It use to be that when people got to retirement age here in the Colorado High Country, they would leave as life was too harsh here. BUT, now that Summit County has a very modern hospital and wonderful grocery stores and factory outlets stores as well as a Wal-Mart and Target, life here in the high country has become must easier.  The county is looking at ways to have more housing available that will meet the needs of the ever increasing senior citizen population. They are also looking into meal services and affordable senior living options. This is an exciting time here in county.

There are a few indicators showing improvement in the outlook for the real estate market over the next 6-18 months. Mortgage interest rates are at a 50-year low, and according to industry analysts, should stay low in the coming months. The Fed’s rate-setting Federal Open Market Committee did the inevitable this week and kept its target for the federal funds rate unchanged, at a range of zero percent to 0.25 percent. As a result, the prime rate remains 3.25 percent. That means interest rates will stay unchanged for consumer debt that is pegged to the prime rate, including home equity lines of credit and some credit cards. On top of that, the Fed will more than double its purchases of mortgage-backed securities. That should put a ceiling on the 30-year fixed mortgage rate, which has been below 6 percent all year and could conceivably park itself below 5.5 percent for months to come.

One in every 349 Colorado households received a foreclosure filing in April, nearly 1.5 times the national average, according to the company that tracks foreclosure data nationwide and sells foreclosure data.

Foreclosure activity in April was down nearly 3 percent from March but was 3 percent higher than in April 2007, according to the report. Nevada had the nation’s highest foreclosure rate, with one out of every 146 households receiving a foreclosure notice last month.

HB-1135, sponsored by Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, was introduced in the House on Jan. 15.

Homeowner’s associations (HOAs) are organizations of owners of houses, condos and other housing with common community elements. The association maintains such elements, which can include grounds, swimming pools and clubhouses.

The measure, if enacted, would do three major things:

• Provide for cheaper, faster, more effective dispute resolution, if parties in a dispute want it;
• Require due process by an impartial fact finder, before fees and fines can be assessed against a homeowner;
• Require “reasonable accommodation” to units by an HOA for people with disabilities.

“Given the modern reality of HOAs in home and property ownership, we need to ensure that we continue to guarantee basic property rights,” Carroll said. “In many cases, HOAs are aligned with home owners in protecting these rights, but occasionally, they are not.”

A report by the Colorado Legislative Council states the bill would have no fiscal impact, partly because encouraging optional mediation “may actually reduce the number of cases that will ultimately go all the way through the litigation process.”

Real Estate Experience Should Not Be Defined by Years in the Business

Colorado Ski Condition Report

Resource
A Colorado Rental Property Resource for both landlords and tenants can be found at http://www.coloradorentalproperty.net . Online land lords can post detailed information regarding their rental property, including 5 color photos. The ad can be self directed by the landlord to their cell phone or property management company. This is a service provided FREE by RealEstateColorado.Net and the ad will remain on line until it is asked to be removed.

REAL ESTATE
If you would like additional information about real estate in Breckenridge Colorado as well as anywhere in Summit County Colorado contact us at 1-800-791-3990 ext 421.

Jeffery McClintock is a real estate broker in Summit County and prides himself on providing clients with professional guidance in all phases of residential new construction, including market research, product development, consulting, marketing and advertising. His personal mission is to bring to you a level of knowledge, experience, commitment, high standards and results to answer your real estate needs. He believes, the most effective way to provide superior service is to build a strong working relationship with you. His system includes regular consultations and feedback, which is the best tool for identifying and clarifying your real estate objectives and help define strategic solutions.

Jeffery has been a licensed Realtor since 1995. During this time he has successfully closed over 135 million dollars of residential real estate, and 40 million dollars in un-improved land amounting to 660 real estate transactions. His professional experience includes the Denver Colorado front range and the Second Home market in Breckenridge, Colorado located in Summit County.

Colorado Department of Revenue reports sales tax collected for December 2007 rose 28 percent to $161.6 million from the same month of 2006. Collections of sales tax for the first half of the states 2007-08 fiscal year, which started July 1, 2007, increased 9 percent to $1.08 billion from $991.3 million for the same period of the previous fiscal year.

We don’t like to talk about taxes and we certainly don;t like to hear them increasing, going up or government getting more. The truth is it is a necessary evil and it gives those I sometimes refer as smarter then I run the state, fix the roads etc.. It helps all have a better quality of life.

