Slifer Smith & Frampton Named in REAL Trends ‘Top 500’ Report

Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate (SSFRE) has been named the 65 largest real estate company in the country based on sales volume in the REAL Trends Top 500 Report recognizing the nation’s highest-producing real estate companies. The company produced 1,309 transaction “sides” representing sales volume of $1,371,868,349 in 2010 to qualify for this prestigious list of the country’s top 500 real estate firms. SSFRE has 24 offices and over 140 brokers covering the Vail Valley and Summit County.

SSFRE was also recognized as the number two firm in the country based on Firms Ranked by Sales Volume Per Broker.

In addition, the firm’s global network, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, once again was named the highest-producing network in terms of total sales for 2010 among this elite top 500 group of companies.

The 97 LeadingRE affiliate firms on the Top 500 list produced 551,832 sales “sides” in 2010 totaling sales volume of $142.4 billion, over 30 percent more transactions than the closest competitor, Coldwell-Banker, with 415,540 units and 60 firms on the list.

The power of local branding was further emphasized with #1 market share rankings for the nation’s top 96 markets. In that portion of the study, LeadingRE members ranked first in the market in 40% of the cities, compared to 24% and 11% for the next two networks.

The Top 500 report was released recently at the REAL Trends “Gathering of Eagles” annual conference. This third-party survey is widely recognized as the leading study of its kind.

“We take great pride in these results,” comments Jim Flaum, President and Managing Broker, “particularly given the challenges of today’s economy. These numbers demonstrate that savvy consumers are recognizing the opportunities that exist in the resort market today due to incredible values and the lowest interest rates we’ve seen in many years, and our brokers are performing at very high levels to meet the needs of these clients.”

The affiliates of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® produced total 2010 sales of 800,000 valued at $225 billion.

Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate has been the most trusted name in Colorado mountain real estate since 1962.

New Listing In Wildridge

$375,000, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 1,547 sq. ft.

This beautifully remodeled townhome offers a serene setting just minutes to Beaver Creek. It features a gorgeous kitchen with granite countertops. Wide plank wood floors throughout the main living area create a light and open living space with a warm inviting décor. Custom built ins above the fireplace, vaulted ceilings, large private sunny deck, great storage plus garage and 2-car carport are just a few of the highlights.

New Listing in East Vail

4237 Columbine Drive, Bighorn Terrace #22


$575,000
2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1,500 sq. ft., partially furnished

Incredible opportunity to own a beautiful home in East Vail at an exceptional value. Nestled in a peaceful alpine setting, enjoy a bright and airy floorplan with beautiful updates, spacious kitchen and bedrooms and log accents. Stunning views, access to private pond and great hiking. On the free Town of Vail bus route within minutes to the heart of Vail Village.

Foreign Buyers see value in US Real Estate

From the National Association of Realtors:

The U.S. continues to remain a top destination for foreign buyers as international purchases surged by $16 billion this year, one of the highest increases in recent years.

This is according to the National Association of Realtors®’ 2011 Profile of International Home Buying Activity. According to the survey, total residential international sales in the U.S. for the past year ending March 2011 equaled $82 billion, up from $66 billion in 2010. Total international sales were split evenly between non-resident foreigners and recent immigrants, while combined total domestic and international existing-home sales in the U.S. were $1.07 trillion.

“The U.S. has always been a desirable place to own property and a profitable investment,” said NAR President Ron Phipps, broker-president of Phipps Realty in Warwick, R.I. “In recent years we have seen more and more foreign buyers coming here to take advantage of low prices and plentiful inventory. In addition to the advantageous market conditions, Realtors® in this country have a global perspective and experience in working with clients from different cultures and real estate practices, helping them bring value to their international clients.”

Historically, foreign buyers have been attracted to property ownership in the U.S. for a number of reasons. U.S. homes are generally less expensive than comparable foreign properties, homes in this country are viewed as a secure investment, and the U.S. market offers rental opportunities and long-term appreciation potential.

More recently, Realtors® have noticed new factors motivating foreign buyers. Many U.S. colleges and universities have a significant number of international students, and some foreign families are purchasing U.S. properties in college areas so their child has a place to live. Another source of international demand is foreign executives temporarily working in the U.S., some of whom prefer to purchase a residence instead of renting.

“Besides the strength of the dollar and the general economic trends in the U.S., international buyers are also recognizing the benefits of home ownership in this country, especially in the case of recent immigrants,” said Phipps. “Many foreigners perceive owning a home here as an important accomplishment in their efforts to become established in this country.”

Recent international buyers came from 70 different countries, up from 53 countries in 2010. For the fourth consecutive year, Canada was the top country of origin, with 23 percent of sales to foreigners. China was the second most popular country of origin, with nine percent of international sales this year. Tied for third were Mexico, the U.K., and India. Argentina and Brazil combined reported an increase in foreign sales with five percent, up from two percent in 2010. The top five countries of origin accounted for 53 percent of international transactions in 2011.

Rich will spend more, but Value is key

According to a recent survey conducted by American Express Publishing and Harrison Group, rich Americans are expected to spend an extra $26.6 billion on luxury goods this year but they will do so with an eye toward value as the country recovers from recession. Spending on luxuries, excluding cars and travel, is set to rise 8 percent to $359 billion compared to 2010. While the number of affluent families planning to spend more has almost doubled in the past 3 years, they are emerging from the recesssion seeking value, quality and service for their money. The Survey of Affluence and Wealth in America polled 1,458 families with a discretionary income of more than $100,000, it found that 15 percent of these familieis plan to spend more in 2011, up a quarter from 2010. Rich families save an average of a quarter of their incomes annually and 34 percnet said they were looking to spend more this year. A large percentage feel less anxious about the American economy and feel they have become more resourceful and smart with their money management.

Brand New Single Family Listing In Minturn

Charming 3-bedroom cottage nestled on a quiet street with mature pines located in the heart of historic Minturn. This home features wood floors, spacious living area, and a kitchen with newer appliances and updated bath with claw foot tub. Bonus room is perfect as a study, studio, or fitness room. Large 2-car garage with shop and storage. Great opportunity to own a cute home minutes to Vail.

Just listed at $417,500!

Ultimate Vail: The Mountain Scene

While this is an article from the December 2008 issue of SKI Magazine, it still holds true today.

For nearly 50 years, Vail Resort has, quite simply, helped create, shape and define the American ski vacation. Built from the ground up in a quiet Colorado mountain valley by a visionary World War II veteran, the little ski area that could has grown into America’s largest ski resort. Now more than ever, the question remains: What’s the secret to this resort’s enduring success?

First, Vail has been able to channel skiing’s old-world roots—borrowing from the best traditions of European ski culture—and update them to become the quintessential American winter resort. The key to it all might be remarkably straightforward: the ability to change. Vail, perhaps more than any other resort on the continent, is constantly—some would argue chronically—reinventing itself. And in the process, reinventing the sport. From the first skiers floating down the Back Bowls in 1962 to the opening of the posh Arrabelle at Vail Square—a resort within a resort—last season, Vail continues to set the agenda for the winter traveler.

Click here to view the article in full.