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….

The final, final statistics are not quite finished but Sotheby’s International Realty Jackson Hole Brokerage has compiled the final sales numbers from the Teton Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service for 2009.  The past year will go down as one of the most difficult real estate years in history.  With financing difficult to find and more importantly a complete lack of buyer interest, sales across the entire spectrum slowed t a crawl.

The year did not start out well at all with only 20 transactions in the first quarter!  The second quarter improved a little with 63 transactions.  Finally during the last half of the year we started to see some activity market wide and had a total of 143 deals take place.  The totals are incredible when compared to the previous few years.  Unit volume declined 28% vs. 2008 and 65% vs. 2007.  Sales volume was even worse being 52% lower than 2008 and 71% lower than in 2007!

From Garth and Christy’s perspective the Jackson Hole market has a ways to go before we see any type of recovery.  There are chunks of the market that have not realized the decline in sales and prices and have refused to adjust with the current market.  There are 53 active listings between $2 and $3 million with only 1 pending sale in this price range.  The low range in the market $350,000 and below has barely adjusted which is resulting in a completely stalled market. 

What does this mean?  I will be updating the blog in the next few weeks and I’ll try to lay the frame work for recovery.  We have seen some motivated sellers which have resulted in sales so we are hoping sellers and the real estate community is starting to grasp the severity of the declining market.  The only way we recover is for the market to reflect the 30% to 40% decline and adjust the prices accordingly.

Jackson Hole is still a fantastic community.  It offers good schools, a top notch hospital, incredible arts and social environment, fabulous resturants and that small town charm many people desire.  Wyoming still offers incredible tax savings, abundant wildlife, great ski resorts and ample space for recreation.  These aspects are still here so we see a lot of opportunity for Jackson and the real estate market to rebound.

Stay tuned for additional information and thank you for visiting the Jackson Hole Experts Blog provided by Garth and Christy Gillespie.

In the past week we have seen an increase in activity in the Jackson Hole real estate market. The market is not on fire by any means but again we are starting to see some activity that indicates the market has some life. The most interesting aspect of the current activity has been the variety of properties going under contract.

There are currently 16 “Under Contract” residential properties which does NOT include pre construction projects (Terra, Pine Glades, 199 Pearl) or vacant land. There are 8 propeties under $1,000,000 and 8 properties over $1,000,000. There are only 3 condos verse 13 single family homes. In the past week, the most exciting activity we witnessed was a property north of town listed for $5,150,000 go under contract (both sides of the transaction are being represented by Sotheby’s International Realty – Jackson Hole). There are currently 4 properties under contract listed for more than $4.8 million. There are 5 under contract vacant land parcels.

As for Active Listings….there are 571 Residental Properties for sale in Jackson Hole and 214 Vacant Land Parcels for sale in Jackson Hole! There have been 54 closed transactions reported in the Teton Board of Realtors Multiple Listing Service since January 1st, 2009.

If you have time – check out our Top Real Estate Picks in Jackson Hole.

We hope this helps you understand the current market activity in Jackson Hole. If you would like us to expand our thoughts or if you have any additional questions please email or call the JacksonHoleExperts - 877-739-8056.

Happy Fourth of July!

The Jackson Hole Experts – Christy and Garth Gillespie – have just updated our Top Picks of the Week! Every other week the Jackson Hole Experts update our Top Picks with the Best New Jackson Hole Listing, the Most Notable Closed Jackson Hole Transaction and the Best Jackson Price Reduction on a Listing. At the bottom of that page we have a link that takes you to our Top Picks of the Week.

The Top Real Estate Picks of the Week in Jackson Hole is a selection of properties Christy and I feel are well priced for our market and can be considered a Top Pick of the Week. We currently list 3 properties.

In new exciting news the Jackson Hole Experts contracted with our wonderful website designer to create the “Jackson Hole Real Estate Power Rankings”. Here we will start to rank the Top Ten Real Estate deals in Jackson Hole. This is going to be an exciting challenge as we have the opportunity to move properties up and down the list as new listings come aboard, current listings have price reductions or the real estate market changes in certain locations. Stay tuned as we will be getting the Jackson Hole Real Estate Power Rankings online in the next few weeks.

The current market is showing some signs of activity. Yesterday at the Sotheby’s International Realty – Jackson Hole Brokerage – Wednesday morning meeting multiple properties were announced as “pending-under contract”. The list included a condo at the Aspen’s, a vacant lot in the Jackson Hole exclusive neighborhood of Indian Springs and a small, older home in the Town of Jackson. This is great to hear!

