February 5, 2024

West + Main Homes

Mountains

17 Fun Things to Do in the Mountains this February

February 5, 2024

West + Main Homes

Mountains

From a wine and chocolate festival to the longest-running Nordic competition in Colorado, here are the best events in Summit County, Estes Park, Vail, and beyond this month.

For many Coloradans—and out-of-towners—Presidents Day (February 19) means hitting the slopes. In fact, the holiday is often resorts’ busiest day of the year. So, when some you inevitably head to higher ground this month, may we suggest breaking up the barrage of pizza-learning toddlers (if you know, you know), jacked-up cafeteria prices, and lift lines with some relaxing diversions? Or, avoid the crowds entirely and skip town another weekend this month. Rest assured there’ll be loads to do, from a wine and chocolate festival to a citywide winter carnival.

Summit County

Eat, Ski, and Be Merry
There are two kinds of skiers: the speed-racers that barrel down the mountain as though they’re being chased by a yeti and the meanderers that amble down the slopes and enjoy the view. Those in the latter camp will delight in this relaxing candlelit skiing adventure, hosted by Frisco Nordic Center. Over the 2.5k course around the Frisco peninsula, there will be four cozy stops by a bonfire stocked with snacks, adult beverages, and nonalcoholic drinks. Feb. 3; 5:30–9:30 p.m.; $45–$80

Gold Rush Nordic Races
No matter your skill level or age, you’re invited to partake in this 53-year-old Nordic race—the longest running in the state. Opt for a 5k, 10k, or 20k course across Frisco, and make sure to pick up your free BOCO Gear neck gaiter, Chris Cakes of Colorado grub, and Highside Brewing beer. Stick around town for the Spontaneous Combustion Bonfire and Fireworks during which about 300 Christmas trees are used as fuel for a massive (controlled) blaze. Feb. 10; starting at 10 a.m.; $10–$65

In Plain Sight: Queer Rural Narratives from the Water and the Land
Walk the halls of any major Mountain West gallery, and you’ll likely see stunning representations of life this side of the Mississippi. What’s been largely missing from that body of work, however, is depictions of how queer identities and rural environments overlap. In this five-artist exhibition, see visual depictions of the often-underrepresented queer existence, resistance, and endurance in rural and remote areas of our country, including pieces from mixed-media artist Janie Stamm and painter Robert Martin. Don’t miss opportunities to see the artists talk on February 14. Jan. 27–April 28; Tuesdays 10 a.m.–8 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; free

Vail and Beaver Creek

Dine with the Dogs
Not only do the Vail Ski Patrol Dogs keep skiers safe from avalanches—they look unbearably cute while doing it. Every Sunday through the end of March, families can meet the professionals (both human and canine) who keep guests safe on the mountain and ask them questions about dog training and avalanche safety. Visit on January 14, January 28, and March 31 to receive a free bite to eat, plus the chance to win giveaways from Helly Hansen, which sponsors the event. Through March 31; Sundays 10:30–11:30 a.m.; free

Vail Legacy Weekend
No, those Fireball shooters haven’t gone straight to your head. During this beloved annual event, you’ll actually see an Army Black Hawk helicopter land on Vail Mountain. To honor its heritage—the mountain was founded by veterans of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division—each year Vail welcomes current members of the division, holds a parade of veterans dressed in traditional uniforms, and has a “ski down” of Riva Ridge, one of Vail’s most iconic runs. Feb. 24–25; noon–5 p.m.; free, on-mountain events require lift ticket or pass

Why Do Dinosaurs Matter?
Channel your inner Alan Grant and dig into the backstory of the Brontosaurus at this scientific lecture. Kenneth Lacovara, a professor at Rowan University, author of Why Dinosaurs Matter, and discoverer of the Dreadnoughtus dino, will talk about the ancient reptiles, climate change, and history, plus answer all of the questions you’ve had since childhood—like why were T. rexs’ arms so tiny? Feb. 29; 6–7:30 p.m.; $10–$25

