Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Renting vs. Buying in Sun Valley, Idaho?

Previously many entry to mid-range buyers were kept out of the local Hailey, Bellevue, and Ketchum housing markets due to pricing and the economics of "rent versus buy" (and limited inventory for sale that was appealing). That is changing as lower housing prices, historically low mortgage interest rates, and compelling inventory have created the opportunity to own for at, or less than renting a comparable dwelling. Bundled with the tax advantages, security of place, and pride of ownership; current Valley housing prices may be the best opportunity to position a new buyer in an equity position for the years to come. The sense our market may have hit bottom in some neighborhoods is balanced with the question of "if so, for how long" and "will interest rates remain low" -  given those variables and decreasing inventory of the better properties, the time to consider buying is right now!


Source realtormag.com Strong Temptations for Home Buying

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Hot Golf Course Properties in Sun Valley!

It is not a surprise to most that we have world class skiing, but some tend to forget about our summer activities, and that Sun Valley also boasts world class golfing! Sun Valley Resort was most recently recognized by Golf Digest as one of the Top 75 resort courses in North America!
With five separate golf courses spanning the valley, there are many choices for living the lifestyle.


If you prefer a smaller course, and close to Ketchum, try Bigwood Golf course for in-town golfing. Bigwood is a challenging, yet friendly 9-hole course, 6904 yards, and sponsors numerous tournaments.

This beautiful home is located in a fantastic neighborhood, off of the Bigwood golf course in Ketchum. The floor plan is very comfortable and well thought out with many custom high-end features. The tall ceilings and windows allow for plenty of natural light and give the home a grand feel. The large master is located on the first floor. For more information on this listing please click here.




The city of Sun Valley holds three courses; Trail Creek, White Clouds and Elkhorn golf courses, with plenty of real estate right on and off the actual courses! Trail Creek, a traditional Alpine course, is 18 holes, 6,968 yards, with a par 72. The White Clouds course boasts 360 degree views of the valley and it's mountain ranges. It is 9 holes, 3605 yards and par 36. The Elkhorn golf course, redesigned in 2005, is 18 holes, 7214 yards, and par 72.


This is an incredible opportunity to own one of the very best lots on the Sun Valley Fairways. The west side of Fairway Road is considered Sun Valley's "Gold Coast" and this property is perhaps the most private and spectacular. It boasts over 400 feet of golf course frontage, is across the street from historic Proctor Mountain and has unimpeded views of Baldy and Trail Creek. The home is a classic Sun Valley home with Cherry Creek Rock fireplaces, beautiful wide plank wood floors and traditional architectural lines. View more photos and information here.


This immaculately maintained Legends home, completely remodeled in 2006, is located at the top of the hill in Elkhorn offering magnificent mountain views and plentiful sun. The three bedrooms on the main floor are complimented by baths with travertine floors and slab marble counters and a large soaking tub in the master. The upper level bedroom has vaulted ceilings, skylights, and private bath. Slab granite kitchen counters are complimented by high end stainless steel appliances and ample counter space. The living room and dining area enjoy vaulted ceilings, a river rock fireplace, "Fine Art" chandeliers and sconces. The expanded deck off the living room is large enough for entertaining but private enough for sunbathing. Ownership comes with membership privileges to the two Elkhorn pools, and multiple tennis courts. Nestled in the mountains and both private and quiet, this is the perfect escape! For more photos and information on this property please click here.


Completely renovated three plus bedroom, three bath condo. Sunny deck overlooking the golf course and mountains. Open and spacious living areas, wine storage, two car attached garage, main floor master, new cabinets, carpet, appliances, plumbing, lighting. In model home condition. For more photos and information on this listing, please click here.





Great location with privacy and sun. Near the Elkhorn pool complex with hot tub, tennis courts, restaurant and future store, but overlooking the golf course and mountains to the east and south provides peace and quiet. Garage included. Enlarged deck and remodeled kitchen. Three bedroom, two bath unit is all on one floor. Large walk-in pantry. For more photos and information on this listing, please click here.




