The market shows signs of coming back! See the article below found in the Aspen Business Journal quoting me regarding the recent report from Land Title showing the real estate sales for September 2011 in Pitkin County.

This home in Aspen’s West End sold for $9.6 million, highlighting the strongest September since 2008. More images

 

PITKIN/GARFIELD COUNTY, Colo. – In another sign that the valley’s real estate market may be finding its equilibrium, September transactions in Pitkin County were the strongest they’ve been since April 2008, while in Garfield County, a new home in River Valley Ranch sold for $1.2 million, more than five times that of the median sale price for the year.

During September, a total of $137,723,013 in sales were recorded in Pitkin County, a 38 percent leap as compared to the same month in 2010. That’s the second strongest dollar month for the year, according to reports released by Land Title Guarantee Company. The total number of transactions, 86, also showed an increase of 38 percent over Sept. 2010.

Year to date, dollars for Pitkin County total $977,073,114, which reflects an 18.8 percent increase over the same time period last year. Aspen was responsible for 34 transactions, or $88.7 million in sales, including a $9.6 million single family residence within the city limits. In Snowmass Village, there were eight transactions totaling $16 million.

“We’re seeing some sales but it’s certainly not booming,” said Greg Rulon, a broker with Joshua & Co. in Snowmass Village, who noted that the road to recovery is taking place, albeit slowly. “The long-term trends are good, that bodes well. I think we’re going to ease out of this thing but it’s not going to happen overnight.”

Rulon said savvy buyers in this market are seeking the best value for the money and are discerning in their investments. “It’s the best priced properties, imagine that! We’re dealing with very sophisticated buyers that are looking for value,” he said.

If there are 10 units available in a particular complex, “The best value is going to sell first. Even the high end is more focused on that these days,” Rulon added.

Sellers in this market need to be patient as many properties are taking longer to move than before. A review of five properties – priced from $700,000 to $7 million- that sold in September showed time on the market ranging from 134 days to 1,042 days, or nearly three years.

All five had seen significant price reductions prior to sale, with an $8.8 million home a seeming bargain given its $14.9 million original list price.

In Garfield County, “transaction strength continued” from the prior month, while dollar volume decreased, according to Land Title. All told in Sept. 2010, there were 83 transactions for the month, which reflects a 50 percent increase over Sept. 2010. Total dollar amounts were $18,404,300, which is below August’s whopping $35.7 million in sales. But keep in mind that August 2011 was the second best single month in more than two-and-a-half years for Garfield County.

Bank sales continue to be strong in this market, with a total of 29 recorded in the county accounting for $3.8 million. According to Land Title, these accounted for 35 percent of the transactions and 21 percent of the dollars for the month. That’s on track with how bank sales are looking for the year, as well.

Phil Weir, a broker with Mason Morse in Glenwood Springs, also believes that right pricing is key as buyers are benefitting from the downward pressures placed upon properties by short sales and other factors.

“Prices are being established in certain areas where things will sell,” he said. “If bottom is where people buy property, we’re there.”

Weir, who has worked in this valley for 34 years and was also a broker while living in Roatan, Honduras, noted an increase in activity in both Lakota Canyon Ranch and Castle Valley.

“I was very surprised in that when I pulled up the statistics, there were 19 homes under contract, (and) 40 homes have sold since the first of the year. That’s amazing,” Weir said.

As is true in Aspen/Snowmass, many of those homes are being sold at enviable prices (at least from the buyers’ perspective) and have undergone several price reductions. That shift, coupled with loan programs ranging from FHA to rural development loans, have allowed certain buyers the opportunity to enter the current market.

Weir said that this year he’s “sold five houses to teachers,” and also noted that the real estate recovery depends on jobs. Plus, there’s a growth in businesses – from Valley View Hospital’s new cancer center to the implementation of a four-year degree from Colorado Mountain College  – which are being taken as positives for Garfield County.

“We’ve weaned downvalley a little bit off upvalley,” he said, a reference to the decreased importance of Aspen/Snowmass as a job hub.

Back up in Snowmass Village, Greg Rulon is staying positive after two strong months of Pitkin County real estate sales. While we remain miles away from the sales of six years ago, where in September 2005 there were 188 transactions and an astonishing $313,880,500 in sales, the proverbial light is shining at the end of the tunnel.