For more information on Jackson Hole Real Estate please contact the Jackson Hole Experts toll free at 877-739-8056 or visit our website.

Last week Christy and I received an email from Kathy Korte, President and CEO, of Sotheby’s International Realty, updating us on ways the private sector are trying to jumpstart the sluggish housing market. A Business Roundtable was formed and here are the results of that meeting.

Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers of leading U.S. corporations and specifically, the Business Roundtable’s Housing Working Group – which is chaired by Realogy CEO Richard A. Smith – issued a set of recommendations for the White House and Congress that are aimed at jumpstarting the housing market in order to stimulate a broader economic recovery.

The Business Roundtable’s recommendations are as follows:
· Keep mortgage interest rates at historically low levels (below 5 percent) for at least one year;
· Expand the current First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit incentive from the lesser of 10 percent of the purchase price of the home or $8,000 to a higher limit of either 10 percent or $15,000 for all homebuyers, remove the income restrictions and include all primary residence purchases for one full year;
· Conduct a thorough review of current foreclosure mitigation and loan-modification programs in light of rising loan-modification re-default rates;
· Make permanent the current temporary conforming loan limits; and
· Continue to review and strengthen government efforts already underway to review and refine mortgage lending practices.

“We believe targeted, demand-side solutions – such as the ones Business Roundtable is recommending today – will provide a critical next step for a housing recovery that will help create jobs and boost the economy as a whole,” said Smith in the Business Roundtable’s press release.

To obtain a copy of the Business Roundtable press release and its Housing Working Group’s detailed recommendations, click here. To read an article that appeared in today’s online edition of The Wall Street Journal containing an interview with Richard Smith about the Business Roundtable’s recommendations and why they are crucial to jumpstarting the housing market, click here

NRT and The Jackson Hole Experts, Christy and Garth Gillespie, applauds the Business Roundtable for its proactive efforts to reinvigorate the U.S. housing market, and we are proud of the leadership role our parent company, Realogy, has taken in this regard.

For more information on the current housing market here in Jackson Hole please feel free to call at 877-739-8056 or visit us at our website.

The Jackson Hole Experts just listed a completely remodeled 1 bedroom / 1 bathroom condo in the heart of Jackson Hole. We are talking 5 minutes walk from the town square, 5 minutes (in ski boots) from the base of Snow King Resort, 1 minute from the local bus stop and within walking distance from all the local taverns.

We are very excited about the opportunity to represent all segments of the real estate market in Jackson Hole. It is of course an honor to work with sellers of multi-million dollar listings and we work extremely hard to represent these properties but it is just as much of an honor to assist first time home buyers and entry level sellers in helping them take another step up in the market.

This particular property is located at 140 East Kelly, Jackson, Wyoming. It is about 500 square feet with a full kitchen and bathroom. There are laundry facitlities on the premises. New windows and doors, newer roof on the complex, updated appliances — it’s all here. Homeowner fees are very reasonable at $1560 and taxes were just above $1,000 in 2008. This building and price range qualify for the government stimulus credit of $8,000 (see previous posts for details) and also FHA loans (3-10% down).

Call us for details and and to learn more about the Jackson Hole real estate market – 877-739-8056.

Christy and Garth Gillespie are pleased to congratulate Don Alsted, Gillespie Team Member – Listing Specialist for his hard work and being awarded by the National Association of Realtors the “Green Designation.”

LOCAL REALTOR® ACHIEVES
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® GREEN DESIGNATIONJune 2, 2009
Jackson, Wyoming– Don Alsted with Sotheby’s International Realty of Jackson Hole
has been awarded the National Association of REALTORS®’ (NAR’s) Green Designation, the only green real estate professional designation recognized by NAR.

Don achieved this prestigious designation after completing 18 hours of course work
designed specifically for REALTORS®. The courses were created in collaboration with a
multidisciplinary team of industry experts from across the country; ensuring designees gaincomprehensive knowledge of green homes and buildings and issues of sustainability inrelation to real estate.

More specifically, Don was trained in understanding what makes a property green,
helping clients evaluate the cost/benefits of green building features and practices,
distinguishing between industry rating and classification systems, listing and marketing
green homes and buildings, discussing the financial grants and incentives available to
homeowners, and helping consumers see a property’s green potential. “As energy costs rise along with concern for the environment, homeowners are looking for innovative ways to save money and live responsibly,” said Dick Gaylord, NAR’s immediate past president.