Crested Butte and Gunnison

Brett Dennen’s Lift Series
Each year, singer-songwriter Brett Dennen makes it a point to hit some of America’s finest mountain towns on his Lift Series tour—because what’s better than skiing and a show? In Crested Butte, the “Ain’t No Reason” folk-pop singer will play the Center for the Arts. If you miss him at this stop, maybe you can catch him at another show in Steamboat Springs, Durango, or Beaver Creek. Feb. 17; 8–11 p.m.; $45–$260

Estes Park

Wine and Chocolate Festival
Even if you’re going stag this Valentine’s Day, you’ll get your fill of chocolate and wine during this high-altitude fest. Pair rich bite-sized confections with wines from the likes of Snowy Peaks Winery and Climb Hard Cider, plus a complimentary wine glass and tote bag. You don’t need a sweetheart to serenade you this year as there will be plenty of live music on-site. To really treat yourself, reserve a table at Twin Owls Steakhouse for a four-course, chocolate-infused dinner with wine pairings curated by Snowy Peaks Winery’s Erik Mohr. Feb. 3; noon–5 p.m.; $15–$125

Winter Park

Winter Wonderland
If a performance from the Talking Swifty Heads (a Talking Heads and Taylor Swift cover band) isn’t enough to pique your interest, we give up. This frosty afternoon bash includes that amusing musical group, plus a hot cocoa bar, sledding, and crafts. The centerpiece of the day isn’t a Taylor Swift and David Byrne duet—although we’d love to see that—it’s an over-the-snow 5k, in which participants will race on snowshoes, cross-country skis, fat-tire bikes, and snow cleats. Feb. 3; 1–4 p.m.; $20

Winter Park Express
This seasonal Amtrak offering could be classified under “transportation”—but we like to think of it as an exclusive event unto itself. For three months each year, Amtrak runs the Winter Park Express (also known as the “ski train”), which takes passengers from Denver Union Station straight to Winter Park. During the two-hour-long locomotive ride, families can enjoy stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and Moffat Tunnel—all while circumventing the blood-pressure-spiking I-70 traffic. (Bonus: Skis ride free.) Jan. 12–March 31; Fridays through Sundays: Train departs Denver at 7 a.m. and departs Winter Park at 4:30 p.m.; starting at $59

Mountaintop Après and Glow Night Ice Skating
Families visiting the mountains for the weekend often hit an age-related fork in the road after unbuckling their ski boots for the day: Should we opt for adult-style food-and-alcohol diversions or kid-friendly fun? Those skiing at Winter Park can do both. Start at 4 p.m. by watching the sunset at Mountaintop Sunset Lodge, where you’ll be greeted with small bites, drinks, and live music. After darkness falls, corral the fam and head to the Village Pond for cosmic-themed Glow Night Ice Skating soundtracked by live DJ tunes. Jan. 4–March 30; Mountaintop Après: 4–7 p.m., Glow Night Ice Skating: 5–7 p.m.; attendance free, rentals and food and drink prices vary

Black Hawk and Nederland

Guanella Pass Brewery Pig Roast
No need to hit the grocery store or scramble for a reservation after shredding all day. Instead, veer off I-70 to this Georgetown brewery for a pig-roasting party. Pair your tender pork with darts, billiards, and a thirst-quenching IPA. Don’t leave before taking a guess at the guest of honor’s weight (the pig, silly). The most accurate estimate receives a mystery gift from Guanella Pass Brewery. Feb. 17; starting at 3 p.m.; free attendance

Buena Vista and Salida

The Melt Goes on Forever
Instead of spending the evening in your vacation rental scrolling TikTok, head to the theater to get a memorable dose of cinema. This documentary follows African-American artist David Hammons, whose multidisciplinary (and hard-to-define) works dissect race and American society. Hammons’ art (including iconic works like “How Ya Like Me Now”) has been featured in the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, but you can see a wide array of his work in this film at the Steamplant Event Center. Feb. 4; 4:30–6 p.m.; $11

Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Winter Carnival
You may think you’ve seen every iteration of winter-focused festivals—gatherings dedicated to the Norse god of snow, ice carving, and even a frozen dead dude—but have you ever seen one centered around a donkey jump and a shovel race? If the answer is no, head to Steamboat to partake in this iconic event. Besides the aforementioned contests, there will be ski ballet competitions, an on-snow dual slalom bicycle race, a s’mores party, and so much more. Feb. 7–11; times vary; some events ticketed

Aspen

Mother of All Ascensions
The Centennial State does Mardi Gras a bit differently than the Big Easy. For one, we’re all wearing Patagonia puffers and sipping Coors Light instead of Sazerac. Secondly, one of our most beloved celebrations involves willing participants racing up a 2,073-foot snow-packed mountain as fast as they can. Register and complete the course on Mardi Gras or at any point until noon on Friday the 23rd. But there is a mandatory dress code of purple, gold, or green ski ’fits. Feb. 13–23; times vary; $40

Bud Light Hi-Fi Concert Series
If you broke the bank on the Aspen hotel and ski pass, you’re in luck. This annual concert series, which starts its yearlong run this month, brings national acts to downtown Aspen for free. This month, see Greeley-born group the Burroughs perform their whimsical spin on soul music. In March, stay tuned for Shakey Graves and his mixture of blues, rock, country, and folk. Starting Feb. 13; 3:30 p.m.; free

Chefs and Somms Series with Hakan Thörnström
After scarfing down ski-lift PB&Js all day, treat yourself to this upscale aprés dinner at the Michelin Guide–recommended Element 47 inside the Little Nell hotel. Swedish chef Hakan Thörnström is collaborating with the Little Nell’s culinary director and wine director to create an indulgent menu that includes lobster panna cotta, smoked scallop tartare with Jerusalem artichoke, and charcoal-grilled, gratinated wagyu with Madeira sauce and parsley root purée. Feb. 22–24; reservation times vary; $145 per person, plus $100 for optional wine pairing

The Housing Market’s ‘Affordability Picture’ May Finally Be Coming Into Focus

February 2, 2024

West + Main Homes

Colorado, Colorado Springs, Minnesota, Mountains, National, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Oregon

As of late, the housing market seems to be in standby mode, ready to rev up if mortgage rates fall or further stagnate if rates rise.

Currently, mortgage rates are toggling back and forth in the mid-6% range, down from the high 7% range in the fall of last year. According to the latest Freddie Mac data, rates for a 30-year fixed-rate home loan ticked down to an average of 6.63% for the week ending Feb. 1. (Last week’s rate averaged 6.69%.)

Yet the suspended state of rates does not mean there was complete stasis in the real estate market. While the big picture might show a market barely shifting gears, a closer look at the latest Realtor.com® data at the end of January reveals a different story—maybe even a (gasp) happy story where the market is picking up steam.

We’ll explain what the latest housing market data means for buyers and sellers in this newest installment of “How’s the Housing Market This Week?”

Real estate listings have returned

The engine powering the housing market’s surprising burst of activity is the number of homes for sale, which shot up by 10.1% year over year for the week ending Jan. 27.

“For a 12th consecutive week, active listings registered above the prior-year level, which means that today’s home shoppers have more homes to choose from,” says Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale in her most recent analysis.

Many of these listings are newly on the market, too, with 2.1% more home sellers jumping in this week compared with a year earlier.

“While the jump was not as big as seen in recent weeks, further improvement in new listings will help contribute to a recovery in active listings, meaning more options for home shoppers,” explains Hale.

This influx of listings has many buyers ready and raring to make a deal with their checkbooks at the ready.

Homes were snapped up three days faster for the week ending Jan. 27 compared with this time last year. This marked 17 weeks the typical home spent less time on the market than the same week the year prior. (The typical home spent 69 days on the market in January.)

In general, though, it’s worth remembering that overall housing inventory remains a whopping 40% below 2017 to 2019 levels. Still, this latest uptick in listings is a welcome step in the right direction.