However in lieu of the current economic condition of wall street and talk of a recession on an increase an increase in the collection of sales taxes means people have money to spend. Colorado’s third largest industry is tourism. It’s a stealth industry. It’s our third-largest source of revenue after the military and manufacturing.

You drive by a hotel and you don’t think of the 160-200 employees who have jobs there. More than 14,000 people are employed locally by the tourism industry. I see this as a positive for the people is Colorado.

Breckenridge remains a hot destination. Buoyed by good snow, great national press, strong real estate sales, a wider variety of activities and more terrain, Breckenridge ski resort is attracting bigger crowds and filling local cash registers.

Traffic at state ski areas continue to rise 2007 was up 1.4 percent from the before year, according to industry trade group Colorado Ski Country USA. The volume has grown for a number of reasons, experts say, including the addition of resort amenities that appeal to destination visitors and technological advances in equipment that help baby boomers keep skiing longer.

The recent explosion of mountain real estate development and a very strong real estate has also helped grow a base of faithful skiers.

The weaker U.S. dollar also has drawn more international skiers to Colorado than in past seasons, and Europe’s dismal snow this past winter has helped continue that trend, said Colorado Ski Country spokeswoman Molly Cuffe.

Resource
A Colorado Rental Property Resource for both landlords and tenants can be found at http://www.coloradorentalproperty.net . Online land lords can post detailed information regarding their rental property, including 5 color photos. The ad can be self directed by the landlord to their cell phone or property management company. This is a service provided FREE by RealEstateColorado.Net and the ad will remain on line until it is asked to be removed.

REAL ESTATE
If you would like additional information about real estate in Breckenridge Colorado as well as anywhere in Summit County Colorado contact us at 1-800-791-3990 ext 421.

Jeffery McClintock is a real estate broker in Summit County and prides himself on providing clients with professional guidance in all phases of residential new construction, including market research, product development, consulting, marketing and advertising. His personal mission is to bring to you a level of knowledge, experience, commitment, high standards and results to answer your real estate needs. He believes, the most effective way to provide superior service is to build a strong working relationship with you. His system includes regular consultations and feedback, which is the best tool for identifying and clarifying your real estate objectives and help define strategic solutions.

Jeffery has been a licensed Realtor since 1995. During this time he has successfully closed over 135 million dollars of residential real estate, and 40 million dollars in un-improved land amounting to 660 real estate transactions. His professional experience includes the Denver Colorado front range and the Second Home market in Breckenridge, Colorado located in Summit County.

AVALANCHE FACT SHEET

➢ Most avalanches CAN be avoided.

➢ Most avalanches, involving a victim, are started by that person or a companion.

➢ Most avalanches occur on slopes of 30-to-45 degrees, during or following a major snow event.

➢ Most victims have some avalanche training and consider themselves skilled in their sport.

➢ More avalanche fatalities occur in Colorado than any other state (averaging 6 per year).

➢ Approximately 1/3 of all of the nation’s avalanche deaths have occurred in Colorado.

➢ The local county sheriff is responsible for and coordinates ALL back country emergency responses including (non ski-area) avalanches.

➢ The Colorado Avalanche Information Center provides daily weather and avalanche condition updates: (303) 275-5360 or www.geosurvey.state.co.us/avalanche/

More AVALANCHE INFORMATION

A major snow event is a snowstorm that produces a snowfall rate of 1-inch per hour or greater for several hours or 10-inches or greater in 24 hours. This will generally cause avalanche danger to increase significantly. Strong winds of 15 to 50 mph can elevate avalanche danger dramatically after as little as an hour – even when no new snow is falling.

Someone completely buried in an avalanche has a 90% chance of survival if they’re uncovered within the first 15 minutes (absent any life threatening trauma-related injuries); someone buried 30 minutes has approximately a 50% chance of survival. The chances of survival drop dramatically after 30 minutes.

Very few people, caught in an avalanche, have been able to dig themselves out. For someone completely buried, their survival depends solely on the quick actions of the other members in their party. Avalanche beacons, shovels and probe poles are essential pieces of equipment for anyone traveling in avalanche country.

“If my partner’s caught in a slide, should I immediately go for help?”

NO. You are that person’s BEST chance for survival. Do everything possible to locate the subject, and then go for help. If you have additional manpower, have someone go for help AND call 9-1-1, while you continue recovery efforts.

