the closing will tell you the required amount for (as needed):
· Down payment
· Loan origination
· Points, or loan discount fees, which you pay to receive a lower interest rate
· Home inspection
· Appraisal
· Credit report
· Private mortgage insurance premium
· Insurance escrow for homeowner’s insurance, if being paid as part of the mortgage
· Property tax escrow, if being paid as part of the mortgage. Lenders keep funds for taxes and insurance in escrow accounts as they are paid with the mortgage, then pay the insurance or taxes for you.
· Deed recording
· Title insurance policy premiums
· Land survey
· Notary fees
· Prorations for your share of costs, such as utility bills and property taxes
A Note About Prorations: Because such costs are usually paid on either a monthly or yearly basis, you might have to pay a bill for services used by the sellers before they moved. Proration is a way for the sellers to pay you back or for you to pay them for bills they may have paid in advance. For example, the gas company usually sends a bill each month for the gas used during the previous month. But assume you buy the home on the 6th of the month. You would owe the gas company for only the days from the 6th to the end for the month. The seller would owe for the first five days. The bill would be prorated for the number of days in the month, and then each person would be responsible for the days of his or her ownership.
Ensure that your lender and your closing attorney are clear with you on all of these fees, so that you don't end up with any surprises at the closing table. Your real estate agent will probably be able to help with estimating SOME of the costs, but will NOT be able to provide you with all of this information, so be sure that you stay in touch with your lender and your attorney. Be clear with what you need from them, for a smooth closing!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Cool, "Cool" summer fun at Snowshoe!
http://www.boomboxradio.net/boombox/PlayerSetup/Players/STATEJOURNALPlayer.aspx?FileId=102894_state
Hope to see you this summer at Snowshoe!
Friday, July 4, 2008
5 Reasons to BUY Real Estate NOW!
Many savvy real estate investors have made excellent returns by moving against the trend with careful market timing. The thought process is simple: When everybody is buying, it’s time to sell. And, when everyone is selling, it’s time to consider buying.
Here are five market conditions that have investors thinking today just might be the perfect time to buy real estate.
No. 1 – Low prices
Prices are down in most real estate markets across the country. In fact, the national median existing home price for all housing types was down 7.7 percent from a year ago, to $200,700 in March from $217,400 during the same month last year, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). In many markets, the drop is even more substantial, especially when you compare with 2006 prices.
Greed is one of the biggest culprits keeping buyers on the sidelines. They are hesitant to buy now because prices may continue to drop. No one wants to buy a $210,000 home and see its value drop to $190,000 in six to 12 months.
Though this is a valid concern, it can be minimized with careful research of a specific market. You can further ensure your investment will hold value by making an offer that is 10 percent to 15 percent below the current market value.
The days of bidding wars and escalation clauses are gone. Homes are no longer selling for more than market value, and sellers are lucky to get the list price. Now is the time to invest in a real bargain.
No. 2 – Great selection
The housing inventory is on the rise, meaning there are more homes available for sale. According to NAR, it will take more than nine months to sell the national inventory of homes at the current sales pace. In some markets, such as South Florida, there is more than a 16-month supply of homes.
In addition to lower prices, this large inventory means a greater selection for buyers. As an investor, you can look for a home with the features, amenities, and favorable location you desire. By getting in the market now, you can afford to be particular and take your time finding exactly what you want.
No. 3 – Motivated sellers
When faced with the possibility that their house could sit on the market for a year or more, sellers become motivated to work with prospective buyers. Not to mention the fact that the already sodden market is being further deluged with an increase in foreclosures, short sales, and bank-owned properties, providing sellers even more motivation to be flexible so they can sell their properties.
Seller motivation extends far beyond accepting a lower offer. Sellers today will consider owner financing, where the buyer makes payments to the seller over time for all or a portion of the purchase price. Sellers are also more likely to agree to repairs or improvements requested by a buyer or recommended by a property inspector.
No longer in the driver’s seat, sellers are now agreeable to covering a portion of closing costs, buying down the rate, accepting a trade for the down payment, or throwing in new appliances and even furniture in the sale. In short, sellers will now negotiate.
No. 4 – Favorable interest rates
Interest rates are down, making housing more affordable. With the national average rate for a 30-year conventional fixed-rate mortgage at around 6 percent, a buyer can save thousands over time. For example, a $200,000 loan amortized over 30 years at 5.9 percent interest will carry a monthly principal and interest payment of $1,186.27.
