For More Information, Contact the Trainers

MandyBenedict@innermatrixsystems.com (970) 904-1233
LainaEskin@innermatrixsystems.com (970) 281-9885
AnnEvans@innermatrixsystems.com (970) 390-0874
KristiMoon@innermatrixsystems.com (970) 390-9702
LindaWells@innermatrixsystems.com 970-401-4010
LindaWilde@innermatrixsystems.com (970) 471-3014

The overall pace of the real estate market continues to lag from previous years (to be expected).  It is primarily being hindered by inventory and seller’s (or potential seller’s) concerns about replacement properties if remaining in the area.  Market-priced homes continue to attract multiple offers, a clear indication that buyer interest and activity remain strong despite headwinds at a macro level. For buyers financing, forecasts show that mortgage interest rates should decline over the next 12 months and that may lead to even more activity. Either way, with limited inventory, there is no sign of a marked decline in values. If anything, they are stable, though a few pockets of the market have experienced some softening – mostly due to affordability – or being overpriced relative to condition and location.

What it Means for Buyers & Sellers

Resort/Luxury Market (Vail, Beaver Creek, Arrowhead, Singletree, Cordillera)

Alida Zwaan, a broker associate with Berkshire HomeServices Colorado Properties in the Vail/Lionshead office, says current luxury market buyers are being more selective and are primarily interested in new or remodeled homes. “There is still demand, which is good news for sellers, but these buyers don’t want to pay for property that has to be remodeled,” said Zwaan. “Resort market buyers have the luxury of cash to buy what they want when they want. With rising building costs, combined with the time required for construction and added expense, buyers would prefer to pay for a new property.”

This buyer trend also impacts sellers and Zwaan notes that listing a home that’s out of line with market values based on location and condition is driving up days on the market.  Homes that are priced right are selling and selling pretty quickly.  Buyers are not willing to pay more than they believe is fair market value, not always what the seller wants to get for their home, “ said Zwaan. “It’s a reality check; if you want to sell, listen to the advice of an experienced broker vs. one who just wants your business.  The market stats don’t lie and the homes that are selling are priced right.”

Down Valley (Eagle, Eagle Ranch Gypsum)

With the summer season upon us, Laurie Slaughter, the managing broker for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colorado Properties’ Gypsum office, notes that buyers who are open to living further down the valley, including a more temperate climate, will find lower price points, and additional new construction options. “Both Hay Meadow in Eagle and Siena Lakes in Gypsum have started building and are offering early construction pricing with relatively small down payments,” said Slaughter. “These are good options for buyers who have time flexibility on a move-in date.  For others, making sure you have financing and pre-approvals in place is important so that when the right property comes along you are in the best possible position to get your offer accepted. The right-priced homes are still in high demand and often getting multiple offers,” Slaughter added.

On the seller’s side, Slaughter reiterates the importance of pricing their home reasonably if they want it to sell. “It is important for sellers to list their home within the market value.  Real estate brokers know the market and can help sellers get to a price where they can sell more quickly. All the indicators show that the homes that are priced right sell quickly and the ones that aren’t sit on the market. The low inventory doesn’t mean sellers can get whatever they want. Buyers are willing to wait for the right home at the right price,” said Slaughter.

Cole, a licensed real estate broker with Coldwell Banker Mountain Properties, was named “REALTOR® of the Year” by the Vail Board of REALTORS® (VBR) in 1993 and was VBR Chair in 1996.  She has been active on various committees within NAR and the Colorado Association of REALTORS® (CAR).  She was a Senior Faculty Member for CAR for 22 years, as well as having been instrumental in helping to develop the “Resort Committee and Resort Designation” within NAR.

Cole joins fellow broker Suzanne Dugan as a Realtor® with Emeritus status in Eagle County.

Visit vbr.net to find a Realtor® with market and community expertise.

Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley has tripled its building efforts this year in an attempt to help locals living perilously close to crisis build stable roots. But it is heartbreaking to know there are only so many families we can help each year.

On June 22, Habitat Vail Valley will break ground on 16 homes, starting to build a new neighborhood with 16 new homeowners at Third Street in Eagle. This development is a standout because of the partnerships that made it possible, the future homeowners and the innovation.

