Here is a view from Lot 50 at Spring Hollow Ranch – This lot is sold but it helps show the beauty Spring Hollow Ranch has to offer.  Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty along with Garth Gillespie represent the developers of Spring Hollow Ranch and we are excited to offer extremely competitive pricing for the summer of 2010. 

All lots at Spring Hollw Ranch have access to 130 acres of open space.  This is not your normal open space but it is recreational space where we have hiking trails, a spring fed pond with gazebos, access to the Rails to Trails and excellent cross country skiing in the winter.

Summers in the Teton Valley are some of the best in the west.  The towns of Driggs and Victor have farmers markets, there is an outdoor music series every Thursday night, Grand Targhee resort offers downhill biking, hiking and 2 nationally known music festivals.  There are excellent resturants (just opened Teton Thai in Driggs).

Prices for 6 to 30 acre lots start at $150,000 and go to $350,000.  44 of the 50 lots have incredible views of the Grand Tetons.  Call for details – 307-413-5243.

The Teton County, Wyoming real estate market experienced an increase in buyer demand during the first quarter of 2010 and Jackson Hole Sotheby’s continues to lead the way with a 70% market share as reported by Teton County MLS. 

In May 2010, sales volume rose 166% over last year and units sold doubled.  Teton County MLS reported elevn sales over $1 million in May, verse 7 in April and 4 in May.  The interest above $1 million has been encouraging and when you compare this years sales (40) over $1 million verse only (19) last year.

The sales team at Jackson Hole Sotheby’s continues to dominate the market.  Christy and I appreciate working with such a great team because it offers us so much insight.  When you work with the best agents in Jackson you are bound to learn a thing or two.  We also have the opportunity to hear about new listings not yet in the MLS or we are able to “sell” or educate an agent on a property we have listed if we hear they have a buyer looking for something in particular.  It is just a great resourse.  To give you some data to support this representation we just have to look the sales in May.  During the month of May 2010, 73% of the properties that sold in Teton Countywere liste with Jackson Hole Sothebys and our Sotheby’s team sold 55% of all properties that closed in May as reported by Teton County MLS. 

Pretty great numbers for our agents and we are proud to be part of the team.  The Gillespie Team has been contibuting to these numbers during 2010.  We have been involved in 10 transactions for 2010 and in May we sold 5 listings!

To learn more about the Gillespie Real Estate Team or about the advantages of working with Jackson Hole Sothebys International Realty please feel free to call Garth Gillespie at 307-413-5243 or email me at garth.gillespie@jhsir.com.

Entry sign to Spring Hollow Ranch

 SPRING HOLLOW RANCH – TETONIA, IDAHO

Christy and I are proud to be able to offer an outstanding vacant land opportunity just over the hill from Jackson Hole, Wyoming in the lovely Teton Valley of Idaho.  Spring Hollow Ranch is a 50 lot development in the north end of the Teton Valley of Idaho offering outstanding views of the Tetons, high quality ammenties, strong ownership and very affordable pricing.

Lot sizes vary from 6 acres to over 30 acres in size.  All but 6 lots have full Teton views and all of the lots have access to the most beautiful recreational space available in the Teton Valley.  A private trail sysytem links both phases of development and offers the opportunity for miles of hiking, bike riding, horseback riding and cross country skiing.  34 acres of the open space includes a spring fed pond that attracts wildlife to the property.

For more information on Spring Hollow Ranch please feel free to contact Garth Gillespie at Jackson Hole – Sotheby’s International Realty at 307-739-8056 or 307-413-5243.

Huntsman Family Affiliate Signs Long-term Franchise Agreement with Sotheby’s International Realty Brand for Luxury Real Estate Operations in Jackson Hole, Wyo., Driggs and Sun Valley, IdahoPARSIPPANY, N.J. and JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. (May 7, 2010) – Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC today announced the signing of a 20-year franchise agreement with a company wholly owned by the Jon M. Huntsman family for the existing Sotheby’s International Realty luxury residential real estate operations in the Jackson Hole, Wyo., and the Driggs and Sun Valley, Idaho, markets. The Huntsman family has significant real estate investments as well as philanthropic and personal interests in the region. David Huntsman, who oversees all of the family’s real estate interests in Idaho and Wyoming, will direct the Sotheby’s International Realty operations in both regions.