Let’s say you’re waiting for the price to drop, however, and you buy the property for $190,000. Sure, you’ve saved $10,000 initially, but in the meantime the interest rate climbs to 7 percent, and your monthly payment increases to $1,264.07. By missing out on the lower interest rate today, you pay an extra $28,008 over the 30-year life of the loan.
In case it bears repeating, now is the time to obtain a fixed-rate amortized loan. There is no reason to take on the risk of an adjustable rate mortgage when interest rates are at historical lows. Also keep in mind that lenders are going back to more traditional underwriting requirements in light of increased delinquencies. This means tougher restrictions on the amount of the down payment, proof of income, and credit scores will make obtaining a loan more difficult. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans, seller financing, and lease options are on the increase as alternative financing options to conventional loans.
No. 5 – Rental opportunities
As overblown real estate prices begin to deflate, investors will find they can begin collecting rents that cover all their monthly expenses. It was difficult to find and purchase a rental property that would cash flow at the previously over-inflated prices, but today’s bargains can make a cash-flowing rental realistic once again.
Further, tenant demand for rental properties is on the rise. And with foreclosure filings up 57 percent and bank repossessions up 129 percent over last year, according to RealtyTrac, the rental demand is likely to increase further as people who have lost their homes to foreclosure look for alternative places to live.
And most people who find themselves in this situation will be forced to rent for five to seven years before they can qualify for bank financing to purchase their own home again.
Making the decisionAlthough there are compelling reasons to consider buying real estate now, it is always important to weighthe pros against the cons.
To help alleviate indecision, follow these rules:
1. Look at values in the local area to see if they’ve stabilized or if they still appear to be in a downward spiral. Only buy in stable areas.
2. If you’re buying a personal home, be sure to plan on living in the house for at least the next three to five years.
3. When buying real estate as an investment, be certain the property cash flows, with rental income exceeding expenses such as the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and other costs.
4. Finally, analyze your economic stability and only buy what you can comfortably afford. Keep at least three months of living expenses in reserve in preparation for that fabled rainy day.
With a little common sense and thorough homework, you’ll likely find that now is a great time to consider buying real estate. Markets are cyclical, and the current combination of low prices, high inventory, low rates, motivated sellers, and increasing rental demand make it a buyer’s market for bargain shoppers.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
12 Tips for Hiring a Remodeling Contractor
2. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor completed.
3. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints.
4. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled.
5. Make as small of a down payment as possible so you won’t lose a lot if the contractor fails to complete the job.
6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance.
7. Check that the contract states when the work will be completed and what recourse you have if it isn’t. Also, remember that in many instances you can cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.
8. Ask if the contractor’s workers will do the entire job or whether subcontractors will be involved too.
9. Get the contractor to indemnify you if work does not meet any local building codes or regulations.
10. Be sure that the contract specifies the contractor will clean up after the job and be responsible for any damage.
11. Guarantee that the materials that will be used meet your specifications.
12. Don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the work.
Monday, June 9, 2008
SNOWSHOE RECEIVES 2008 SILVER EAGLE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FISH AND WILDLIFE HABITAT PROTECTION
Snowshoe was recognized for being home to the first ever Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) in the state of West Virginia, which partners us with the United States Fish and Wildlife Services, creating a protected area within our land for the habitat of the West Virginia Northern Flying Squirrel, one of two endangered species that makes its home on the mountain. Snowshoe has designated 230 acres as a protected area for these animals. By establishing an HCP, we guarantee any activity taken within the squirrel’s habitat will be evaluated so as to minimize or mitigate the affect it would take on the species, ensuring the squirrels and their habitat will continue to thrive.
The Golden Eagle awards were established in 1993 and are sponsored by the NSAA and CLIF bar. Each year, a single Golden Eagle Award is given out for Overall Environmental Excellence. Seven Silver Eagles are awarded in a variety of specific categories, including Excellence in Fish and Habitat Protection. The awards recognize members of The National Ski Areas Association, who account for more than 90 percent of the skier/snowboarder visits nationwide. These awards are a great honor, and we are all very proud of Snowshoe’s inclusion in this year’s winners.