This project comes with strong partnerships: Eagle County School District donated the land that is adjacent to Eagle Valley Middle School. Seventy-five percent of the new homeowners work in the school district. Instead of having one or two kids, they influence hundreds every year.

The Town of Eagle worked with us so we could receive grants from the state for infrastructure work. The town also reduced its permitting costs. Eagle County/Eagle County Housing and Development Authority funds the gap between construction costs and affordability. Finally, we were able to access funding from the newly created Transformational Affordable Housing Grant program through the Colorado Department of Housing.

Third Street is our foray into modular building — a shortened build timeline will get families into their homes sooner. As we break ground and start infrastructure and moving earth, Fading West, the modular builder, will construct the homes in their factory. It is head-spinning to think how fast they can build these houses that will become homes. In a one-month timeframe, all 16 homes will be built.

On June 22 we will honor the partners but mostly celebrate the new Habitat homeowners who have worked so hard to help build their homes and the homes of their neighbors. Third Street, like all of Habitat’s neighborhoods, shows how families working together create a strong community for everyone. Join us in celebrating home.

As housing prices continue to escalate and housing supplies dwindle, Habitat for Humanity Vail Valley is committed to advocating and building. Since 1995, Habitat Vail Valley has built 100 homes, housing 159 essential workers and 304 children. The nonprofit believes creating affordable homeownership opportunities is key to improving the cost of living for the local workforce: Everyone deserves a safe and stable home. 

Please come!

June 22, 4 p.m.

Third Street in Eagle – adjacent to Eagle Valley Middle School

Groundbreaking ceremony for new Habitat families

The First Regular Session of the 74th General Assembly was marked by historic Democratic majorities in both chambers – a supermajority in the House and a near-supermajority in the Senate. In addition to the balance of power, there were many new faces at the Capitol – over 30% of the 100 legislators were newly elected. The combination of these factors led to incredibly ambitious policy agendas on climate, education, employment, healthcare, housing, public safety, tax policy, and other issues.

Major policy issues this session included the budget, education, energy & environment, general business, gun violence, healthcare, housing & land use, property & casualty insurance, property taxes, reproductive rights, and water.

The December 2022 forecast showed Colorado’s economic growth following the COVID-19 recovery was continuing but starting to show signs of slowing down. The Legislature entered the session knowing that the budget picture was much tighter than it had been in previous years, in part due to the rolling-off of historic federal funds provided under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The March forecast was largely unchanged from December on the economics side and available General Fund spending modestly improved. Given the uncertainty over forthcoming economic headwinds, the Joint Budget Committee maintained a healthy reserve and had roughly $500 million in excess funds to spend above the FY23-24 operating budgets for the executive and judicial branches. The Joint Budget Committee (JBC) was able to make significant investments in K-12 education, Universal Preschool implementation, property tax relief, workforce, and more.

Two bills the Partnership took a position on and are excited to see become law include:

SB23-001 Authority of Public-Private Collaboration Unit for Housing

This bill allows the Authority of Public-Private Collaboration in the Department of Administration to engage in housing projects on unused state properties.

SB23-065 Career Development Success Program

The Colorado Career Development Incentive Program pays $1,000 to school districts for each student who earns an industry-recognized credential that would allow that student to walk into a job after graduation. The bill extends CDIP for 10 years, increases funding for the program to $10 million, and makes other programmatic changes.

We also joined business groups around the state to oppose a variety of legislation, including:

HB23-1118, which would have created one of, if not the, most restrictive scheduling and labor laws in the United States. The bill would have required predictive scheduling requirements for a litany of employers, largely in the food and beverage industry. The bill was arguably the most contentious bill of the first half of the session, and the business community raised substantial concerns that ultimately defeated the bill in the House Business Affairs & Labor Committee on a vote of 8-2.

HB23-1215 prohibits certain healthcare providers from charging facilities fees for services provided via telehealth or for preventative and primary care services in outpatient settings. As introduced, the bill faced fierce opposition from hospitals over concerns that such limitations will threaten the financial viability of some hospitals, especially those in rural settings. Sponsors responded to those concerns by exempting rural hospitals from the bill’s requirements and took some aspects of the bill from requirements under law into issues that will be studied by the Department of Health Care Policy & Financing. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on May 10, 2023.

Legislators will be busy this interim as they tackle a host of new and existing interim committees and task forces. Without a General Election this November, legislators will also develop their priorities for legislation in the 2024 Session. We look forward to continuing to be a voice for business at the state capital.