NAR’s Green Designation was developed in response to growing consumer awareness of the benefits of resource-efficient homes and buildings. The designation helps consumers who care about energy efficiency and sustainable building practices identify REALTORS® who can help them realize their green real estate and lifestyle goals.

As an NAR Green Designee, Don has gained the knowledge and the tools necessary
to become a trusted green resource for Jackson Hole. For more information about Don
Alsted please visit www.jhsir.com or email Don at Don.Alsted@SothebysRealty.com.
For more information about NAR’s newest designation, visit www.greenresourcecouncil.org Way to go Don!

For more information on Jackson Hole Real Estate please contact the JacksonHoleExperts.

The Jackson Hole Experts – Garth and Christy Gillespie and sales associate Don Alsted are excited about our real estate inventory at Spring Creek Ranch this summer. We have the pleasure of marketing 2 fabulous custom homes and one beautiful estate lot all with stunning views of Grand Teton.

Perched nearly 1,000 feet above the Town of Jackson on East Gros Ventre Butte, Spring Creek Ranch offers incomparable views of the Teton and Snake River ranges and Spring Gulch.

Once a part of the ranch operated by former Wyoming Governor and Senator Cliff Hansen, Spring Creek Ranch today is a popular resort community that provides a real sense of getting away from it all Western style. It’s a testament to the beauty of the location that Aman Resorts chose it for the company’s first property in North America, the Amangani.

Jackson, Teton Village and skiing at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort are all within a quick drive from Spring Creek Ranch. But there are a variety of on-site resort activities to enjoy. The resort offers concierge services to homeowners, as well as tennis, swimming and a full-service spa. The activity that sets it apart from other resorts in the area is horseback riding, which is geared to people of all skill levels and ages. And with nearly 700 out of the property’s 1,000 acres preserved as open space, Spring Creek is a lovely place to hike and look for wildlife. The Granary restaurant is popular with locals as well as out-of-towners, as is the restaurant’s lounge, which offers jazz and piano music on some nights.

Spring Creek Ranch is one of the favorite view-oriented developments in the valley where short-term rentals are permitted, which makes it highly desirable for investment property.

The three listings we would like to feature are beloe with links. Please visit:

1996 Spirit Dance – Amazing setting at Spring Creek Ranch. Located on a large lot of 1.14 acres and bordering open space with obvious views of Tetons. The home is located on lot 11 of the Elk Dance Estates area of Spring Creek Ranch.

Overall description of the home: Sqaure footage is on two levels for a total of 3,956 square feet. The main floor (2,782 sq. ft.) includes 3 bedrooms – one of which is considered a junior suite, an office, dining room, living room, kitchen, entry, mudroom and storage. The 2nd floor includes the master bedroom and a media room. From the master you have one of the best views of the Tetons available in Jackson Hole. The master bedroom has a stacked stone natural gas fireplace. The master is complete with a comfortable master bathroom with jetted tub and rain shower, marble slab counter top and flooring and custom alder cabinets. The master closet – over 200 square feet – with washer and dryer setup.

The Alsted Home – Featured on the cover of Mountain Home Magazine, this luxurious 7,323 sq. ft. home located on Spring Creek Ranch exudes the warmth and richness of natural wood and stone. Its unique, long, angular design and placement of large windows allows spectacular views of the Grand Teton Mountain Range from all living spaces.

285 Calliope – Lot 47! This secluded 4.67 acre lot is one of Spring Creek’s best parcels. It features a large building envelope which has open, gentle sloping, undisturbed terrain. This parcel boasts views of the Grand Teton, a large aspen grove and the high rolling ridges of West Gros Ventre butte. This land has personality and is waiting for you to create your masterpiece.

Well let’s put that phrase in context – The Jackson Hole / Teton County active listing market is exploding! Yes – everyday there are more and more listings hitting the market and unfortunately not many of them are going under contract. There are currently about 845 active listings in Teton County, Wyoming. Previously the high was reached in October of 2008 so we have basically been drowning in listings for over 6 months.

When comparing today’s active listings to last year we see that in May of 2008 there were about 480 listings and if we look at May of 2007 there were only about 400 listings. The current inventory load will only continue the price pressure we are witnessing on the market. Transactions are taking place but in most cases we are seeing 20% to 30% discounts given from the high of the market!

Stay tuned as we are currently updating our Top Picks. For more information on the current market please call or email the JacksonHoleExperts – Christy and Garth Gillespie – Sotheby’s International Realty – Jackson Hole Brokerage. We are here to help and work everyday to exceed your expections.