For more information, visit http://www.nsaa.org/nsaa/press/0708/nc-080528-gea.asp
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Snowshoe Market Statistics Snapshot
The basic interpretation is that here at Snowshoe this year compared to last year, the number of listings has increased 83%, with new listings increasing 117% ; equating to a lot of inventory on the market, giving buyers a lot to choose from, but increasing the length of time a seller's home may sit unsold.
Overall sales volume at Snowshoe is flat at $14,700,000. Good to know that the volume of properties sold hasn't dropped like it has elsewhere in the country. The average sale price is down 6%, which indicates either that prices are falling or that not as many high-end properties have sold. Because we can see that the median price has not changed, it tells us that prices are not falling, but instead that sales of the high-dollar properties have slowed. This makes sense from what I have seen lately- that the buyers lately are looking for bargains - and finding them in many of the lower-priced vacation homes at Snowshoe. The savvy "Buy Low, Sell High" purchaser is the one working the market advantages here currently.
You can see that the number of sales is up 7% over last year, which reinforces that more people are buying, but they are choosing the lower priced properties. And the trend looks to improve more over the next few months, as the number of properties currently under contract (sale pending), are up 47% over last year!
One final thing to note is that the relationship of sales price to list price has not gone down at all, and has stayed flat at 94%. This is also another good indication of the health of the market at Snowshoe. This means that people are not coming in and making outrageously low offers, and sellers are not accepting ultra-low offers either. If your home is listed at $100,000 then you can expect based on historical trends, a sale price to be agreed upon at $94,000.
My unsolicited advice? If you're a seller looking to maximize your return, and you don't NEED to sell- then ride out the market for a bit and let some of that unsold inventory sell through before you list. If you NEED to sell and are in the mid-to-high price range, price aggressively and be the lowest priced comparable property to increase your chances of a sale.
If you are a buyer considering a purchase- NOW is the time since you have the pick of inventory at your disposal. The lower end of the market is where the current action is - buy low, fix up, use and enjoy and then sell high. But don't insult the seller with a low ball offer, since it likely won't be accepted. Make a fair offer and let everyone walk away a winner! Need help with how to determine a fair offer? Consult your REALTOR! :)
Yep! Real Estate is definitely local and NOT national! If you are in the market to find a vacation home in a beautiful, cool, private and stable setting - consider Snowshoe Mountain and give Kirsten a call at 304-572-6731, or e-mail me at kboehmer@snowshoemtn.com.
Happy vacation home hunting!
Friday, May 16, 2008
8 Tips to Guide You Through Your Home Search
1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a vacation home, what neighborhoods or complexes you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month. Provide this information to your REALTOR® as early in the process as possible.
2. Be realistic. It’s OK to be picky, but don’t be unrealistic with your expectations. There’s no such thing as a perfect home. Use your list of priorities as a guide to evaluate each property. Let your REALTOR® know your “must-have” items, and let her use her area expertise to provide you a list of homes that meet your criteria.
3. Get your finances in order. Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to cover your down payment and closing costs. Then, talk to a lender and get pre-qualified for a mortgage. This will save you the heartache later of falling in love with a house you can’t afford. Don’t have a lender? Ask your agent for a list of the mortgage brokers that he has successfully worked with in the past.
4. Don’t ask too many people for opinions. It will drive you crazy. Select one or two people to turn to if you feel you need a second opinion, but be ready to make the final decision on your own.
5. Determine your timeline. Do you need to sell other property before you purchase this one? How active is the resale market in your area? How many homes are on the market? Is there a time of year when buyer demand is lower and you can possibly get a better deal? Each of these factors will help you determine when you should buy.
6. Think long term. Are you looking for a starter property with plans to upgrade in a few years, or do you hope to stay in this home for a longer period? This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that will best suit you.
7. Make your offer contingent upon a successful home inspection. If possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects for one year.
8. Get help from a REALTOR®. Hire a real estate professional who will represent you in the transaction and negotiate on behalf of your best interest. While a listing agent’s first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you. Buyer’s reps are usually paid out of the seller’s commission payment.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Summertime may be the best time
There is something downright magical about this place that has been encased in snow and cold for so long on top of a mountain - as the days grow long and the leaves burst, dripping with brilliant green hues and the sweet sounds of songbirds filling the air and echo through the valley. Visitors find it hard to believe that when temperatures are in the nineties at home in the cities and suburbs and beaches, that our magical mountain rests languidly, smiling and sighing as the altitude blesses us with low humidity, sunshine and cool mountain breezes in the seventies. Snowshoe Mountain is the perfect summer escape.
