HOW'S THE MARKET?
Although it may seem like 2022 is off to a slow start, there’s no need to worry; while there are currently only 51 offerings throughout Routt County, there were 48 transactions county-wide in January (compared with 67 in January 2021). January had $47M in sales volume in the county, which was down only 14% from last year but still up significantly from January 2020 when there was only $29M in volume.
The demand for housing remains strong, as evidenced by listings averaging only 52 days in the MLS (compared to an average of 59 days in the MLS in 2021). The relatively low number of listings is keeping prices high, pushing the price per square foot of single-family homes to $660 in Steamboat Springs (compared to $401 per square foot a year ago). In January, the average price of a single-family home was $1.7M, while the average price of a condo/townhome was $881K.
With interest rate hikes already under way, now may be the time for those considering a sale to take the plunge. Conforming 30-year fixed-rate mortgages passed 4%, the first time since December 2019. Higher rates mean buyers’ have less purchasing power. With fewer homes available and demand remaining strong, sellers continue to command top-dollar for their property (often by way of a bidding war due to few competitors on the market). Sellers in Routt County are now receiving an average of 99.6% of their asking price. Also, in most years springtime sees an influx of homes on the market; more homes on the market means more choices for buyers. With all these factors combined, it could be the perfect time for those considering selling their home to make their move.
If you’re thinking of staying in your home, however, you may consider waiting before completing some interior updates. With inflation skyrocketing, the prices of home goods are increasing significantly. Prices for furniture have spiked 17-20% over the past year; window coverings are up more than 16%; appliances have increased by 9%; and other decorative items are more than 6% higher compared to 2021. But, if you can’t wait, please note that not all home upgrades add value to your home. Call your trusted Realtor® to find out which ones add the most value.
Whether you’re considering buying, upgrading, or selling a home, one of our experienced agents is here to help you with all of your questions.
100 STEAMBOAT ATHLETES MAKE HISTORY
When John Steele became Steamboat Springs' first Olympian in the 1932 games in Lake Placid, he set quite a precedent. To date, Steamboat has produced more Winter Olympians than any other town in North America.
This month, ski jumper Decker Dean soared into the history books as Steamboat’s 100th Olympic athlete. In an interview before he competed in Beijing, Decker said “The rich history we have in Steamboat is huge. Being the 100th Olympian, that’s just cool. That’s going to be a cool thing I’ll be able to hold onto for the rest of my life.”
Of the 13 Olympians with ties to Steamboat in this year’s games, six grew up in the Yampa Valley and many have already earned medals. Ester Ledecka earned gold in women’s parallel giant slalom, while Vic Wild took bronze in the same event for men and Jaelin Kauf won silver in women’s freestyle moguls. Taylor Gold placed fifth in the men's snowboard halfpipe.
Local Taylor Fletcher recently finished 24th in Nordic combined in his fourth Olympics. Before competitions began, Colorado Group Realty checked in with Fletcher to find out what makes Steamboat the land of Olympians.
1- What's it like knowing you are going into this Olympics, compared to the last three?
"The experience and mindset are much greater for me. I am coming off of a much better season for me personally and confident I can have my best Olympic experience. For me, my career has come full circle from being the youngest by many years to being the oldest by many years."
2- Average hours of training a day to get to this point?
"I would say on average 4-5 hours a day when you take all the training for Nordic combined. This includes endurance, gym, and jumping."
3- What fires you up on competition day?
"The competition mentality is amazing. To achieve the best result you can, gives you great energy and determination."
4- What is it about the Steamboat community that helps so many athletes to be successful in winter sports?
"It all starts with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sport Club. This program is one of the best programs I have ever seen. It has kept so many athletes out of trouble and focuses on achieving their dreams. Because of that the entire community of Steamboat has grown to support our athletes and help push them to become champions."
5- Favorite place to hang out in Steamboat when you are back?
"At home for sure. Spending time with family is always great. But when I do leave, Yampa Valley Sandwich Co is a first, along with a shake from Johnny B Goods Diner."
Photo: Taylor Fletcher
A HIDDEN GEM IN COLORADO'S SPORTING CROWN
Kremmling, Colorado was named the “Sportsman’s Paradise” for good reason. Set at the headwaters of the Colorado River, at the intersection of Hwy 40 and CO 9, it is surrounded by thousands of acres of Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service space. Settled by silver miners in the 1800s, the area has evolved into a strong ranching community steeped in pioneer spirit.