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Back Country Skiing

Snowmobilers in Lead in Avalanche Deaths

Flight for Life Colorado is a non-profit organization. The work these people do is extremely heroic and requires tremendous dedication and courage as well as a great deal of personal risk to help others in need, says Jeffery McClintock, Breckenridge Realtor and helicopter pilot. Although I have no direct connection with the air medical community, I recognize the work these professionals do is truly above and beyond. The situations they are sometimes called upon and perform under pressure is mind boggling. We are lucky to have them.

Colorado FFL is The ONLY Air Medical Transport Service who responds to back country rescues in Colorado! When a patient is in need of emergent transport financial status is not a consideration, and Flight For Life Colorado responds regardless of the patient’s ability to pay. Because of this, and the high costs of aviation services, operating expenses are high. They depend on corporate and private donations to help with capital equipment needs. Please consider donating to this incredible community asset !

FFL provides trauma transport across several states’ highways and skyways and responds as a part of the Avalanche Deployment Program which airlifts and inserts a Level II Certified Snow Tech, Certified Avalanche Dog & handler (certified through SARDOC or Summit County) and a highly trained medical crew in the event of a back country rescue when reported or witnessed burials, missing persons, or tracks in and no tracks out. FFL operates with four helicopters, three ambulances and two airplanes owned by Air Methods, Inc. in Englewood Colorado. FFL is a part of the Centura Health organization.

A ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to own an estate sized parcel at the base of a major ‘Top 10′ ski resort!

This pristine 17.2 acre ’ski-in’ mountain parcel is nestled just below the new Peak 7 Base Area of the Breckenridge Ski Resort. Surrounded by preserve and National forest, this estate site will remain your exclusive sanctuary, for generations to come. Just seconds from everything, yet you can relax in quiet, peaceful ambiance while being enchanted by mountain beauty.

Property runs parallel to the Breckconnect gondola, where each day thousands will have the opportunity to enjoy your future masterpiece, framed by the beauty of the Cucumber Gulch preserve. Meanwhile the owner, family and guests would enjoy return views and those of the Continental Divide and Peaks of the Breckenridge Ski Resort.

Offered at $5,400,000
Property Type: Estate site
Assoc. Dues: $ 0/yr
Taxes: $6,502 (2007)
Transfer Tax: 0%
Resort Fees: $0
Lot: 17.2 acres Water: City water now available
Access: Over 1,500 ft. frontage on Ski Hill Road

Breckenridge Estate Site

Vail Resorts is creating the prestigious, exclusive new village, The Breckenridge Peaks. This development creates a new luxury base area for Peak 7 and redevelops the existing base area of Peak 8. Once owners and visitors pass through the arrival statement on Ski Hill Road, the Pristine Villaggio estate is the only multi-acre site available, located in close proximity to the new Peak 7 base area. The Shock Hill Lodge & Spa, Crystal Peak Lodge, One Ski Hill Place and the Grand Lodge will all provide luxuries not experienced at this resort.

If you are looking for the most exclusive of sanctuary’s, Pristine Villaggio (surrounded by preserve and national forest) will present the true mountain experience for generations to come!

If you would like additional information about real estate in Pristine Villaggio as well as anywhere in Summit County Colorado contact us at 1-800-791-3990 ext 421.

Jeffery McClintock, is a real estate broker in Summit County and prides himself on providing clients with professional guidance in all phases of residential new construction, including market research, product development, consulting, marketing and advertising. His personal mission is to bring to you a level of knowledge, experience, commitment, high standards and results to answer your real estate needs. He believes, the most effective way to provide superior service is to build a strong working relationship with you. His system includes regular consultations and feedback, which is the best tool for identifying and clarifying your real estate objectives and help define strategic solutions.

Would you like to evaluate real estate from the air?

Let ATS Helicopter Services specially trained High Altitude pilots show you real estate. All of us have decades of experience in the air and over 20,000 flight hours. In addition to annual check rides with the F.A.A., our pilots attend recurrent training at Bell Helicopter Training Academy. All of our expert pilots have impeccable safety records, and full insurance coverage, We are committed to offering you the highest level of safety and personalized service.

Helicopter charters provide fast and direct transportation with comfort and convenience. Custom helicopter charter services allow you to meet tight schedules by avoiding traffic congestion and crowded airport terminals. Our Special Dinner flight packages turn special events into incredible celebrations. We also offer a number of Sight Seeing Tours. Have a lot of ground to cover? Call Jeffery McClintock Direct at 303-564-7384

Helicopter charters provide fast and direct transportation with comfort and convenience. Custom helicopter charter services allow you to meet tight schedules by avoiding traffic congestion and crowded airport terminals. Our Special Dinner flight packages turn special events into incredible celebrations. We also offer a number of Sight Seeing Tours. Have a lot of ground to cover? Would you like to evaluate real estate from the air?