Summer is also the time when real estate nationally has the most interest - and why not? The foliage is beautiful, it's great to be outdoors, etc. It's also the absolute perfect time to find the vacation home of your dreams at Snowshoe. Not only does the off-season make it easy to show properties on the market (because they are not filled with back to back renters), but you can make a whole weekend out of it! Weekends are filled all summer at Snowshoe with fantastic events, from Chili cookoffs, to motorcycle tours, Wine and Jazz festivals, the WV Symphony Orchestra, Mountain bike races, Musicians, artists, and much, much more!
If you are visiting my blog on the web, you will notice a new feature- my Google Calendar! This feature allows you to check out all the upcoming events at Snowshoe, to help you plan the perfect time to visit us! Combine your event weekend with property tours and you may just decide to extend your stay for a lifetime. If you are reading this as an e-mail subscriber, click http://kirstenboehmer.blogspot.com to check out the new feature. It even shows forecasted weather! Did I catch your attention? Click on the link on the right hand side of my web blog to view all of the properties for sale at Snowshoe. There's a lot to choose from and prices and mortgage rates are great!
Enjoy!
- Kirsten
10 Things to Take the Trauma Out of Homebuying
1. Find a real estate agent that’s simpatico. Homebuying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It’s critical that the agent you chose is both skilled and a good fit with your personality.
2. Remember, there’s no “right” time to buy, any more than there’s a right time to sell. If you find a home now, don’t try to second-guess the interest rates or the housing market by waiting. Changes don’t usually occur fast enough to make that much difference in price, and a good home won’t stay on the market long.
3. Don’t ask for too many opinions. It’s natural to want reassurance for such a big decision, but too many ideas will make it much harder to make a decision.
4. Accept that no house is ever perfect. Focus in on the things that are most important to you and let the minor ones go.
5. Don’t try to be a killer negotiator. Negotiation is definitely a part of the real estate process, but trying to “win” by getting an extra-low price may lose you the home you love.
6. Remember your home doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Don’t get so caught up in the physical aspects of the house itself—room size, kitchen—that you forget such issues as amenities, noise level, etc., that have a big impact on what it’s like to live in your new home.
7. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to get approved for a mortgage, investigate insurance availability, and consider a schedule for moving. Presenting an offer contingent on a lot of unresolved issues will make your bid much less attractive to sellers.
8. Factor in maintenance and repair costs in your post-home buying budget. Even if you buy a new home, there will be some costs. Don’t leave yourself short and let your home deteriorate.
9. Accept that a little buyer’s remorse is inevitable and will probably pass. Buying a home, especially for the first time, is a big commitment, but it also yields big benefits.
10. Choose a home first because you love it; then think about appreciation. While U.S. homes have appreciated an average of 5.4 percent annually over from 1998 to 2002, a home’s most important role is as a comfortable, safe place to live.
Have you found the home you love? If you're thinking of buying, or even just looking - contact me today for answers to all of your Snowshoe real estate questions.
Friday, May 9, 2008
5 Ways to Speed Up Your Sale
2. Get your house market ready for at least two weeks before you begin showing it.
3. Be flexible about showings. It’s often disruptive to have a house ready to show on the spur of the moment, but the more often someone can see your home, the sooner you’ll find a seller. Do not get upset if you receive a call asking to show your home right then. This could be the person to buy your home!
4. Be ready for the offers. Decide in advance what price and terms you’ll find acceptable.
5. Don’t refuse to drop the price. If your home has been on the market for more than 90 days without an offer, be prepared to lower your asking price. Think of your home for sale like a pice of fruit. The longer it sits on the market unsold, the less you should expect to ask for it.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
6 Creative Ways to Afford a Home
1. Investigate local, state, and national downpayment assistance programs. These programs give loans or grants to cover all or part of your required downpayment. National programs include the Nehemiah program, http://www.getdownpayment.com, and the American Dream downpayment fund from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. http://www.hud.gov/news/release.cfm?content=pr02-014.cfm
2. Get the seller to provide financing. In some cases, sellers may be willing to finance all or part of the purchase price of the home and let you repay them gradually, just as you do with a mortgage.