“It reminds me of Steamboat Springs in the 70s” says Bethany Aurin, a Steamboat Springs High School graduate. She and husband Fritz are in the process of relocating permanently to Kremmling after selling their iconic business, Steamboat Smokehouse. Aurin is operating a horse rescue facility and manages transport for the local school district. “Everyone looks out for each other, and it’s a very close knit and welcoming community,” she says. “Academic standards are high within the school district, and class sizes are small."
Kremmling offers one K-8 grade school and a high school where students are known as the Mustangs. Over a decade, the population grew by 9% to 1,578 in 2020.
Located at over 7,300 feet, the town is encircled by Silverthorne to the south, Granby and Winter Park to the east, and Steamboat Springs to the northwest, making it easily accessible for skiing.
The area is luring retirees with its extensive array of amenities from locally owned and operated stores, community events, sports and outdoor activities. “We have a road that leads out of town where you can drive whatever you like to access BLM land. You’ll see ATVs and E-bikes in summer and snowmobiles in winter,” Aurin says laughing. Fishing, hunting and river sports are big business. Located only 100 miles from Denver, this “Sportsman’s Paradise,” won’t stay a hidden gem for long.
Photo: The town of Kremmling. Courtesy of the Grand County Colorado Tourism Board
WINTER CARNIVAL THE LONGEST RUNNING FUNDRAISER IN TOWN
When Norwegian Carl Howelsen staged the first Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival in 1914, little did he know it would become the town’s most revered tradition. 108 years later, the people of Steamboat come out in full force to put on a spectacle that lures visitors from across the nation.
This past weekend, Lincoln Avenue was temporarily closed to vehicles and was covered in snow to set the stage for a series of competitions. Local ranchers and riders gallop through town pulling kids on skis for skijoring contests and the spectacle is completed with a madcap shovel race. The Steamboat Springs High School Band marches through town on skis, an act which coined the term “Ski Town USA” in the 1950’s. Ice sculptures carved by local students and businesses line parts of the road, enhancing the setting for the Diamond Hitch Parade.
Across the Yampa River, at the aptly named Howelsen Hill, ski jumpers of all ages, including the fearless geländesprung competitors, take to the jumps. When darkness falls, the hill becomes center stage for a torchlight parade and show by athletes from the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. The Lighted Man takes the spotlight shooting fireworks from a specially designed backpack, before the sky lights up with a firework display. In 2020, the event made the Guinness Book of World Records with the world’s largest firework at 2,800 lbs. It traveled nearly a mile and illuminated the whole valley in a dusky pink glow.
The carnival brings the community together in the depths of winter, as it was intended way back when. Today’s celebrations probably exceed the expectations set by Steamboat’s father of skiing, but none of us doubt that Carl Howelsen would approve.
All proceeds raised from the Winter Carnival support scholarships for young athletes at the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club.
ROMANCING IN THE 'BOAT
When Cupid fired his bow this month, it sent the romantic vibes ricocheting across the valley. We asked a handful of locals to share their favorite places for a romantic dinner in Steamboat Springs, in spirit of celebrating Valentine’s Day all month long:
Café Diva
This local staple has been serving off-the-charts fine dining to the community for almost a quarter of a century. This year’s four-course offering included coffee and onion braised pork ribs and a strawberry cheesecake mousse.
Aurum
Chef Jake Burman’s sage-brined pork chop with au gratin potatoes and spiced agave veggies, washed down with a glass of Salomon Riesling, served in one of Aurum’s intimate yurts.
E3 Chophouse
A window seat table at E3 Chophouse, savory bacon-wrapped dates, filet steak and a warm baked cookie to share. No room for being dainty here.
Laundry
The Laundry for General Manager JJ’s current favorite beets dish with blue cheese fondue, pumpernickel croutons, candied pecans and clementine, paired with Domaine Andre Vatan ‘Les Charmes’ Sancerre.
Sauvage
Sauvage for the six-course tasting menu, where dinner is served over a luxuriously long time. How can you not feel romantic when served with chocolate of all shades for dessert?