The mortgage rate outlook

The Federal Reserve met at the very end of January. While it didn’t raise its interest rates to combat inflation, it didn’t lower them either. That means mortgage rates, which generally follow the same trajectory as the Fed’s rates, aren’t likely to drop by as much as many homebuyers had hoped.

“Incoming data will continue to be an important arbiter of the likely rate path, and the Fed is waiting to see what results, alongside everyone else,” says Hale. For example, if the data shows that inflation has fallen below the Fed’s 2% target, the Fed could cut rates sooner.

Hale explains that buyers and sellers face an unknown future as to exactly when—and in what direction—rates might go. However, she predicts “the general trend is likely to be lower, in line with Realtor.com’s 2024 Housing Forecast and also in line with consumer expectations, which have pivoted toward this reality in recent weeks.”

Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, agrees.

“Mortgage rates have been stable for nearly two months, but with continued deceleration in inflation, we expect rates to decline further,” he said in a statement.

Why home prices still seem stuck

Mortgage rates aren’t the only variable seemingly stuck in limbo. Home prices have also “been in a rough holding pattern since May 2023,” explains Hale.

Indeed, the median list price was up just 0.2% for the week ending Jan. 27 compared with the same week last year. (The median list price in January was $409,500.)

List prices typically dip during winter, then rise once temperatures warm up as home shoppers show up in droves. This seasonal upswing typically starts as early as January.

“The nation’s median home listing price typically rises after the first week of the year,” says Hale. This year, however, it might not be by much.

“We may not see the intensity of increase that we’ve seen in 2021 to 2023,” adds Hale.

Hale predicts that cooling home price growth might, along with softening mortgage rates, “give buyer incomes a chance to catch up and improve the affordability picture.”

Will a Silver Tsunami Change the 2024 Housing Market?

February 1, 2024

West + Main Homes

Colorado, Colorado Springs, Minnesota, Mountains, National, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon

Have you ever heard the term “Silver Tsunami” and wondered what it’s all about?

If so, that might be because there’s been lot of talk about it online recently. Let’s dive into what it is and why it won’t drastically impact the housing market.

What Does Silver Tsunami Mean?

A recent article from HousingWire calls it:

“. . . a colloquialism referring to aging Americans changing their housing arrangements to accommodate aging . . .”

The thought is that as baby boomers grow older, a significant number will start downsizing their homes. Considering how large that generation is, if these moves happened in a big wave, it would affect the housing market by causing a significant uptick in the number of larger homes for sale. That influx of homes coming onto the market would impact the balance of supply and demand and more.

The concept makes sense in theory, but will it happen? And if so, when?

Why It Won’t Have a Huge Impact on the Housing Market in 2024

Experts say, so far, a silver tsunami hasn’t happened – and it probably won’t anytime soon. According to that same article from HousingWire:

“. . . the silver tsunami’s transformative potential for the U.S. housing market has not yet materialized in any meaningful way, and few expect it to anytime soon.”

Here’s just one reason why. Many baby boomers don’t want to move. Data from the AARP shows over half of the surveyed adults ages 65 and up plan to stay put and age in place in their current home rather than move (see chart below):

Clearly, not every baby boomer is planning to sell or move – and even those who do won’t do it all at once. Instead, it will be more gradual, happening slowly over time. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says:

“Demographics are never a tsunami. The baby boomer generation is almost two decades of births. That means they’re going to take about two decades to work their way through.”

Bottom Line

If you’re worried about a Silver Tsunami shaking up the housing market, don’t be. Any impact from baby boomers moving will be gradual over many years. Fleming sums it up best:

“Demographic trends, they don't tsunami. They trickle.”

6 Subtle Things That Make Your Home Feel Comfortable and Polished

February 1, 2024

West + Main Homes

Colorado, Colorado Springs, Minnesota, Mountains, National, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon

When it comes to creating a comfortable and polished home, it's the little things that count.

Whether it's adding a pop of color or changing the light fixtures, small updates can make a big difference. In this post, we'll discuss subtle yet effective ways to make your home feel inviting and refined. These tips don't require a major overhaul or breaking the bank; they simply require a little effort and creativity. Read on to find out how you can create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere in your home. Let's get started!