“We are extraordinarily pleased to have the Huntsman family and their distinguished reputation become part of our luxury real estate brand network,” said Michael R. Good, chief executive officer, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. “The Sotheby’s International Realty brand has enjoyed a presence in the greater Jackson Hole area since 1999 and in Sun Valley since 2005. This new long-term relationship with the Huntsman family will ensure that our global brand will continue to have strong market presence in these key Western markets for many years to come.”

As part of the transaction, the Huntsman family affiliate company acquired the existing Sotheby’s International Realty Inc. offices located in Jackson Hole, Driggs and Sun Valley, which were previously owned and managed by NRT LLC, the largest owner and operator of real estate brokerages in the United States. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“We have observed and respected the professionals at Sotheby’s International Realty in these markets for many years,” said Jon Huntsman. “We are excited now to have the opportunity to join forces with the best in the industry and look forward to supporting their continued growth and success.”

Under the agreement, these offices will continue to operate as part of the Sotheby’s International Realty brand and will do business under new geographic names. The offices in the Jackson Hole and Driggs region will operate as Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty while the offices in the Sun Valley area will do business as Sun Valley Sotheby’s International Realty. The existing Sotheby’s International Realty regional leaders, staff members and approximately 160 sales associates are all expected to remain with the company.

“We are proud of the growth and success that we achieved in these mountain resort areas over the years,” said Kathryn A. Korte, president and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. “At the same time, we recognized that this was a unique and valuable opportunity for our presence in these markets to be aligned with the Huntsman family. Through their ongoing membership with the Sotheby’s International Realty affiliate network, these offices and sales associates will

maintain their close referral ties with the entire global brand network, which will be to everyone’s benefit.”

The Sotheby’s International Realty network has approximately 500 offices in 38 countries and territories worldwide. Franchise affiliates benefit from an association with the world-renowned Sotheby’s Auction House, established in 1744.

About Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC

Founded in 1976 to provide independent brokerages with a powerful marketing and referral program for luxury listings, the Sotheby’s International Realty network was designed to connect the finest independent real estate companies to the most prestigious clientele in the world. In February 2004, Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services, entered into a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby’s, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of the Sotheby’s International Realty name and the development of a full franchise system by Realogy’s subsidiary, Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. Affiliations in the system are granted only to brokerages and individuals meeting strict qualifications. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC supports its affiliates with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Franchise affiliates also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby’s auction house, established in 1744.

Jackson Hole Q1 Real Estate Results

Today at Sotheby’s International Realty – Jackson Hole Real Estate Brokerage we sent out this informative newletter to out client base.  It is a very good article about recent active in the Jackson Hole housing market.  I think you will find it very helpful in understanding what is currently happening….

With things a bit quieter here now that Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has successfully closed out the ski season, Sotheby’s International Realty is studying recent real estate activity and preparing for what by recent indications could be a hot summer selling season. Click for more

So far this year data from the Teton County Multiple List Service reports an upward trend in real estate sales in Jackson Hole. In March, for example, unit volume was up 170 percent suggesting increased buyer demand.

Looking at entire first quarter of 2010, dollar sales volume rose 88% percent over the same period in 2009 according to our analysis of the market and MLS data. Interestingly, twenty-five sales were for properties of more than $1 million, versus only 11 in the first quarter of last year. This could be read as a sign that though there are still excellent values to be found, some buyers see current prices as true bargains and are taking action and the lower end of the market is beginning to stabilize.

Certainly proper pricing has played a key role in getting the market back on track. Our market-watch committee meets each week to review pricing of the latest pending sales, closed sales, current inventory and new listings. The committee reports its findings at our weekly sales meetings.

While the lines on the graph are heading in the right direction, we continue to increase our sales and marketing efforts keeping us on top of the latest trends with increased e-marketing as well as creative print advertising.

Our overall expertise as well as in specific market areas around the valley such as the Town of Jackson, Shooting Star, Teton Pines, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Hotel Terra, north of town, in eastern Idaho, etc. – allows us to closely monitor the pulse of the daily market activity and helps us deliver exceptional service to our clients.

