http://coldwellbankersunvalley.com/blog/categoryname_sellers/sort_entrydatetime-desc/ 2018 was an exciting year for real estate in the Wood River Valley, with sales bypassing the 1,000 mark for the first time since 2005! While this is exciting news, what’s even better is that the Sun Valley Market has shown steady growth over the past three years, which has helped keep fears of another bubble at bay. Consistent and steady growth, especially in a resort market like ours, is ideal for any market and helps both buyers and sellers.Our office has put together a detailed report on the 2018 Sun Valley market, with breakdowns by property type (Residential Homes, Condos/Townhomes, Vacant Land) and micro-markets (Ketchum proper, Warm Springs, North of Ketchum, South of Ketchum, Elkhorn, Sun Valley Village, Hailey, Bellevue, South of Bellevue, and Stanley and Beyond). If you are interested in how a certain area of the Sun Valley market performed or would like to see a full review of 2018 across the county, check out our full report here.As always, if you have any questions about the details our office is always here to help, so give us a call and we can discuss even further! http://coldwellbankersunvalley.com/blog/6724/sun-valley-real-estate-2018-annual-market-report/ Mon, 14 Jan 2019 03:16:13 -0700 This summer, make your backyard an inviting space for entertaining friends and family or simply a space to relax under the stars.Just adding neutral tones, modern accent furniture and organic texture to your space can make your own backyard feel like a resort.  Keeping your design elements earthy and naturalwill bring a light and airy feel to even the smallest of outdoor spaces.Paper & Stitch BlogIf you don't currently treat your outdoor area like an extended living space, consider buying a few cozy pieces that will guarantee to bring the warmth and charm!  Zevy JoyMixing and matching textures and tones brings interest and visual appeal.Think outside the box: concrete and teak or clean white ceramic and gray wicker.  Adding pops of texture with pillows, towels, and lighting will also help create the relaxing feel of a beach side bungalow.1stdibs.If you like to entertain, unite a seating area and dining area in an open concept.Bring in comfortable chairs, plants, and fun outdoor dishware.  This can be the place to add a splash of color.  A Moroccan planter with a lush outdoor plant, or a set of interesting plates for the dining table will add the perfect touch to your neutral palette.Inspired yet?  Below are great examples of pieces that canget you on your way to creating the outdoor space you've been dreaming of!SHOP BY CLICKING THE LINKS:Williams SonomaRestoration Hardware Pottery BarnSerena & LilyWest ElmBallard Design Ballard Design http://coldwellbankersunvalley.com/blog/6012/outdoor-living/ Fri, 06 Jul 2018 12:00:00 -0700 An updated and wholesome house not only makes a good impression for anyone visiting, but will wow potential buyers.  Recent and well done home improvements increase the value of your home. Even if you aren’t planning on selling your home anytime soon, these improvements are worth the investment.  So stop pushing the house to-do list aside, pick up the tools, and get to work on these worthwhile projects.Kitchen UpdateFace it, kitchen appliances from twenty years ago just aren’t that appealing.  Replacing old appliances with sleeker, shinier versions will make your kitchen glow.  Especially with advances in eco-friendly and energy saving models, it’s worth the time and energy to install new dishwashers, refrigerators, and ovens.  While you’re working on the kitchen, consider adding new countertops or cupboards. If you feel like going the extra mile, replace the flooring and add a tiled backsplash.  These additions will completely change the look and feel of your kitchen. Bathroom RemodelBathrooms are, generally, one of the smaller rooms in a house, making them a perfect beginner project.  If you’re considering a bathroom remodel, look first to the visual aspects of the room, such as flooring, vanity, countertops and lighting.  Even switching up just one or two of those elements will dramatically alter the look of your bathroom. Any Major IssuesSpend the time and money to fix any major issues around the house.  Perhaps the AC isn’t working efficiently or your new puppy tore a hole in the wall.  Making repairs to these issues will perhaps be on the most important investments you will make to your home.  Some of these fixes are worth doing yourself, while major issues might need a professional to come in and do the job.  Don’t let cost scare you off. Of course, like anything, do your research before investing in a repair.A Fresh LayerWhat is the first thing people see when they visit your house?  You got it, the outside of your humble abode. There’s a number of ways to spruce up the exterior of your house.  Giving the siding, front door, and window shutters a fresh coat of paint will make your home sparkle. Even a good power wash will freshen up the exterior.  Larger investments, such as replacing the garage door or the roof will greatly increase your return. Again, just make sure to do your price shopping and research before jumping into any big renovation.    http://coldwellbankersunvalley.com/blog/5767/home-improvement-projects-that-should-be-at-the-top-of-your-list/ Wed, 02 May 2018 12:00:00 -0700 Renovating or upgrading your home seems like a simple idea, right? Figure out what you want to do and find a contractor to do it. But there is so much more that goes into renovating and so many common mistakes that can make an upgrade or renovation go south very quickly. Below are some common mistakes you want to be sure you avoid when you begin the renovation process or even when you start thinking about renovating.  ·         Kitchen revamp – One of the biggest errors when people update their kitchens are incorrect measurements. Replacing cabinets or adding additional storage in your kitchen will change the look completely, but be sure you measure properly to ensure they fit around your appliances. ·         Not setting a proper budget – Most people only budget out their exact renovations. But along the way, you may find electrical issues or something could become damaged. Adding 10-15% to your budget will create a safe enough cushion that if anything does happen, it will be covered.·         Changing layouts – Don’t be afraid to move things around to create a space that makes more sense. If your bathroom seems cramped because the sink is too close to the shower or you don’t like where the toilet is placed, change it.·         Going cheap – Just because you like the figures a contractor gives you, doesn’t mean it’s going to be the best job. Get multiple quotes from different contractors and view pictures of their previous work so you can get an idea of the work they will be doing for you. ·         Choosing the wrong design – When you begin selecting materials, it’s best to choose a design that won’t go out of style too quickly. Make sure you are selecting designs that will be well-liked years down the road that won’t take away from the value of your home.  Revamping your home is always exciting. Changing things and making them your own makes it feel more like your home, but it’s imperative to keep in mind that these upgrades and renovations are long term and need to be thought out so future problems are avoided. http://coldwellbankersunvalley.com/blog/5688/home-renovation-mistakes-you-don’t-want-to-make/ Mon, 09 Apr 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