Tag Archive for: Town of Jackson

Why Are Real Estate Prices Dropping Substantially in Jackson Hole’s Real Estate Market?

What a deal! Beautiful townhome on flat creek. $975,000

What a deal! Beautiful townhome on flat creek. $975,000


Christy and I are getting this question from a lot of our seller’s and customers lately. Jackson Hole has a very limited amount of property that can be developed and there has historically been enough demand to raise prices. In today’s market we have seen a total slow down of transactions and willing buyers at current prices. Since the beginning of the year the Jackson Hole real estate market has been seeing substanial price reductions in certain markets (Melody Ranch, Rafter J, The Aspen’s and the Town of Jackson). Most of the price reductions have come in the price ranges of $500,000 to $1,500,000.

In general terms – Prices are dropping due to the anomaly that occured during our recent market boom (2000-2007). Historically, homes have appreciated at a rate of about 5% per year on a national level. Information gathered from the recent REALTOR magazine states: Professor Karl Case of Wellesley College and contributing author of the Case-Schiller Home Prices Indices, a quarterly nominal housing price report, looked at appreciation of median home value over 5 year increments dating back to 1980. The research showed that home values appreciated 26.5% on average for the 20 year period from 1980 thru 2000. In the six years that followed (2000-2006), average appreciation was 89%!

Home prices nationally and in Jackson Hole are now adjusting to the incosistent and insustainable growth that occurred during the recent price run. So – the market is not in decline – it is just moving toward stabilization – which will mean a healthier market in the future.

Just a little tibit of information that we like to share. For more information about prices or if you would like a free listing presentation and value assessment on your property contact Christy and Garth Gillespie – The Jackson Hole Experts – at 877-739-8056 to set up an appointment! We are happy to help and to share our expertise in this market.

Research Is Suggesting That Large Homes May Become A Thing Of The Past – In Jackson Hole?

Red housesRecent data is showing that homes being built today are smaller than they were in the beginning of 2008. In the third quarter of 2008 median home size was 2,090 square feet, down from 2,629 square feet in the second quarter of 2008. With housing prices dropping and the economy weakening, homeowners may be looking at homes with less unused space, more energy efficiency and a home that better fits their overall needs. There is more of an interest in economizing space and making one room of the home a more flexible space that can be used for a myriad of activities. Outdoor kitchens and entertaining areas are becoming more popular as square footage decreases.

Of course this is national data – what is going on in Jackson? For one thing the Town of Jackson is attempting to limit the size of homes on standard Town of Jackson buildable lots. The standard size lot in town is 50 X 150. The current proposal would limit house sizes to 3,000 square feet. As this is debated by the planners we will keep you up to date.

Do Christy and I see a pattern of smaller houses? Not yet but we believe this could be contributed to a lot less construction taking place in the valley. According to the Teton County Planning and Building Department and the Town of Jackson, February permits for new homes and remodels dropped considerably from January. January had 23 permits issued and February had just 13 issued for a total of 36 for the year compared to 54 in 2008. Another interesting fact is that the Town of Jackson has not received one application for new construction in 2009. We will keep you updated on any trends in new construction in the Jackson Hole real estate market.

Research shows that builders are paying very close attention to what buyers want. The National Association of Home Builders is reporting that 88% of homebuilders surveyed plan to build more smaller homes, and that 89% of homebuilders surveyed claim that they plan to build lower-priced homes.

For additional information on the current Jackson Hole real estate market and current events in the Town of Jackson and Teton County, Wyoming feel free to call the Jackson Hole Experts, Christy and Garth Gillespie, Jackson Hole real estate associates for Sotheby’s International Realty – Jackson Hole Brokerage toll free at 877-739-8056.

Market Update April 22, 2008

Market Update – Jackson, Wyoming
April 22, 2008

Temperature at the Jackson Hole Airport = 39 degrees! Brrrrrrrr…..
Yes as you read the headline it was 39 degrees on April 22, 2008. This would not be such news but those of us in Jackson Hole have had just about enough winter. We finally had some warmer weather during the weekend to melt some valley snow but overall this has been the spring that just has not started yet. Last year – a warm dry year – was on the other end of the spectrum as most of us were concerned about drought and wildfires. This year we are starting to be worried about when the tulips are going to bloom.

March came and went and there is not a lot to talk about. For the third straight month the number of transactions has not crested 25! In March, there were a total of 22 transactions with a closed sales volume of $38.5 million. To illustrate the slow transaction data we only have to look at the number of transactions during the previous 3 years: 2007 – 60, 2006 – 53 and 2005 – 68.

Of the 22 transactions in March of 2008 – 18 were single family homes and 3 were vacant lots. Highlights are 1. A home in Tucker Ranch sold for $8,000,000 2. There were 2 sales in Teton Village over $3 million and 3. There were 9 sales in the Town of Jackson (mostly condos and townhomes).

There are currently a total of 55 Pending transactions with a total Listing Volume of $133 million. The average list price being $2,425,944. There are 3 transactions that are priced over $10 million!