Initiatives like this appear to be working for Sotheby’s and its clients. In Q1 of 2010, Sotheby’s Jackson Hole Brokerage accounted for more than 70 percent of the total dollar volume in the Teton County.

The Gillespie Real Estate Team at Sotheby’s International Realty in Jackson Hole Wyoming has just updated the “Top Picks of the Week”. Please follow this link: Top Jackson Hole Real Estate Values to see the top values in the Jackson Hole real estate market. Every week or so the Gillespie Real Estate Team will update the Top Picks to showcase great deals in Jackson Hole including townhomes, condos, houses, golf course property, ranch land, ski-in ski-out properties and other great values we see in our real estate market. We also showcase a Listing of the Week, a Sold Property of the Week and a Price Reduction of the Week.

Don’t miss out on learning about the great values in the Jackson Hole Real Estate Market brought to you by The Gillespie Real Estate Team of Garth & Christy Gillespie, Katie Colbert and Don Alsted.

Last fall, Congress extended the Home Buyer Tax Credit to April 30, 2010 and expanded the program to apply to non-first time homebuyers as well. These buyers are sometimes referred to as “repeat buyers” or “long term residents”.

 Here are some further details on the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit:

Deadline: All buyers must be under contract to purchase a home by April 30, 2010 and must close on that home by July 1, 2010.

Type of Property: This credit may only be applied to primary residences and can include townhomes, condos and single family homes.

Type of Buyer: In order to qualify as a first time home buyer, buyers cannot have owned a home anytime over the last 3 years. In order to qualify as a ‘repeat buyer’, the current homeowners must have used the home that is being sold as a principal residence for 5 consecutive years within the last 8 years. Additionally, the full credit is only available for taxpayers with a modified adjusted gross income of $125,000 or less.

Tax Credit: The tax credit for first time homebuyers is $8,000 and the tax credit for “long-time residents” is $6,500. Buyers can apply their credit to their 2009 return or apply the credit on their 2010 tax return.

Trivia: For 2008 and so far for 2009 tax year, the IRS reported that 1.763 million tax payers applied for the First Time Home Buyer Credit and received credits of $12.4 billion. (Source: CNBC 03/17/10)

 Time is running out – must be under contract by April 30, 2010.

Check out great Jackson Hole properties offered by Christy & Garth Gillespie at www.jacksonholeexperts.com

Cottonwood Flats are Jackson Hole’s brand new 2 and 3 bedroom townhomes. Offered by The Gillespie Real Estate Team, all townhomes include…

• covered front porch
• attached garage
• backyard
• hardwood floors
• large windows
• brand new appliances
• pet friendly
• limited common walls with other townhomes

 Cottonwood Flats are located in a great part of the town of the Jackson near the Middle School, next to the bus stop, and surrounded by the town bicycle and pathways.

The 2 bedroom townhomes are 1,068 square feet with 2 baths and a 1-car attached garage. The 3 bedroom townhomes are 1.600 square feet with 3 baths and a 2-car attached garage.

We host an open house every Sunday from 3:00 -5:00 pm or give us a call for a showing.

 Find pictures and more information @ http://www.jacksonholeexperts.com/cottonwood-flats-townhomes.asp

Construction Update:

Block I of Cottonwood Flats Townhomes is complete and includes eight 2-story townhomes. All units have been issued their Certificates of Occupancy and are ready for move-in.  Of the eight units, two of the townhomes (a 3 bedroom and a 2 bedroom) have been sold to the Housing Authority as Affordable Units**. Unit 2, a market rate unit with 2 bedrooms is now under contract. There are 4 two-bedroom units and 1 three-bedroom unit still available for purchase in Block I. Landscaping of Block I will be completed in early spring.

Construction continues on Block II of Cottonwood Flats Townhomes. Fifteen additional units (a mix of 2 and 3 bedroom units) will be completed this summer.  Many of these homes have direct views of the Grand Teton and views of the Jackson Hole Mountain Ski Resort. Homes are stick built off site by Stratford Homes in Idaho and then brought to the site and connected to the foundations and utilities.