“Activity begets activity. It’s contagious,” Rulon said. Yet in a nod to the longer process now surrounding a transaction, he said “every sale has a story.”

September transactions at a glance

PITKIN COUNTY

Dollar volume: $137,723,013
Number of transactions: 86
Increase over September 2010 (dollar volume): 38%
Increase over September 2010 (transaction volume) 38.7%
Year-to-date dollar volume: $977,073,114 (18.8% increase)
Year-to-date transactions: 584 (16.8% increase)
Bank sales: Three sales,  $1.74 million (3.5% of sales, 1.3% of dollar volume)
Year-to-date bank sales: 45, $30.3 million (8% of sales, 3% of dollar volume)
Average single-family home price through Sept.: $4.1 million (down 5% from full year 2010)
Median single-family home price through Sept.: $3.5 million (up 11% from full year 2010)
Fractional sales: 24 (26% increase over Sept. 2010)
Fractional dollar volume: $8.7 million (7 percent increase over Sept. 2010)
Year-to-date fractional sales: 175 (31% increase over 2010)
Fractional dollar volume: $75.8 million (5% increase over 2010)

GARFIELD COUNTY

Dollar volume: $18,404,300
Number of transactions: 83
Increase over September 2010 (dollar volume): 3.5%
Increase over September 2010 (transaction volume) 50.91%
Year-to-date dollar volume: $208,106,900 (21% increase)
Year-to-date transactions: 664 (32.8% increase)
Bank sales: 29 sales, $3.8 million (35% of sales and 21% of dollar volume)
Year-to-date bank sales: 237, $42.7 million (36% of transactions, 21% of dollar volume)
Average single-family home price: $329,063 (down 15% from 2010)
Median single-family home price: $238,900 (down 20% from 2010)
Through September, 82 percent of the single family sales were $400,000 or less

The Aspen Times reported today that the Aspen Filmfest continues to show its flexibility, even after 33 years, by moving their event up by a week. The 2011 Aspen Filmfest will be held beginning September 23^rd through the 25^th, rather than their original date of the 30^th of September.

The directors at Aspen Filmfest have divided the categories of film into such subjects as ‘World Cinema,’ ‘True Stories,’ ‘Artist to Watch,’ ‘New Voices,’ and ‘Special Presentation.’ In addition, they have created special categories like ‘Surprise Film’ and a sneak peak of a foreign-language film directed by an Oscar nominated director, and the ‘Festival Finale.’

True to its long history of taking on serious subject matter, the Aspen Filmfest has organized another full schedule of hard-hitting, deep subject matter films. On this year’s schedule for the Wheeler Theatre in Aspen in the ‘True Stories’ category is Building Hope, a true account of the struggles and reward involved in advancing the educational opportunity of students in Kenya. Anyone with children has, at some point, wondered who is behind the amazing puppets of Sesame Street. In Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey, documentarian Constance Marks brings the man behind the funny red puppet to life, and unravels the mystery behind puppeteer Kevin Clash and his alter ego, Elmo. The exciting film, Wild Horse, Wild Ride captures the intensity of mustang training and the beauty and intelligence of these wonderful animals.

In the category of ‘World Cinema,’ the story of a Holocaust survivor turned matchmaker in The Matchmaker touches on the irony of life, the deepness of love and the strength of dreams. Young Goethe in Love promises to be the movie for soul mates, artists and writers. While The Women on the 6^th Floor brings to the forefront that regardless of occupation, nationality or language – the joie de vivre is truly the international language.

The romance, Like Crazy, fills the only slot for ‘Artist to Watch,’ and it promises to be worth its weight in film. In this film young lovers illustrate the real-life challenge of long-distance romance and the ties that bind us to our first love.

Take Shelter, an apocalyptic tale takes the spot of ‘New Voices’ in the schedule. This film is both a thriller and a beautiful account of the love of a father in and out of reality.

While all films on this schedule look incredible, attendees will have to choose which ones to see. Tickets go on sale September 2^nd. A local special will be available through the fifth for the Aspen screenings only, offering four tickets for $50.