3. Consider a shared-appreciation, or shared equity, arrangement. Under this arrangement, your family, friends, or even an third-party may buy a portion of the home and thus share in any appreciation when the home is sold. The owner/occupant usually pays the mortgage, property taxes, and maintenance costs, but all the investors' names are usually on the mortgage. There are companies that can help you find such an investor if your family can’t participate.
4. Get help from your family. Perhaps a family member will loan you money for the downpayment and/or act as a cosigner for the mortgage. Lenders often like to have a cosigner if you have little credit history.
5. Lease with the option to buy. Renting the home for a year or more will give you the chance to save more toward your downpayment. And in many cases, owners will apply some of the rental amount toward the purchase price. You usually have to pay a small, nonrefundable option fee to the owner.
6. See if you can qualify for a short-term second mortgage to give you the money to make a higher downpayment. This may be possible if you have a good income and little other debt.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Spring cleaning for better property showings
1. Let the sun in. Make any room look brighter with clean blinds and windows. Mix a solution of one part white vinegar to eight parts water, plus a drop or two of liquid dishwashing liquid, for a green window cleaner. Spray on and wipe with newspaper to avoid streaks. (Washing on a cloudy day also reduces streaking.)
Showing tip: Replace heavy drapes with lightweight shears during warmer months to give a room a brighter, lighter feel for prospective buyers.
2. Sniff out smells. Check the drip tray underneath your refrigerator and wash out any standing water from defrosting. Remove inside odors by washing the inside of the fridge with a baking soda and water solution. Boil lemon juice in your microwave and add it to your dishwasher to eliminate bad smells. Also, put the lemon rinds down the disposal. Add activated charcoal in the fridge to keep odors at bay.
Showing tip: Make the fridge smell fresh instantly with cotton balls soaked in vanilla extract or orange juice.
3. Make your bed better. Vacuum mattresses and box springs, and then rotate and flip over. Do the same for removable furniture cushions. This is also a great time to wash or dry-clean the dust ruffle and mattress pad.
Showing tip: Add new loft to a lumpy comforter by having two people vigorously shake the quilt up and down to redistribute stuffing.
4. Clean those coils. Improve energy efficiency by vacuuming grates, coils, and condensers in your furnace, stove, and refrigerator (either underneath or in back). If a vacuum won’t reach, try a rag tied to a yardstick.
Showing tip: Shut some air conditioning vents on the first floor or basement so that more air will reach and cool the second floor. Reverse the process in winter for heat vents.
5. Wash the walls. Grease, smoke, and dust can adhere to walls and make even the best decorating look dingy. Wash walls using a general-purpose cleaner with hot water. Start at the top of the wall to avoid drips and in a corner so that you wash one wall at a time. Rinse the mop head frequently in clean water. And don’t press too hard because flat latex paint won’t absorb too much water.
Showing tip: Resist the temptation to spot-clean walls since it will make the rest of the wall look dingy.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
West Virginia
"As you enter the realms of West Virginia, the first thing that will greet you is the overwhelming beauty that it yields. Rolling plains and steep mountains, shrouded with the green envelope of boreal forests. Glancing to the sky you see its pale blue entirety studded with streaking clouds of white. West Virginia is truly the place to be."
Click here to continue reading!
Friday, April 4, 2008
SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN BRINGS REAL ESTATE SALES HOME!
“We will build on the great foundation that Playground has created over the years and take even greater advantage of the synergies inherent among the development, real estate sales and resort operations divisions here on the mountain,” explained Bill Rock, President and Chief Operating Officer. “This will reap significant benefits for our buyers and sellers who will enjoy integrated sales efforts with on the ground oversight here at Snowshoe Mountain.”
Snowshoe Mountain, Inc. will conduct the real estate sales under the name “Snowshoe Mountain Homes,” with the same experienced staff.
For all your real estate needs here on the mountain, continue to stop by the Discovery Center in the Village or call 1-888-489-1943 and ask for Kirsten.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Sunday, March 9, 2008
How ownership works at Snowshoe
There are over 2,000 homes here at Snowshoe. When I say home, I mean single-family houses, condominiums and townhomes of all kinds. Every one of them are privately owned by people like you, and are not time-shares. The difference is that when you purchase a time-share, you don't really "own" anything except for some "points" and the ability to use a place for a certain amount of time. With actual ownership, you not only build equity and see certain tax advantages, you can do with your property what you wish, including remodeling, reselling, willing it or deeding it to anyone of your choosing.