In real estate news – The Teton County Planning Commission voted 3-1 to advise the Teton County Commissioners to enact a freeze on subdivisions and zone changes for parcels of 20 acres or more.

If you would like information on:

Teton County, Idaho – please visit: www.tetonvalleyexperts.com
Jackson Hole, Wyoming – please visit: www.jacksonholeexperts.com

 

Moratorium Update and Other Notes

April 21, 2008 — 4:00 P.M. — Temperature at the Jackson Hole Airport = 28 degrees!  Brrrrrrrr…..

Yes if you read the headline it is 28 degrees.  This would not be such news but those of us in Jackson Hole have had just about enough winter.  We finally had some warmer weather during the weekend to melt some valley snow but overall this has been the spring that just has not started yet.  Last year – a warm dry year – was on the other end of the spectrum as most of us were concerned about drought and wildfires.  This year we are starting to be worried about when the tulips are going to bloom.  Last year I planted my garden on March 21st.  This year I planted it on Saturday – April 19th.  This was the earliest I could possibly put a shovel into the ground.  I planted Spinach, Beets, Carrots, Kohlrabi, Kale, and Chard for those who care.

Snow King Resort is still completely snow covered.  Yes I also skied on Saturday.  Top to Bottom.  Pretty good slush/corn skiing.  One of the few benefits of the cold spring.  There should be some excellent skiing to do in the National Park – all the way through May!  Fishing on the other hand could be a different story.  So far reports are fair unless we get some warm weather and then it seems to pick up.  Today would be down right freezing.

Real Estate wise Jackson Hole seems to take a break during Spring Break (2 weeks).  The offices of Sotheby’s International Realty were quiet during the break but we did see a resurgence of agents today in the office.  Activity could be described as surprising steady.  There are a total of 55 Pending transactions with a total Listing Volume of $133 million.  The average list price being $2,425,944.  There are 3 transactions that are priced over $10 million!  Overall Christy and I see a lot of inventory in almost all segments.  There are good buys in just about all segments with the exception of the Westbank inventory.  The major void in the Westbank area (South and North of Wilson) happens in the price range from $800,000 to $2,500,000.  Even this area has a few available offerings that could be considered rare.

On real estate news – The Teton County Planning Commission voted 3-1 to advise the Teton County Commissioners to enact a freeze on subdivisions and zone changes for parcels of 20 acres or more.  An exception to the suggestion is Teton Meadows which received an exception to the moratorium.  Teton Meadows is looking to change the complete dynamic of the South Park area with a gross up zone asking for 500 homes (most of which are under the "affordable" categorization).  Unfortunately the effects of this decision could change Jackson for ever so in my eyes the only solution for the Teton County Commissioners to to deny this development.  As seen in the recent news and probably the reasoning behind the moratorium is that there is still a lot of land available to develop so the scare technique that Teton Meadows is using is not the case.  There are a lot of developments that could offer affordable housing and most of these are in better locations than the rural character of South Park. 

There was a great letter to the Editor in the Jackson Hole News and Guide in the April 16th edition written by Dale Kaplan.  She suggests the Town of Jackson explore the idea of moving the Teton County Fair Grounds to make room for a dense, yet sensible residential development in the location of the Fairgrounds.  I have thought about this many times – Dale beat me to the punch.  If we are going to force dense development upon the valley the Fair Grounds make the most sense.  It could be the second heart of Jackson with multiple stories – commercial, retail and residential all with in walking distance of Snow King, the Town of Jackson, Cache Creek.  Minimal car traffic.  I believe it is time we start to explore these issues instead of jamming 500 homes in an area that should see 50.

I hope you enjoyed this entry from the Jackson Hole Real Estate and Community News Blog.  If you would like addtional information on Jackson Hole please feel free to email or call.  For Real Estate News check out www.JacksonHoleExperts.com.   

New Real Estate Offering in Jackson Hole — New Listing

Location!  Rare! On Flat Creek!  In the Heart of Jackson Hole!

Christy and I just listed a Condo in the heart of the Town of Jackson.  Extremely unique as it is only one of 7 condos in the Town of Jackson that has a third story roof top deck that overlooks Flat Creek and the Bridger Teton National Forest.  It is almost impossible to explain unless you can see it for yourself but the main floor of the condo has floor to ceiling windows that basically overlook the river as it winds itself through a large meadow.  South facing exposure brightens the 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2,200 square foot home making for an efficent living space.

 

        

Listing Price — $1,475,000

Easy to show and if you would like additional information please do not hesitate to call (307- 413-5243 or email.

Recent Real Estate Developments in the Jackson Hole

Over the past month there have been several real estate developments moving through the approval process in the Town of Jackson and Teton County, Wyoming.  I will use this post to update many of them.  If you have any questions about these developments or others that you have heard of please do not hesitate to give me a call at 307-413-5243 or email me.

