http://coldwellbankersunvalley.com/blog/archive_201803/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ http://coldwellbankersunvalley.com/blog/5623/us-alpine-nat'l-championships-in-sun-valley/ Fri, 23 Mar 2018 12:00:00 -0700 Up and down the Wood River Valley, sales of vacant land continue to happen at a dizzying rate. In 2017, there was a 56% increase in vacant land sales over 2016 (153 vs 98 sales in 2016), and a 29% jump in sold dollar volume ($48 million vs $37 million in 2016).With higher-than-normal building costs (due to issues like last year’s wildfires in Alberta, for example), one might expect land sales to start to wane. But after the first quarter of 2018, that is hardly the case. There have already been 12 more land sales in 2018 than at this point last year, a jump of 80% from 15 to 27. The truly astonishing number, though, is sold dollar volume, which is up 315%, from $4 million at this point last year to $16.7 million thus far in 2018.If reading this blog makes you think you need to get in on the vacant land game, there is still plenty to choose from out there. Here’s a quick breakdown of active listings:90 active listings in the North Valley and Resort Core, from a high of $8.5 million (Lane Ranch North) to a low of $250,000 (Warm Springs).152 active listings in Hailey and Bellevue, ranging from $8 million (Quigley Road) to $85,000 (right in Bellevue).80 active listings South of Ketchum, ranging from $6.5 million (near Triumph) to $140,000 (Streamside in Valley Club).Ok, that’s a lot of numbers. And while it’s impossible to make any large-scale generalizations about the reason land sales continue to increase, it is worth noting that land has always been a good real estate investment. This is perhaps even more true in a land-limited area like the Wood River Valley.     http://coldwellbankersunvalley.com/blog/5607/sun-valley-vacant-land-update/ Thu, 22 Mar 2018 12:00:00 -0700 Are you tracking, measuring, and assessing your business? Have you set your goals? Do you have a plan? This podcast will help you realize where you are going and what your next steps need to be. http://coldwellbankersunvalley.com/blog/5611/tracking-and-measuring-your-business/ Wed, 21 Mar 2018 12:00:00 -0700 Most Sun Valley-ites were putting their skis away and getting ready for the spring and summer. And then we got hit with an awesome storm that resulted in the best skiing conditions of the year on Baldy! Here's to living at 5480 feet! "> http://coldwellbankersunvalley.com/blog/5603/late-march-snowstorm-extends-winter/ Tue, 20 Mar 2018 12:00:00 -0700 Purchasing a home is a big step, one that needs to be thought out and very heavily prepped for. Getting preapproved for a loan, finding an agent and searching for homes is the beginning part. But once you’ve completed the mortgage process, the final step is closing on the loan. Closing costs and how they change can be a bit confusing. The amount of the closing cost can also catch people off guard. Perhaps you didn’t anticipate having to pay so much at the end of it all. The best you can do is take these tips and tricks and try to lower the costs the best you can.Firstly, what makes up the closing cost is a multitude of things. These fees could include but are not limited to real estate agent fees, title transfer, property surveys, and taxes. With the variety of items that make up the closing costs, the final amount can fluctuate. When you initially apply for a loan it’s a Loan Estimate, which exactly what that means. Fees from the lender and rates are controlled well, but third-party fees, such as the ones listed above, can vary by almost 10%.Now, if you decide to close the loan, but notice the costs are getting a little steep, try one of these ideas to see if it will help.Negotiate – speaking to the seller to see if they would be willing to help cover some of the cost. Maybe offering a slightly higher price for the home would convince them to assist in these final costs.Accept a Higher Rate – this option will allow the lender to give you credits to cover at least some of the closing cost if not all of it.Closing costs could end up being 3-5% of your total loan amount. A lot of the items such as the credit report being run and the application itself are already paid with a portion of your down payment. However, all the other fees come at closing, so you want to be prepared to either pay these fees up front, or try to arrange a negotiation or higher rate to ensure you aren’t strapped by the time your loan is ready to close.  http://coldwellbankersunvalley.com/blog/5558/the-low-down-on-closing-costs/ Mon, 12 Mar 2018 12:00:00 -0700