Most people who purchase at Snowshoe are people who like to visit Snowshoe twice a year or more, and who would rather put money into their own pockets instead of spending money to rent every time. They know they'll most likely get their money back when they sell. The majority of Snowshoe homeowners choose to rent out their home to other visitors when they are not using it themselves. As an owner, you have many options as to how to approach this. The most common method is to use Snowshoe Mountain's rental program. Most homeowners choose this method because their properties will most likely receive the highest number of traffic leads and potential renters because of the direct and exclusive link from the Snowshoe Mountain website and central reservations phone line.
If for some reason an owner prefers a different management company, they are absolutely allowed to use whoever they wish. There are several local property management companies in the area who each have their own private selections of properties that are unaffiliated with Snowshoe Mountain and operate independently. I would be happy to provide a list of these companies to anyone considering buying a rental property so that you can make the best decision as to which company will work best for you. Another more increasingly common option is the use of online rental websites, such as vrbo.com, Craigslist, and other self-managed sites. As renters search for the best deals, they are increasingly finding that these direct to owner sites can provide a wealth of information to potential renters and offer great properties at competitive, or even great, prices. The drawback to a self-managed property is that it can be a lot of work to figure out all of the logistics, and to have the time to do what could end up as a full-time job.
"So what will it cost me to put my home or condo in a rental program?" Regardless of whether you choose Snowshoe or one of the other local agencies to manage your rental property, you can estimate the following costs. For the Rental Management part, which includes advertising your home, handling the bookings and scheduling, accepting payment, handing out keys, etc., you can estimate paying about 25% of your gross rental receipts to the management company. The other cost will be for housekeeping, and that will run you about 12-15% of your gross receipts. So as a rule of thumb, you can expect to net about 60% of the gross rental income. The benefit to self-management is that you can do without paying someone else to manage your property for you, possibly increasing your net income, but you have to consider the value of your time to handle all of those tasks.
"I understand how the rental programs work, but are there any other expenses that I might expect as a property owner that are unrelated to renting?"
Above, I elaborated on the costs associated with renting your home out. There are two main fees associated with the ownership of a home or condo or townhome on Snowshoe Mountain. The first is your Condo Fees or Home Owner's Association Fees. You can think of this as your utility bundle. As an owner here at Snowshoe, or anywhere, there are ongoing expenses such as water & sewer, heating, telephone, internet, television, etc. Each individual condo association will bundle together these types of expenses for convenience, along with your share of the common area expenses - like the costs for building maintenance, common area lighting, on-premises snow removal etc., and bill you a monthly fee that encompasses it all. It saves you from having to pay every item separately. These fees vary widely by complex, but you can assume in most cases that the newer a complex is, and the more amenities that the complex provides, the higher the condo fees will be to cover it all.
The second fee associated with ownership is called the Mountaintop Assessment, or the Snowshoe Service Assessment. You can think of this like a city tax. The Snowshoe area is unincorporated, and so the resort owner provides many of the services that a city normally would, such as the shuttle bus system in winter, public safety, on-mountain snow removal, etc., as well as a contribution to Shaver's Fork Fire & Rescue department. This fee is based on the assessed value of the home, and you can estimate it based on a $200,000 home costing somewhere around $1,200 per year. In most cases, this fee is billed annually, but some condo complexes will bundle it in with your condo fees, allowing you to spread it out and pay it across a monthly basis.
These are some of the most frequently asked questions I receive. I hope you found this informative! Some traditional agents may think I'm crazy to write all this out. You know, the general rule of thumb among agents is to hang out the bait and then reel in the client so that you can feed the info bit by bit and control the process. I don't work like that. I prefer to be straight forward and give my clients as much information as possible so that they can feel comfortable with their decision. I hope you agree that this is the best way.
Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me at 304-572-6731 or via e-mail: kboehmer@playground.com to ask. It will be my pleasure to assist you.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Hot new property! This is a must-see...