Take the time to see another side of Aspen, drop into the Aspen Filmfest, and see the deeper side of this ski town. Then, click here to see homes, investment properties and condos in the Snowmass Village and Aspen area. Go deep, go all the way, and then come home to Aspen, where you can be on the hills experiencing the true meaning of joie de vivre one day, and experiencing worldwide cultural, and social issues to the fullest the next!

One of the best ways to spend a fall afternoon is in one of Aspen’s many city parks. Aspen boasts of over 30 parks and playgrounds located throughout town and tucked into neighborhoods.

For families with active kids or curious toddlers, Wagner Park has a fun rock structure as its focal point. It offers great climbing and lots of nooks and crannies for that perfect hide-and-seek spot. A playground just steps away from the rock structure offers more climbing, swinging and playing opportunities. Wagner Park also accommodates softball, soccer and rugby. However, Wagner Park may best be known for its role in the Aspen Food and Wine Festival.

Yellowbrick Park is another great choice for a fun-filled afternoon. A giant climbing structure dares those fearless children to challenge themselves with a great climb. Swings and a beautiful play structure offer more fun options as well.

Herron Park offers a natural wooden play structure, and wonderful shade for those really warm days. A wide grass area is the perfect place to have a snack and a cool drink, or to play a game of Frisbee or catch. Herron Park also has a cool pool where children can wade, hunt for fish and splash around after having played on the playground.

For a more serene park, the John Denver Sanctuary is a beautiful park. Dedicated to the memory of John Denver and his powerful influence on Aspen, the John Denver Sanctuary has Denver’s songs etched into boulders, placed throughout the park. The layout of these boulders throughout the park is both seemingly natural, and inspirational. Children can be seen scrambling along the tops of them. Adults are seen wandering in and out of them looking for their favorite lyrics, and discover new favorites. Every year in October, John Denver fans gather to remember the music and the man here in his own memorial.

Paepcke Park is another gorgeously maintained park. Perfect for picnics, a quiet nap under the trees or a quiet walk. Named after the ‘grandparents of Aspen,’ Walter and Elizabeth Paepcke, this park represents everything they strove to create within Aspen–culture, beauty and physical wellbeing.

The Jennie Adair Wetlands is a quiet place where one can really collect their thoughts, and enjoy the peace of nature. Children can explore the great outdoors, hunt for wildlife and catch butterflies. It is a perfect reminder of the great beauty found in Aspen.

City parks translate the atmosphere of a city. Newcomers and visitors can learn about the priorities of the citizens and government of Aspen by simply passing an afternoon in the playgrounds and natural areas in town. The parks in Aspen tell others the value placed on family, the priority of natural beauty and the preservation of the environment, as well as the significance of physical exercise and wellness.

Spend an afternoon in the park relishing one of the hidden gems within Aspen, then click here to see homes, residences and condos in the Aspen and Snowmass Village area.

The Rocky Mountains call to those who love wilderness. The Rockies are also one of the few places in the world where people can get back to nature, to experience the land in its natural form and to witness the wild. In a 2007 poll conducted by Talmey-Drake, Ninety percent of Coloradoans sited wilderness as an important economic and recreational aspect of life in Colorado.

Nowhere in Colorado are these factors truer than in Aspen and Snowmass Village. Nor is there a place in Colorado where the beauty and the poignancy of nature more easily accessed. To ensure that this beauty will remain for generations to come, the Hidden Gem Coalition was created to preserve and maintain the wilderness of the Central Rocky Mountains.

Back in 2007, a group of conservation minded wilderness lovers banded together to form a Wilderness Campaign, called the Hidden Gems Coalition in the White River National Forest. The premise of this coalition was to protect the middle elevation wilderness areas, which were excluded from the original wilderness protection legislation years ago due to mining and logging industries. Today these interests have diminished and the forests have become more and more a source of recreation. However, many wildlife species, some of which are threatened, call these forests home. The Hidden Gem’s goal was to enable people to continue to go into the forest and enjoy them, meanwhile protecting the animals, plant life and the health of the forests.