Incorporate Soft Lighting
Nothing sets the mood in a room quite like lighting. Whether it's a soft and warm glow or a bright and intense light, lighting has the power to affect how we feel and interact in a space. Incorporating soft lighting in your home can make it feel more relaxing and comfortable. Consider adding lamps with warm bulbs, incorporating candles, or implementing a dimmer switch to create a cozy atmosphere.

The best places to add soft lighting in your home are areas where you want to create a warm and inviting ambiance. This could be in the living room, bedroom, or even the bathroom. Placing lamps on side tables next to seating areas is an excellent way to add soft lighting while also providing functional light for reading or relaxing. Adding candles on shelves or coffee tables can also create a cozy and intimate atmosphere.

Declutter Regularly
Clutter and chaos can quickly change a room's vibe, making it feel less comfortable. Decluttering regularly and keeping a space organized can create an inviting and calming environment. It also helps to eliminate stress, ensuring that you can relax in peace and enjoy your space more.

Decluttering can be done at any time, but it's especially helpful to declutter before adding new décor or furniture. This ensures that you have a clean slate to work with and can properly evaluate what items are necessary and what can be removed. It's also beneficial to declutter as part of your regular cleaning routine, whether it's once a month or every few months. This way, clutter doesn't accumulate and becomes overwhelming.

Display Personal Items Thoughtfully
Adding personal items, such as photographs or keepsakes, in your home can make it feel more lived-in, cozy and welcoming. However, it is essential to display these items thoughtfully. Instead of hanging pictures randomly on the walls, consider grouping them together or organizing them in a way that creates a sense of balance and order. In addition to thoughtful grouping and organizing, it's important to keep personal items dusted and well-maintained. This ensures that they continue to enhance the overall aesthetic of your home instead of becoming a distraction or an eyesore.

Consider designating shelves, tables, or walls as decoration spaces and limit how many items you place in each area. This not only helps to prevent clutter but also allows you to focus on specific pieces and showcase them in a more visually appealing way. Additionally, rotating decorative items throughout the year can keep your home feeling fresh and avoid overwhelming any one space with too many decorations at once.

Incorporate Pops of Color
Adding pops of color can bring life and energy into a home, making it feel more vibrant and cheerful. However, this doesn't mean going overboard with bold or bright colors. Instead, think about using muted shades as accents to complement the rest of your décor. Whether it's through a throw pillow or statement piece of artwork, adding a pop of color can transform a space.

When choosing which colors to incorporate into your home, consider sticking to a color scheme or palette. This will help create a cohesive look and avoid any clashing or overwhelming combinations. Gravitate towards warm and calming colors, such as shades of blue, green and neutral tones like beige and gray. These colors tend to create a sense of tranquility and comfort in a space. Don't be afraid to mix and match different hues to find the perfect balance for your home.

Invest in Quality Bedding
Creating a comfortable and relaxing bedroom is essential when trying to make an overall comfortable home. Investing in high-quality bedding, such as soft cotton sheets, plush pillows,and a cozy duvet, can set the tone for a good night's sleep. Additionally, having a tidy and well-made bed makes a room feel more polished, regardless of the décor.

When selecting bedding materials, it's important to avoid synthetic fabrics and materials. These can trap heat and moisture, making for an uncomfortable sleeping experience. It's also beneficial to choose bedding with a higher thread count, as this indicates a softer and more luxurious feel. Avoiding materials like polyester and opting for natural fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or linen can contribute to a more comfortable and peaceful sleep.

Keep Your Exterior Polished
While we often focus on creating a comfortable and inviting interior, don't forget about the exterior of your home. This includes the front porch, entryway and any outdoor seating areas. By keeping these areas clean, well-maintained and welcoming, you can make a great first impression for yourself and any guests.

Consider adding potted plants or flowers to bring some greenery and life to your entryway. Keep pathways clear of clutter and debris, ensuring a safe and easy walking experience for visitors. You can also add some outdoor lighting to create an inviting atmosphere during evening gatherings or just for added curb appeal.