Monday, March 3, 2008
Taxes and Vacation/Second Homes
Click here to check out "Realty Q&A: A Guide to Tax Considerations on Second Homes."
10 Questions to ask your lender when considering purchasing a second home or vacation home
Below, find a list of 10 questions that you should ask potential lenders before deciding who will work best for you:
1. What are the most popular mortgages you offer for a second home or vacation home? Why are they so popular?
2. Which type of mortgage plan do you think would be best for me? Why?
3. Are your rates, terms, fees, and closing costs negotiable?
4. Will I have to buy private mortgage insurance? If so, how much will it cost, and how long will it be required? (NOTE: Private mortgage insurance is usually required if your down payment is less than 20 percent. However, most lenders will let you discontinue PMI when you’ve acquired a certain amount of equity by paying down the loan.)
5. Who will service the loan — your bank or another company?
6. What escrow requirements do you have?
7. How long will this loan be in a lock-in period (in other words, the time that the quoted interest rate will be honored)? Will I be able to obtain a lower rate if it drops during this period?
8. How long will the loan approval process take?
9. How long will it take to close the loan?
10. Are there any charges or penalties for prepaying the loan?
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Ember restaurant at Snowshoe receives Award of Distinction!
Ember is the hottest dining experience on Snowshoe Mountain and award-winning restaurateur Brian Ball invites you to experience this incredible cuisine prepared by executive chef Jeremy Samples.
Located within Soaring Eagle Lodge, Ember provides a spectacular setting offering uncompromised service and an extensive wine menu. The hip, exciting environment merges with comfortable touches that will delight the palette and infuse the senses.
Think West Virginia forest meets Manhattan.
Ember's fine dining menu showcases many American favorites along with items such as fresh grilled fish, delicious steaks, sushi and Thai specialties. Guests at Ember will have the option of ordering from a bevy of mouth watering selections and the ability to cook their own meals over hot Japanese river rocks.
The atmosphere is sleek and modern - your dress is casual. Make Ember your own private local hotspot, and become a Snowshoe Mountain homeowner now.
Serving dinner from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Daily.
Ember Bar is open daily from 4:30 p.m. until close.
Reservations recommended.
304.572.1111
Friday, January 18, 2008
Backcountry Bliss
Have you fallen in love yet? Contact me to make Snowshoe yours...
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Great Southern Living article about Snowshoe!
The Most Open Terrain
We received about a foot of amazing dry, powdery snow in the past couple of days, with huge crystal snowflakes. The evergreens are white with snow and the sun is shining!
Torn between the option to buy either beach property or mountain property? If you ask me, a home in the mountains makes the most sense. When it’s 95 degrees at home where you are, it’s 70-75 here at Snowshoe, with low humidity, no insects, and views of the starry sky that you won’t find anywhere near a metropolitan area. In addition, Mountain land is still affordable, and growing steadily in popularity- meaning you can get more for your money than you will at the beach. The summer news is filled with hurricanes, floods and more- all of which again cement mountain homes as a wonderful second home alternative. Your family will have room to run and play, and make a lifetime of memories fishing, mountain biking, hiking and camping, skiing, snowboarding, sledding and snowshoeing- all out your back door. West Virginia and the Snowshoe area has become very popular with southeastern residents- looking for an easy escape from their hometowns, without needing to pay for airfare and a rental car!
Thinking about owning a mountain vacation home? You don't need to look anywhere else.
Friday, December 28, 2007
Six Real Estate Myths for Sellers in a Buyer's Market
Truth: Minor repairs make your house more marketable, allowing you to maximize your return (or minimize your loss) on the sale. The majority of buyers are looking for homes that they can move into, or begin renting out, right from the start. Buyers who are looking to make repairs are going to ask for repair allowances that will come out of your asking price.
Myth #2: Your home should be every potential buyer's dream home.
Truth: There is a balance that must be met in regards to repairs and large-scale improvements to your home, to prevent you from over-improving the home. There is a point in which the cost of the improvements will outweigh the return. Consider instead the properties that are your competition- what they look like and the features that they offer. A highly motivated agent will consult with you on what competing properties have to offer. He or she can even show you competing properties so that you can make educated decisions on any improvements you want to make on your home.
Myth #3: You should always price your home high and then negotiate down.