After three years of hard work, many discussions with community members and even more revisions, 150 to be exact, the Hidden Gems Wilderness Campaign has successfully been launched. Today the Hidden Gems protects 342,000 acres of wilderness in the Pitkin, Gunnison, Eagle and Summit counties. Under the current agreement, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, horseback riding, kayaking, rafting and many other activities are still allowed in the Hidden Gems areas. New mining, new drilling, logging, biking and motorized travel are forbidden.

The Roaring Fork Valley is a particularly popular place for outdoor recreation. While the US Forest Service reports that only 1% of White River National Forest users rely on snowmobiles, these vehicles damage and environmentally impact of these vehicles is significant. Not only do they detract from the silent peace of nature, they also negatively affect the safety and well being of other visitors, and wildlife. Far more use in the forest comes from much less damaging forms of recreation. Eight-one percent of visitors to the forest are hikers, horseback riders, kayakers and rafters.  Because mountain biking is such a beloved aspect of life in the Roaring Fork Valley, the entire 23,000 acres of Sloan Peak were left out of the Hidden Gem project, preserving a huge portion of land for biking. Focusing on encouraging activities with the least impact on the land and limiting those more invasive forms of recreation has been a major victory for the land and its wild residents.

To encourage and educate residents of the Aspen and Snowmass Village area about the Hidden Gems in their area, the coalition in partnership with biking, hiking, nature and riding resources in the area, is offering a series of guided hikes and rides into various parts of the Hidden Gems wilderness area.  From the end of June through August spectacular outdoor experiences are offered every weekend and even on weekdays. For the more solitary hiker, the Hidden Gems Coalition encourages you to visit on your own. They will send free maps and information about the various areas, if they are contacted through their website.

If you are feeling the call of the wild, come to Aspen, Snowmass Village and the Roaring Fork Valley. Experience the beauty and solace of nature in its most beautiful form. Then take a look at homes, investment properties and condos in the area. You will be investing not only in your own wilderness experience; you will be living in and investing in a community, which believes in preserving the wilderness experience of generations to come. www.GregRulon.com

Calling all art connoisseurs, oenophiles and philanthropists! ArtCrush 2011 and ArtAspen are coming!

Beginning August 3^rd, art, wine and the opportunity to bring these two favorite things together for a good cause, culminates in this Aspen Art Museum Event. The WineCrush on Wednesday night is a limited event in which ticket holders will enjoy rare wines and the expertise of world-renowned sommeliers, in addition to a sneak peek at the art to auctioned later in the week. All proceeds from this exclusive event go to the support and continued investment in the art and culture offered by the Aspen Art Museum. .

The following day, Thursday, August 4^th, the PreviewCrush will offer an opportunity to prospective buyers who were unable to attend the WineCrush, or those who did, but want a second glance, a preview of the art up for auction before bidding time.

On Friday the 5^th, at 6 p.m. the Aspen Art Museum’s annual gala, wine tasting event and art benefit auction will kick off.  Presented by Sotheby’s and conducted by Tobias Meyer, the European Deputy Chairman of Sotheby’s, the AAM proudly presents a number of pieces donated by celebrity artists. One such piece comes from the Mark Manders’ Collection. Locomotion captures the signature Manders technique and style. Mr. Manders displayed his art at AAM for a special exhibit that ended in early May of this year. This particular piece is an example of Mr. Manders’ use of the body and its relationship to negative space. This piece and several other beautiful and moving pieces to be auctioned are currently featured on the AAM’s website, www.aspenartmuseum.org/artcrush_11/auction_items.html. The site does state that the items to be auctioned will not be limited to the list currently on display.

Immediately following the dinner and silent auction, the AfterPartyCrush at Syzygy City will feature a full bar and entertainment. But, don’t stay out too late because while ArtCrush will be just about to wrap up, it will be rolling out the red carpet for its sister event, ArtAspen.

Bright and early the next morning Aspen Art Museum and the Aspen Ice Garden will open its doors to ArtAspen in a special breakfast and preview of the featured and for sale art for the guests of ArtCrush and AAM members.  Beginning at 10a.m. on August 6^th, and continuing throughout the day until 3p.m., when the AAM will open its doors to the general public allowing them a sneak peak as well.