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, the regional chamber of commerce. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com

On the heels of a wildly successful winter season, ski-centric mountain properties across the Western U.S. may be seeing a steep slowdown come summer. This is the lead in a recent Travel Weekly article and it sure sounds like the sky is falling and we’re in deep trouble.

While the summer months are showing slowdowns from both the winter season and previous summers, and economic challenges are exerting considerable influence on summer tourism, there is no need for Chicken Little prognostications. Let’s be clear: the sky is not falling, although we should expect a return to pre-pandemic demand levels rather than the growth we saw during the past two years.

So, what should we expect for the summer season?

In layman’s terms: macroeconomic trends show a mixed bag that impacts local trends. Some good, some bad, and lots of unknowns. Leisure travel faces a murky outlook as demand softens and inflation will continue to impact spending decisions.

Starting at a macro level, people like to travel. Eighty-five percent of Americans plan to travel this summer, according to the “Summer Travel Survey & Trends 2023” report by The Vacationer. Nearly half of them (42 percent of all Americans) are planning to travel more this summer compared to last. The 85 percent who intend to travel this summer represent a 5 percent increase over 2022.

The team at Inntopia tracks travel mountain travel and macroeconomic trends. They recently reported key indicators including the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), which rose during April to close 824 points or 2.5 percent higher than in March. This marks only the second time since November that the Index has managed monthly back-to-back increases while recording the highest monthly close since then.

The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) and the Consumer Sentiment Index (CSI) had mixed results as they flip-flopped and changed directions from last month—and each other. The CCI dipped down 2.6 percent during April to 101.3 points from the 104 points posted in March and marking the fourth decline since the beginning of the winter season. In contrast to the CCI, the CSI tabulated by the University of Michigan, moved in the opposite direction, and rose a modest 2.4 percent to 63.5 points following a sharp decline in March.

The National Inflation Rate edged down from five percent in March to 4.9 percent in April which is slightly better than predicted. This is the tenth consecutive decline in annual inflation and its lowest level since April 2021. But importantly, prices were up 0.4 percent from last month as the Consumer Price Index increased during April and putting some pressure on consumers despite a lower annualized inflation rate.

Eagle County has quite a few things working in our favor. Increasing consumer awareness of environmental issues has led to a rise in eco-conscious travel. Travelers are increasingly opting for sustainable accommodations, choosing eco-friendly transportation options, and participating in responsible tourism activities to minimize their impact on the environment. Vail’s certification as a sustainable destination provides a unique positioning and point of differentiation.

Summer travel is often seen as a birthright. We are seeing a to-be-expected return to pre-pandemic occupancy levels and summer demand; our events calendar remains robust; our brand positioning remains strong; air travel to the Eagle County Regional Airport remains accessible from key markets; and group business provides a solid foundation.

What does it all mean for summer tourism? We’re going to be just fine and can expect a return to pre-pandemic trends, despite the unknowns and uncertainty.

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, the regional chamber of commerce. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com

Companies in Eagle County are struggling to find, hire, and retain the workers they need to compete globally.  Many businesses tell us they cannot find American workers to fill their job openings and those issues are making it difficult to meet the needs of their clients and customers. Bringing our legal immigration system into the 21st century would help all ameliorate these workforce issues, but a key problem for many American businesses is the antiquated employment-based system and its arbitrary eligibility requirements and ridiculously low, decades-old visa quotas. It should come as no surprise that companies across a host of industries struggle to meet their workforce needs.

In many cases, the antiquated legal immigration system and its severe limitations on employment-based migration are a key contributing factor to the current chaos on our southern border.  Given the divided government in Washington, any legal immigration reforms that will hep must go hand in hand with addressing critical border security issues. To address the current border crisis, Congress must increase resources – physical, human, and technology – along our borders and at our ports of entry. Congress must also enact sensible reforms to our asylum laws and modernizing federal employment verification requirements.

Coupling enhanced border security measures with desperately needed updates to our legal immigration system is a politically popular course of action. According to a recent Fox News poll, overwhelming majorities of Americans – both Democrats and Republicans – agree that Congress should increase the number of border patrol agents on the southern border, increase the number of judges to process asylum cases more expeditiously, and make it easier to immigrate to the U.S.