In addition to these subtle touches, keeping your exterior well-maintained by using Superior Products, as well as regular cleaning, painting and repairs can make a significant difference in the overall appearance and feel of your home. It's important to remember that the exterior of your home is just as much a reflection of your style and personality as the interior, so take pride in it and keep it polished.

Creating a home that feels comfortable and polished doesn't have to be hard or overly expensive. By incorporating just a few of these subtleties, you can create a space that is both inviting and sophisticated. Creating a home that’s welcoming and comforting requires more than just the large-scale elements of a home renovation, it requires a thoughtful focus on those little details that can make all the difference in creating a space that makes you feel at peace. With the help of these touches, your home can be transformed into the sanctuary you’ve always desired.

Foreclosure Activity Is Still Lower than the Norm

February 1, 2024

West + Main Homes

Colorado, Colorado Springs, Minnesota, Mountains, National, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon

Have you seen headlines talking about the increase in foreclosures in today’s housing market?

If so, they may leave you feeling a bit uneasy about what’s ahead. But remember, these clickbait titles don’t always give you the full story.

The truth is, if you compare the current numbers with what usually happens in the market, you’ll see there’s no need to worry.

Putting the Headlines into Perspective

The increase the media is calling attention to is misleading. That’s because they’re only comparing the most recent numbers to a time where foreclosures were at historic lows. And that’s making it sound like a bigger deal than it is.

In 2020 and 2021, the moratorium and forbearance program helped millions of homeowners stay in their homes, allowing them to get back on their feet during a very challenging period.

When the moratorium came to an end, there was an expected rise in foreclosures. But just because foreclosures are up doesn’t mean the housing market is in trouble.

Historical Data Shows There Isn’t a Wave of Foreclosures

Instead of comparing today’s numbers with the last few abnormal years, it’s better to compare to long-term trends – specifically to the housing crash – since that’s what people worry may happen again.

Take a look at the graph below. It uses foreclosure data from ATTOM, a property data provider, to show foreclosure activity has been consistently lower (shown in orange) since the crash in 2008 (shown in red):

So, while foreclosure filings are up in the latest report, it’s clear this is nothing like it was back then.

In fact, we’re not even back at the levels we’d see in more normal years, like 2019. As Rick Sharga, Founder and CEO of the CJ Patrick Company, explains:

“Foreclosure activity is still only at about 60% of pre-pandemic levels. . .”

That’s largely because buyers today are more qualified and less likely to default on their loans. Delinquency rates are still low and most homeowners have enough equity to keep them from going into foreclosure. As Molly Boesel, Principal Economist at CoreLogic, says:

“U.S. mortgage delinquency rates remained healthy in October, with the overall delinquency rate unchanged from a year earlier and the serious delinquency rate remaining at a historic low… borrowers in later stages of delinquencies are finding alternatives to defaulting on their home loans.”

The reality is, while increasing, the data shows a foreclosure crisis is not where the market is today, or where it’s headed.

Bottom Line

Even though the housing market is experiencing an expected rise in foreclosures, it’s nowhere near the crisis levels seen when the housing bubble burst. If you have questions about what you’re hearing or reading about the housing market, connect with a real estate agent.

Blog

From a wine and chocolate festival to the longest-running Nordic competition in Colorado, here are the best events in Summit County, Estes Park, Vail, and beyond this month.

Read more at 5280.com

Related Links

As of late, the housing market seems to be in standby mode, ready to rev up if mortgage rates fall or further stagnate if rates rise.

Real estate listings have returned

The mortgage rate outlook

Why home prices still seem stuck

Read more at Realtor.com

Related Links

Have you ever heard the term “Silver Tsunami” and wondered what it’s all about?

Read more at KeepingCurrentMatters.com

Related Links

When it comes to creating a comfortable and polished home, it's the little things that count.

Read more at Rismedia.com

Related Links

Have you seen headlines talking about the increase in foreclosures in today’s housing market?

Read more at KeepingCurrentMatters.com

Related Links

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