Let ATS Helicopter Services specially trained High Altitude pilots show you real estate. All of us have decades of experience in the air and over 20,000 flight hours. In addition to annual check rides with the F.A.A., our pilots attend recurrent training at Bell Helicopter Training Academy. All of our expert pilots have impeccable safety records, and full insurance coverage, We are committed to offering you the highest level of safety and personalized service.

VIP Transportation
Express transportation to DIA Signature Services, or anywhere else a helicopter can land.

Corporate Transportation
Block rate discount programs for corporations that require frequent flying.

Special Occasion Flights
Sightseeing, birthdays, anniversaries…

Dinner Flights
An unparalleled dining experiences at some of our area’s finest restaurants.

Weekend Getaways
Love is in the Air packages in cooperation with The Fort restaurant and The Golden Hotel.

Aerial Photography and Videography
Full service aerial photography for Colorado

Helicopter charters provide fast and direct transportation with comfort and convenience. Custom helicopter charter services allow you to meet tight schedules by avoiding traffic congestion and crowded airport terminals. Our Special Dinner flight packages turn special events into incredible celebrations. We also offer a number of Sight Seeing Tours. Have a lot of ground to cover? Would you like to evaluate real estate from the air? Let ATS Helicopter Service specially trained High Altitude pilots show you real estate.

To inquire more about ATS services contact:

For the past four years, Colorado has ranked among the worst 10 states for mortgage fraud, according to the Mortgage Asset Research Institute.

That ranking reflected in part the state’s once-unregulated mortgage brokerage industry, something that state Attorney General John Suthers and his consumer protection deputy Jan Zavislan have sought to address. Suthers was early in convening a task force to tackle foreclosure issues. He also has worked to push through legislation to set practice standards for mortgage brokers and stiffen penalties for appraisal fraud, winning applause from those fighting foreclosures.

“John Suthers and Jan Zavislan at the AG’s office are doing a great job combating mortgage fraud and foreclosure fraud,” said Zach Urban, a housing counselor in Denver who oversees the state’s foreclosure hotline. Until recently, the legal framework didn’t exist in Colorado to rein in rogue mortgage brokers, said Nate Strauch, spokesman for the attorney general’s office.

“Most of the statutes we passed regarding mortgage lending are in their infancy,” he said. “It is far too early to judge.” The consumer protection unit operates with limited resources. Five attorneys work on a wide range of consumer issues, although the legislature provided funding for another attorney and two staff persons to focus on real estate fraud starting in July. The consumer protection unit has 20 active investigations related to mortgages and real estate, but building strong cases that can stand up in court takes time, Strauch said.

Some attorneys argue that misplaced law enforcement priorities, not just weak laws, have exacerbated the state’s high rate of real estate fraud.
Existing consumer protection laws give the attorney general the power to take on mortgage brokers who advertised home loans with low interest rates that quickly got jacked up in a classic bait-and-switch scheme, said Denver real estate attorney John Head.

The attorney general’s office subpoenaed 14 lenders and investigated four, but almost a year later it still hasn’t filed any civil lawsuits under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. Given the severity of the metro area’s foreclosure problem and the huge economic losses it is generating, the more egregious perpetrators of fraud need to be punished, many believe.

Jeffery McClintock, managing broker for The Real Estate Technology Group, Inc based in Denver which operates along the front range and in Summit County says “The way to take care of all of this mortgage fraud is to prosecute people, and Put them in jail, not just slap them with fines. Let the other mortgage brokers know they will go to jail.”

Georgia, which consistently ranked first among states for mortgage fraud, passed strict laws and backed them up with long prison sentences, said Merle Sharick, a spokesman with the Reston, Va.-based Mortgage Asset Research Institute. Georgia’s attorney general has said he wants people involved in mortgage fraud “to have the same fear as a drug dealer has that they will get caught,” Sharick said. Georgia last year moved down to fourth among states for mortgage fraud.

In other states, sting operations now arrest rogue players at the closing table, taking them out of action.
The one formula that has seemed to work in combating mortgage fraud involves three prongs, he said. “Regulation with law enforcement with prosecution” .