Vail Valley Partnership believes the 118th Congress can rise to meet this crucial moment and listen to American voters to strengthen our borders and make the necessary updates to our legal immigration system to spur economic growth, boost job creation, and reestablish order on our southern border. Failing to address these issues will only make the crises we’re facing on the border and in our legal immigration worse.  Three decades of legislative inaction is enough. Congress cannot afford to ignore these issues any longer.

• Alpine Bank
• Berit Brooks
• Eagle County Paramedics
• Eagle County Schools
• Family Learning Center
• FirstBank
• Gallegos
• Habitat for Humanity
• Poolscapes
• RA Nelson
• Ritz Carlton Club & Residences Vail
• Vail Health
• The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa

VAIL, Colo. – May 23, 2023– The event that started it all – the 29th Annual Vail Jazz Party – is returning to Vail this Labor Day Weekend from Aug 31 – Sept. 4. This year’s Jazz Party boasts some of the biggest names in jazz playing together in different ensembles over the course of the five-day event.

Afternoon music sessions start at 12PM Friday – Monday and will be held under the Jazz Tent at Vail Square in Lionshead Village. Evening music sessions begin at 6PM Thursday – Sunday and will be at the Hythe Grand Ballroom. The ever-popular Late Night Jam Sessions are at 9:30PM at “Howard’s Hangout,” a pop-up club-style venue also located at the Hythe Grand Ballroom. Afternoon session tickets start at just $45; evening sessions and special performances are $75; admission to Howard’s Hangout is free. All-Access Patron Passes are also available for access into all music sessions of music for $495. Tickets and passes are available at VailJazz.org/vail-jazz-party.

The Musicians

This year, the Vail Jazz Party is thrilled to present René Marie (vocals), Ken Peplowski (clarinet), Akiko Tsuruga (B3 organ), Romero Lubambo (guitar), Mike LeDonne (piano), Renee Rosnes (piano), Steve Nelson (vibraphone), Niki Haris (vocals), Jeff Hamiliton (drums), Byron Stripling (trumpet), Carl Allen (drums), Bobby Floyd (B3 organ), Dan Wilson (guitar), Mitch Forman (piano), Drew Zaremba (saxophone), and the Mile High Gospel Ensemble. In addition, Jazz Party favorites John Clayton (bass), Dick Oatts (alto saxophone), Wycliffe Gordon (trombone), Bill Cunliffe (piano), Terell Stafford (trumpet), and Lewis Nash (drums) will be returning to the stage.

The Vail Jazz Workshop

Each year, a dozen of North America’s most dedicated, gifted, and promising young jazz musicians is chosen from a broad field of talented applicants to participate in the 10-day Vail Jazz Workshop . The students are currently being selected and the instructors are over the moon about the caliber of talent that has applied this year. Says John Clayton, Director of Education, “The selection process was the most competitive we’ve ever seen.  Audiences should be very excited at what they will hear from these young musicians.”

The Workshop students – aka the Vail Jazz All-Stars – perform three times throughout the Party, and admission into these sets of music are free. Many fans come to watch these budding musicians and continue to follow them throughout their careers.

Alumni Sextet

A popular tradition continues with the impressive sextet of Vail Jazz Workshop Alumni slated to perform at the Vail Jazz Party. This showcase of Vail Jazz Family members lets audiences see how far these young musicians have progressed from teenage Workshop students to highly accomplished jazz pros. These musicians also serve as an inspiration to current Workshop students, who can see and hear what is possible when they remain dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in jazz.

This year’s Alumni Sextet includes Kenny Banks Jr. (piano), Benny Benack III (trumpet), Braxton Cook (alto saxophone), Tia Fuller (alto saxophone), Jimmy Macbride (drums), and David Wong (bass).

Special Performances 

The ever-popular Niki Haris’ Gospel Prayer Meetin’ and Wycliffe Gordon’s Funk Revolution return this year, along with some new and exciting special performances. Returning for the second year will be The Vail Jazz Orchestra on Saturday evening, an impressive big-band ensemble directed by John Clayton. New this year will be a B3 organ duo performance from Akiko Tsuruga and Bobby Floyd. Legends Mike Ledonne and Steve Nelson will team up to pay tribute to Milt Jackson. And trumpeter Byron Stripling will perform a memorable and impactful multi-media performance. Tickets are on sale now to experience these special performances.