Throughout the rest of the weekend and into Monday, August 8^th, ArtAspen will feature exquisite visual art for sale and admiration. Many art collectors seek museum quality pieces presented together in a venue that offers them perspective on the art in production throughout the world. ArtAspen offers this venue, in addition to the opportunity to see a variety of styles and artists in one comfortable venue. Of course, all proceeds from these art shows benefit the fine contemporary art made available to the population of Aspen year-round. Art purchased from either event will enhance not only your life and home, but will also the community at large.

Because ArtAspen and the ArtCrush draw such a large and discriminating audience, the caliber and quality of the art therein improves exponentially year after year.

Don’t miss your chance to select a museum quality piece for your future home in Aspen or Snowmass Village. After you have chosen that perfect piece, click here to find the perfect home, condo or investment property to best accentuate your new art.

In July and August residents and visitors of Aspen and Snowmass Village will be painting the town red – or pink rather in support of breast cancer research.

Beginning this weekend, July 16^th, runners and walkers will pile on the pink and race in memory of those lost to cancer, those who have overcome cancer, and for the hope of a cure to breast cancer.

Then on August 14^th an exclusive moonlighting VIP ride through the Maroon Bells with former Olympian Scott Mercier will take a select few on an unforgettable ride in an exclusive fundraising event.

For everyone else, the pink will come out in full force on August 21, when all of Aspen and Snowmass Village will sport their pink as they host this year’s Ride for the Cure in Aspen/Snowmass, in affiliation with the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The race kicks off at the Snowmass Village Recreation Center and winds through Snowmass Village, Aspen, Woody Creek and Old Snowmass, for a total of 100 miles, and with the option of shorter distances ranging from 10 miles to 30 and 50, if 100 seems a bit daunting.

As part of the event dinner on Friday is provided, in addition to breakfast and lunch on Saturday. After the race, all of that pink will really turn up the heat in a Finish Line Party with music, beer food and massages! Even the kids are encouraged to hop their bike wearing their brightest pink tutu or most manly pink shirt and ride. Afterward kids’ activities will reward participants and spectators alike.

While athletes and outdoor folks gather outside to show their support for the fight against breast cancer, quietly in Eagle, Colorado a series of pink photographs will be on display in an attempt to artistically raise awareness and support for breast cancer. A pink photo contest began back in April, with winning photographs going on display in June, and will remain up until mid-September.

Statistically speaking, on July 16^th, or August 14^th or 24^th, as bikers pedal, run or photograph their hearts out, the sad truth is that across the country 600 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 100 women will die from it, just like every other day of the year.

To combat these numbers, the primary objective to the Race for the Cure is raise money to support research for breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation also supports increased education, screening, and treatment. Some of the funds earned in the race will go to providing low-cost or no-cost screening, testing and other medical services for low-income residents of the Roaring Fork Valley.

The Roaring Fork Valley is committed to the health and wellbeing of its women, men and children. This commitment is apparently in the droves of runners, bikers and artists who will put on their pink, and paint the town pink all summer long.

Join in the fight! Pull out your pink shorts, grab a pink t-shirt and get out to show your support for finding the cure to breast cancer. Afterward, take some time to look at homes and residences in the Aspen and Snowmass Village area. Be a part of a community that invests in all of its members. www.GregRulon.com

William Shakespeare said it first, and best, “A rose by another name would smell as sweet.”

Today that saying applies as much to mountains as to flowers, as Mt. Sopris’ eastern peak may soon be called, “John Denver Peak.”

Mt. Sopris has been the unofficial symbol of the Roaring Fork River Valley and its surrounding cities since their inception. Its great beauty has called people to live in the shadows of these two great peaks; inspired climbers, hikers and skiers to test themselves on its face, and filled the souls of artists with song, word and visual representation of every form.

As part of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness and the White River National Forest, Mt. Sopris’ peaks are also famous for being exactly the same elevation. However, they are known perhaps most famously as the inspiration for singer John Denver’s 1972 song, “Rocky Mountain High.”

John Denver had a very special spot in his heart for Aspen, Snowmass Village and Rocky Mountains; as his music reflects in others of his songs such as  “Aspenglow,” and “Starwood in Aspen.” But this deep love for Colorado and the Aspen/Snowmass Village area is reflected even more in his conservation legacy. In an effort to preserve the land that so inspired him, Mr. Denver purchased 1,000 acres of farmland and wilderness just down the hill from Mt. Sopris. He later donated this land to the Windstar Foundation, a conservation group founded by him.