If you prefer the private and set back course, Mid-Valley holds the Valley Club. A unique golf community located in between Ketchum and Hailey.

Five bedroom, five full and one-half bath lodge-style family home at the Village Green. Extra media/recreation room, first floor master suite with stone fireplace, chef's gourmet kitchen, stone and hardwood floors throughout. Enjoy great golf course views over the lake from the large outdoor patio. For more photos and information on this property, please click here.





All of these golf course properties were selected by the agents at Sun Valley Sotheby's International Realty.



Tuesday, June 7, 2011

What to do in Sun Valley in June?

June may be a month of cold snaps, heat waves and rainstorms, but there are still plenty of things to do inside and outside this month whether the weather is cooperating or not.

Starting with this weekend, we have LunaFest: Short Films by, for, about women.

A fundraising film festival dedicated to promoting awareness about women's issues. They are hosted by Girls on the Run at NextStage theatre June 11, with all proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Fund and Girls on the Run. $15 in advance and $20 at the door, 6:30 beer/wine reception; 7:30 showing.

Also this weekend, June 11, is the Adam's Gulch Fun Run and Walk:

Starts at Ketchum Skate Park, Warm Springs Road, heads through Adams Gulch, over Heidleburg Hill and back to skate park covering a distance of approximately 4.2 miles on a road and dirt trail. No advance registration or fee.... yes that's right, FREE! Race starts promptly at 10am!

Another athletic event this weekend, is the Sawtooth Relay.

If you are not already signed up with your team, come cheer on the runners when they go through the finish line! The Sawtooth Relay, about a 62 mile course, is open to running and walking teams and ultra-marathoners. (Six member teams will run or walk about 5 miles twice). The Relay begins at the Stanley Elementary School and finishes at Atkinson Park in Ketchum.

If you prefer music, Friday night at the Sun Valley Brewery is Graham Lindsey.

Montana based Banjo/lyrical master will be playing starting at 8pm. For more information on him and his music visit http://www.myspace.com/grahamlindsey

Galena and the Trails BBQ will also be happenning on Saturday June 11, from 11am - 2pm.

Diners who come to the barbecue are eligible to receive a free entry for a chance to win a 2011/12 Blaine County Recreation District Nordic season pass. Lunch is $15 per person and includes the barbecue and non-alcoholic beverages served by the Galena & the Trails Advisory Council and BCRD board and staff. A no host bar will also be available. For more information please visit: http://www.galenalodge.com

 
And a sneak peek for next week:

June 16-18 is the Sheeptown Fat Tire Rally - "Three days of crazy fun"
Visit http://farca.wordpress.com/ for more information, but man does it look fun!





 

Monday, May 16, 2011

Take a Stroll at the Girl's on the Run 5K in the Wood River Valley!

Rain, snow, sun... hail? You never know exactly what the weather is going to be in the Wood River Valley, but Saturday, May 21, prepare for anything when you join us and many, many others at the "Girls on the Run 5K."  Now don't be scared, there is no required running. Strolling, jogging, walking, skipping, and hopping are all acceptable ways of participating.
As an annual sponsor of the "Girls on the Run 5K", we would love to have you join us in supporting the program here in the Wood River Valley.

"The 10-week after school program for 3rd - 8th grade girls is offered each fall and spring. It involves interactive activities to promote self-esteem and improve emotional and physical health. During the 10-week program, girls are empowered with a greater self-awareness, a sense of achievement and a foundation in team building to help them become strong, contented and self-confident young women."
- http://www.girlsontherunwrv.org/ourprogram.html

Please join us on Saturday May 21, at Heagle Park, to walk, run or strool through the Della View neighborhood in Hailey. An event for the entire family!
There will be inflatable activites for kids, music and games, and healthy living information offered by community organizations!









*All photos courtesy of Girls on the Run