For more information about the Vail Jazz Foundation and Party, please visit VailJazz.org or contact Jamie Cox, Marketing Director (jamie@vailjazz.org).

The Vail Jazz Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to the perpetuation of jazz music through presentation and education. Vail Jazz produces a summer performance series and award-winning educational programs serving both the national and local communities.

]]> https://www.vailvalleypartnership.com/2023/05/the-vail-jazz-party-brings-big-names-in-jazz-over-labor-day-weekend/feed/ 0 https://www.vailvalleypartnership.com/2023/05/evta-names-tanya-allen-executive-director/ https://www.vailvalleypartnership.com/2023/05/evta-names-tanya-allen-executive-director/#respond Mon, 22 May 2023 18:55:10 +0000 https://www.vailvalleypartnership.com/?p=47944 Read More]]> Allen moves from ECO Transit director to leading new transit agency

The Eagle Valley Transportation Authority Board of Directors at its May 10 board meeting voted to appoint Tanya Allen as the authority’s full-time executive director. Allen was named the interim executive director in December after voters in unincorporated Eagle County; the Towns of Avon, Eagle, Minturn, Red Cliff and Vail; and Beaver Creek Metropolitan District voted to establish the authority on the November 2022 ballot.

“I am honored that the EVTA’s board has given me the opportunity to lead our region’s new transportation agency as we rollout the initial services and then guide the future of transportation here in the Eagle River Valley,” Allen said. “This is a unique opportunity to build and grow this organization from the beginning stages, establishing operations, leadership, staffing, planning, marketing and all the other tasks needed to make this agency work for the community members and taxpayers who supported its creation. While the EVTA will draw on the experience of ECO Transit, as an independent organization we are starting many things from scratch.”

Previously, Allen was the director of Eagle County’s ECO Transit, where she was responsible for management, strategic planning and regulatory compliance for the agency’s transit and trails programs, while managing approximately 70 employees and $13 million annually in public funds. Allen’s accomplishments include leading the agency through COVID-19, including implementation of schedule reductions and development of safety and cleaning protocols. ECO Transit maintained continuous service throughout the pandemic and received a statewide award for public health coordination efforts.

She also initiated—and provided much of the hands-on management and technical expertise—for the multijurisdictional process that created the EVTA under the state’s Regional Transportation Authority law. This effort included successful passage of the November 2022 ballot measure in the seven jurisdictions that now form the EVTA. At the same time, Allen still managed the day-to-day operations of ECO Transit as that system began to recover much of its ridership lost during the pandemic.

“There is no question that Tanya is the right person to lead the Eagle Valley Transportation Authority,” said Amy Phillips, EVTA’s board chair and mayor of Avon. “The board unanimously selected Tanya because of her dedication to our region, her understanding of transportation and transit management, and her skill at leading a high-performing organization. Under Tanya’s leadership, we believe the EVTA will deliver on its promises to voters to increase transportation options across the valley that will benefit our local residents, businesses and visitors.”

Allen and the EVTA Board will focus on planning for the future needs of the residents, workers and guests in the authority’s region. The planning timeline will include strategies to develop the increases needed in staffing, housing and stock of vehicles necessary to implement the improved services the voters expect. The process of hiring financial, human resources and communications management for the agency will be critical prior to the transition of ECO Transit equipment and staff from the county into the EVTA. This planning timeline will include the transition of service responsibilities, development of the planned fare-free zone, and the implementation of increased frequencies and other service improvements across the existing ECO Transit service area.

During Allen’s tenure at ECO Transit, the agency launched new technologies to improve operations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including a Battery Electric Bus Pilot Program. ECO Transit also developed a mobile fare payment system and reshaped its employment structure to create additional pathways for employee leadership development and growth. Prior to joining Eagle County, Allen served as Transportation Manager for the City of Glenwood Springs, where she managed the City’s Ride Glenwood bus program and played an integral role in developing and implementing transportation demand management programs in support of the Grand Avenue Bridge replacement project.

Previously, she has served as a Foreign Service Officer with the U.S. Department of State, serving at diplomatic and consular posts in Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions, as well as Washington. A native Philadelphian, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Williams College and a Master of Community Planning Degree from the University of Maryland at College Park. In her free time, Allen enjoys training for triathlons and studying foreign languages.