The Aspen Times has announced that long time friend of Mr. Denver, J.P. McDaniel, with the support of Mr. Denver’s family, has acquired more than 1,000 signatures in the effort to officially name the mountain that John Denver loved and was inspired by in a memorial to him.

It is perhaps a fitting memorial, due to the fact that Colorado has embraced Mr. Denver’s music and accepted “Rocky Mountain High” as one of the two state songs.

John Denver’s affection for this area, although famously captured, is not unique. Colorado, and Aspen/Snowmass Village are the kind of place that creep into the soul, and capture it for a lifetime. Aspenites were not called by a job or an opportunity to their town; the mountains and rivers, the trees and flowers have called them.

To get your own ‘Aspenglow,’ click here to see homes on large lots of land, condos at the foot of the mountain, or the perfect investment property. Fall in love with Mt. Sopris and everything else the Aspen/Snowmass Village has to offer today!

Without a doubt, there is no place in the world quite like Aspen, Colorado. It is a town in which one’s father might have been on the U.S. Olympic Ski Team, a close family friend is the celebrated and inspirational Jimmie Heuga, and one’s twin lives across the street. Aspen is a town in which one can be an accountant by occupation and a world-renowned high elevation skier by hobby. It is a place where two men take amazing risks to achieve feats for others. A town in which, the cause is much more important that the feat.

I am referring, of course, to Aspen residents and brothers Mike and Steve Marolt, who will release on July 12^th their film, “Skiing Everest,” in New York at the Tribeca Cinemas. The money from this event will not fund their next expedition; rather it will go to the Jimmie Heuga Center Endowment in support of Can Do MS.

In 1964 Jimmie Heuga was one of the first American men to win an Olympic alpine medal. He served as an inspiration to a generation of Americans through his Olympic career. He went on to inspire an entire nation through his determination to continue his athletic life despite his MS diagnosis. To better the life of himself and all other MS patients, he founded The Heuga Center for Multiple Sclerosis in 1984, later known as the Can Do MS. Those close to him remember his kindness and willingness to help others to overcome their struggles physical, mental and emotional.

Mike Marolt explained in an interview the Aspen Business Journal that he and his brother picked up the MS cause due to encouragement from their family friend Jimmie Heuga. Deeply instilled in both brothers by their father had been the idea that life is what you make it. Both brothers felt that Heuga was living proof of this ideal. Through filming their adventures they could bring inspiration and financial assistance MS patients, while educating and informing the public and encouraging them to help in the search for a cure to MS.

Not every resident in Aspen can be found in Himalayas in their time off raising money for a cause, but beyond Mike and Steve Marolt, Aspen is a very charitable city. The calendar is filled year round with festivals and events, yet with each of these events there is almost always a benefit dinner benefitting a related cause. For a relatively small city, the list of charitable organizations is quite extensive, from the Shining Stars Foundation to medical and educational services and more.

Aspen is often associated with luxury, celebrities and extravagant spending. Yet it is often overlooked as a town full of generous people who have invested in their community, people and in those less fortunate.

To be a part of this community, click here to see homes, condos and investment properties in Aspen, Snowmass Village and the surrounding areas. Believe me, you won’t find better neighbors anywhere else on earth!

Afterward head out to catch “Skiing Everest” on the big screen, and do your part to help the Can Do MS Foundation.

Although CNNMoney.com is reporting continuing hardship within the job sector in America, concerning both wages and job availability, the economy in Snowmass Village is continuing to improve. This can be seen first and foremost in the three closings on homes in Snowmass Village’s Base Village just in the month of June, but also in the three more residences set to close later this month.

The foreclosure of Base Village and the subsequent lawsuits have hung over the Base Village properties for at least two years, tying up the unsold properties and making them unavailable for sale. However, finally free of legal red tape, due to recent court rulings, many Snowmass Village properties have re-entered the real estate market.