1.  28 unit development in East Jackson:  Yet to be officially named, this development takes place in East Jackson on 3.35 acres between Rancher Street and Nelson Street.  The planned unit development is proposed to be 145,700 square feet in size which includes 8 single family residences, eight duplexes, and four townhomes.  The development requires affordable housing for 9.79 people and the developer generously is providing affordable housing for 10.  This particular property is in a very attractive location and the developer has a great track record.  It should be a very attractive property with landscaping, sidewalks and a good neighborhood feel.

2.  The Snake River Brewery and Restaurant is expanding!  The "Brew Pub" will be expanding by 2,300 square feet and will include a second floor outdoor deck, new bathrooms (desperately needed!) and an upgraded kitchen.  Congrats and good luck!

3.  A Developer is planning on developing the property that is currently the Painted Buffalo.  The development will be 151,000 square feet in size and will be of a mixed use.  Most of the space will be a new 155-room luxury hotel, spa and fitness center, conference space, restaurant, bar and limited retail space.  The proposed plan calls for a 4 story building.

4.  A beautiful new property is going to be built on the corner of Pearl and Jackson.  The new building will be 31,000 sq feet is size and will be of mixed use.  Retail/Commercial space will be on the first floor with a mix of affordable, employee and free market "lofts" will be on the 2nd and 3rd floor.  The units on the 3rd floor are incredible and should be in big demand when they are released.  The parking will be underground.

5.  A major development was proposed in the county by 3 ranching families – Lucas, Von Gontard, and Robertson families.  The application consists of 692 acres with up to 315 homes.  The acreage is located in 3 different areas – South Park (across the street from 3 Creek Ranch), Hog Island (next to the WYDOT building) and Game Creek.  The property in Game Creek would transfer development rights to the other 2 properties.  Preliminary plans show the South Park property would contain a total of 181 homes – 107 market homes and 74 deed restricted units.  The Robertson property would consist of 128 total units with 33 free market, 11 affordable, 48 PUD affordable and 36 PUD affordable market homes.  This looks and sounds much better than the awful Teton Meadows plan.

6.  There is a lot of new development taking place at Teton Village.  Most recently the Little Nell hotel went before the planning commission for its first hearing.  Little Nell, a project of Terra Development Group, would be a 50 unit condominium-hotel.  The 121,000 square foot hotel includes a conference room, a spa, 3,500 square feet of retail and a 5,000 sq ft restaurant.  The property is 1.3 acres in size.

I hope you found this information informative and easy to read.  Please visit www.JacksonHoleExperts.com if you would like additional information.

 

New Market Update – Feb. 8, 2008

Market Update – Jackson, Wyoming
February 8, 2008
 
Another snowy day in Jackson! So far the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has received 64 inches of snow since February 1st.   Total snowfall to date 397 inches! With those numbers the ski report is obviously exceptional. We are anticipating a large crowd for Presidents Day Weekend.
 
So does all this snow equate to exceptional real estate sales? No, but there has been some pretty active sales activity. The reports nationally continue to show a very slow real estate market but Jackson continues to show strength. Since February 1st there have been quite a few of sales and pending sales that are of interest.
 
  • A 3 bedroom/3bath townhome came on the market in the Wilson area for $875,000 on Wednesday and by Thursday evening there had been a least 2 offers of over asking price! 
  • An older home on 2 lots in the Gill Addition priced at $1,640,000 went under contract in less than 1 week.
  • A townhome in the Town of Jackson on Rancher Street which has been on the market for a lengthy period went under contract.
  • A Four Seasons Resort Penthouse listed for $4,800,000 and a Crystal Springs Condo listed for $1,575,000 both went under contract.
  • 3365 Tucker Ranch – An 8,400 square foot log home went under contract with a list price of $8,995,000.
  • Hotel Terra Units in Teton Village sold “publicly” with an average sales price per square foot of $1,400.00.
  • Teton Pines “Cluster Home” closed for $2,250,000.
  • A 16 acre lot in Wilson closed for $2,900,000.
 
That’s pretty good activity for a slowing market. With those stats noted, Christy and I have noticed activity slowing considerably and inventory rising throughout the valley. Inventory in places like The Aspens and Teton Village have grown and many of the units are starting to look stale on the market. There have been lowering prices in The Aspens. 
 
The Town of Jackson has also seen a slow down. Many choices exist if you are in the $600,000 to $1,200,000 range in the Town of Jackson or areas south of Jackson (Rafter J and Cottonwood Park).
 
Statistics:

Residential Active Listings –

$1 -$1,000,000 = 108

$1,000,000 – $5,000,000 = 134

Greater than $5,000,000 = 30

Vacant Land Active Listings-

$1 – $1,000,000 = 18

$1,000,000 – $5,000,000 = 102

Greater than $5,000,000 = 15

 
26 Total Residential, Townhomes Pending Transactions Valley wide
12 Total Vacant Land Transactions Valley wide
Total Closings since the beginning of the year = 24