 ** The town of Jackson requires 15% of every new development to be deed restricted affordable, which means they have limits on appreciation (usually tied to Denver CPI) as well as limits on the income of the families that purchase the units.

Wanted to post with an update on the improving sales and activity in the Jackson Hole real estate market.  As with the January statistics we have to put the numbers in perspective — last year we only had 4 sales….  February 2010 was much better with 10 recorded sales in the Teton Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service.  7 sales under $1,300,000 and 3 sales over $4,000,000.  Notice the market gap between $1.3 and $4 million — This is the market Christy and I see as the slowest segment. 

Of the lower priced properties 4 look to be “local” purchases which is very encouraging.  Last year Christy and I did not see the “local” market move around much through out the valley.  We are currently showing a lot of properties to locals so we hope this translates to an active spring and summer sales season.  Of course the only way this market will move forword will be if the sellers of all properties properly understand the market and price their homes at current market prices.  There is an indication that we are starting to see the new listings enter the market with proper price placement.

The other segment of the market – over $4 million looks to be responding to the more stable ecomony and rising stock prices.  We still see uncertainty in the markets but it seems like there is a general consensus that we have turned a corner.  This news seems to have brought a few additional buyers into the market.  We will continue to watch this trend as we close out the first quarter. The three other transactions mentioned above were:  All on the “west bank” with one in Teton Village (ski/ski out home – Granite Ridge), one in HHR and one in John Dodge which sold for over asking price (listed at $7.4 million!).

Updates should be coming more frequest as we will have Katie Colbert – Buyer and Commercial Real Estate specialist – for the Gillespie Team adding to our blog posts.

Here’s to a Happy St. Pats.  Go Marquette and Wisconsin in the NCAA Tourny!

For additional information on Jackson Hole Real Estate please feel free to call or email the Jackson Hole Experts!

The headlines could be misleading if taken out of context when reviewing the recent sold activity in the Jackson Hole real estate market.  “Sales transactions and volume more than double from previous year!” or “2010 starts off with a bang!”  You never know what some agents will report if you do not know their agenda.  Here at the Jackson Hole Experts Blog we try to give the facts but also try to give you our opinion as to where the markets are trending.  Our agenda is to give you a feeling of what we are seeing in the field and follow that up with the statistics that the MLS reports.

January felt very slow and quite possibly worse than this time last year.  The economy and job outlook in Jackson feels like it is slower and weaker than in years past.  With that said we did see activity more activity than we witnessed last year and sales did double and sales volume more than doubled so our “gut impressions” did not hold up when reviewing the past’s months activity.

 When looking very macro – Teton County MLS recorded 10 closings with a sales volume around $19 million.  This compared to 2009 when we had 4 transactions and just over $7 million in sales volume.  2009 was just plain awful so to compare any month to January 2009 we are bound to report better results.  One issue when looking at the 2010 numbers is that there were 2 very large transactions ($8.2 and $3.8 million) which account for $12 million in volume!  Remove those 2 transactions and we have volume numbers that are almost identical to lasts years awful results.  As we continue to go micro with the stats we can see how those 2 “big transactions” play with the data.  When including all 10 transactions the average sold price is $2 million.  When we peel away the Indian Springs transaction ($8.2) the average sold price slides to $1.2 million and if we also peel away the Four Seasons penthouse sale the average sales price slides to $900,000. 

 To wrap up the report I’ll pass on a few more statistics:  Of the 10 reported sales there are a total of 20 transaction sides.  Sotheby’s International Realty – Jackson Hole Brokerage represented half (10) sides.  The rest of the sides are spread out but coming in second was our friends Jackson Hole Real Estate and Appraisal with (3).  There was 1 sale in Crescent H Ranch, 5 sales in the town of Jackson, a sale in Teton Pines, 2 sales in Teton Village (includes the above mentioned sale) and the Indian Springs sale.  The average days’ on the market was 262.

In the next update we will detail the pending transactions currently reported in the (MLS).  There is a little upside as we see a good set of inventory under contract.  Stay tuned!

For more information about the Jackson Hole real estate market please feel free to call us – Christy and Garth Gillespie at 307-739-8056.  We are full time Realtors who enjoy their jobs….