Apparently these properties make their grand re-entrance at a significant discount. The Snowmass Sun is reporting the sales price on the most recent sale to be 40-45% less than the original asking price. It seems that foreigners and many people from around the country and the world have taken notice of the buyer’s market in the Aspen and Snowmass Village market, and are moving in to invest now.

Other markets in the Snowmass Village area are seeing movement as well, for example Sinclair Meadows has seen five lots of the 17 sell, and are hopeful to move even more this summer.

These hopes seem well founded, in the Aspen Business Journal the week’s real estate transactions, hosted by Joshua & Co. posted 18 closings in this week alone.

It seems the time to buy is now, as Base Village broker Garrett Reuss, advised in the Snowmass Sun, “After two more sales, we’ll start to look at raising prices.” If you have wanted to live in the Aspen and Snowmass Village area, and have been biding your time. The time to move is now – gorgeous brand new properties, exquisite Rocky Mountain living at a price that won’t last, not even to the end of the summer.

Invest in the Rocky Mountain dream, where the best skiing in the world is in your backyard, where wild flowers decorate your front lawn. In Snowmass Village, you can have the small town quality of life, complete with beauty, serenity and security, while at the same time enjoying big city amenities like excellent shopping, magnificent dining, high society and a hopping night life.

Have your cake and eat it too in Snowmass Village! Click here to see the homes, properties and condos in the Snowmass Village and Aspen area. Don’t wait another day!

Many people come to Aspen for the outdoor adventures, scenic mountains, amazing festivals and cultural experiences. To balance out all of the hard work, inspiration, sweat and art, Aspen offers an equally intense nightlife. With over 100 bars, restaurants and clubs, Aspen knows how to show its residents and visitors a good time – any time of year.

Matisyahu

Belly Up Aspen is the hot spot for residents and visitors alike who want to cut loose and enjoy great music. A regular host to such big name artists as Matisyahu, Blue’s Traveler, Nas, The Stone Temple Pilots, Seal and many others, Belly Up offers big city artists to its residents and visitors. This year’s summer calendar at Belly Up Aspen is packed with musicians through July well into August. Not only is the music great at Belly Up, the food is everything one would expect from Aspen. The menu includes Kobe beef sliders, ahi tuna sliders, pizza, wings and even some vegetarian fare. Of course the full bar, with incredible drink specials completes the experience.

Another popular place to unwind after climbing steep mountains and fished in ice-cold water is the J-Bar. Located with the Jerome Hotel Aspen, the J-Bar has been a favorite among the locals for over 100 years. The J-Bar pays tribute to its history in the making of the West, by maintaining its saloon ambiance. The famous J-Bar drink, called the “Aspen Crud” is a must have for every one, at least once. Consisting primarily of ice cream and bourbon, served in a tin cup, this milkshake recalls the J-Bar’s stint as a soda fountain during the days of prohibition. The J-Bar also offers house-made margaritas, vintage cocktails and the more common bar fare as well. Light foods are served from the J-Bar menu, such as burgers, artichoke spinach dip with flatbread and truffle fries.

Don’t forget the unforgettable 39 Degrees Lounge. Commonly accepted to be the place for the social scene in Aspen for locals and visitors alike, with its perfect ambiance, warmth in the winter and gorgeous sundeck in the summer, 39 Degrees features the mixologist Denis Cote, who whips out creative and original cocktails that will have you coming back for more.

For more intimate and casual watering holes Bentley’s at the Wheeler and the Hunter Bar and Eric’s Bar are popular among the locals. The Cigar Bar offers an elegant experience, featuring cigars and fine liquors found only in Aspen.  Explore Booksellers and Es-Cape bistro offers culture and books as the main course, serving wine, beer, coffees, vegetarian cuisine and divine desserts as sides.

Café Ink! offers a milder, but still outstanding menu of drinks including smoothies, international coffees and teas. Paradise Bakery stays open late as well for those needing a midnight snack or pick-me-up. Drop in for frozen yogurt, homemade ice cream or freshly baked cookies and muffins.

Aspen is the saying, “Work hard, play harder” personified. After the sun has set, this town knows how to put the climbing equipment, paint brushes and philosophical thoughts away and embrace good music, good friends and a good time. Come work and play here in the shadows of the Rocky Mountains! To find the perfect home, condo or investment property click here.