Truth: Pricing too high can mean a loss of cash, just like pricing too low. If you list too high, you not only are falsely inflating the market, but you also risk losing out on potential buyers who are searching for a home in the price range where your home should be. It is likely that your home will sit on the market longer than comparable homes due to the fact that properly priced homes are of greater value to a buyer than overpriced homes. A well-trained and certified Realtor is hired by you to represent your best interest, and that often involves telling you the truth about the fair market value of your home, as well as different pricing strategies for the current market.
Myth #4: Once a potential buyer sees the inside of your home, curb appeal or location won't matter.
Truth: Buyer's probably won't make it to the inside of your home if the outside or the neighborhood doesn't appeal to them. Buyers and their agents often do drive-bys before deciding whether a home is worth their time to look inside. Your home's exterior and neighborhood should make a good first impression in order compel buyers to take a look inside, and also to maximize return (and minimize loss).
Myth #5: You are better off selling your home on your own and pocketing the money from the commission that you would have paid to a real estate agent.
Truth: Statistically, many sellers who attempt to sell their homes on their own. are unable to complete the sale without the services of a real estate agent. Homeowners who do succeed in selling their home by themselves usually net less than if they had an agent working and negotiating with buyers on their behalf. The costs of marketing, access to a large buyer database, full-time attention, the ability to show your home if you are working, real estate knowledge, ethics training, and industry experience make a Realtor your best bet. The National Association of Realtors conducts surveys each year to consumers, including homeowners who succeeded in selling their home without a Realtor. Over 70% of these homeowners say that they would never attempt to sell their home without a Realtor again.
Myth #6: When you receive an offer, you should take your time and make the buyer wait before replying. This gives you a stronger negotiating position.
Truth: Many purchases are emotionally driven, and emotions can change over time. When a buyer makes an offer, he/she is at that moment in time, ready to buy your home. By stalling, you are giving your prospective purchaser time to change their mind. You should reply immediately to an offer!
Monday, December 24, 2007
Friday, December 21, 2007
Snowshoe Mountain Debuts First of Three New Trails
Christmas comes a few days early at Snowshoe Mountain, as the resort premiered the first of three new trails for the 2007-2008 season today. Sawmill, located skier's right of the Widowmaker slope and Soaring Eagle Express lift, and the middle of the three new trails, opened for the first time today, Friday, December 21. A 10am ceremony included a ribbon cutting with Snowshoe Mountain President and COO Bill Rock, Sawmill Village Project Architect and Developer Tom Tretheway and Ed Galford, VP of Mountain Operations for Snowshoe Mountain, who served as the trails' designer.
With the 3 new trails over by Sawmill, Snowshoe now offers 60 slopes and trails, spread over 3 distinct areas across two mountains. Want to learn more about the newest and most luxurious real estate development at Snowshoe? Sawmill Village is Snowshoe's only gated ski-in, ski-out master-planned Energy Star compliant custom-home community, and unlike anything else at Snowshoe. Contact me for more information on this spectacular offering.



Thursday, December 6, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Wonderful things about winter in the mountains!
Mittens
Seeing your breath
The sound of snow squeaking underfoot
Icicle popsicles
Thick socks
A warm, crackling fire
The silence of a snowfall
Hot chocolate with marshmallows
Clear, starry nights in the mountains
Snowmen
Down comforters
Snowshoeing
Family gatherings
Sledding
Steaming Hot-tubs
White lights glowing beneath pure white snow-covered evergreens
Hot apple cider
Snow-angels
Snuggling up to keep warm
Snowball fights
and so much more...
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
December arrives with a blanket of fresh snow!

Monday, November 26, 2007
Today's Featured Property 11-26-07
All furnishings convey and are brand-new, ready for you to move right in, or immediately start it on a rental program and supplement the cost of vacation home ownership with rental revenue! Gold-rated!
Warm up by the fire after a day on the slopes or snowshoeing through the woods! This beautiful hearth is great for storytelling and s'mores-making!
The downstairs bedroom is great for the kids, or for family or friends- it sleeps 3 in the new bunks.
Lastly, this is one of the rare Wabasso homes that has basement storage! Want to leave your canoe, mountain bikes, fishing poles and lots and lots of other sporting goods or seasonal items? This large, lockable area tops off the reason to choose this home over others. You just don't find all the storage that this home has in most Snowshoe Mountain homes.



