HAPPY HOLIDAYS FRIENDS!



The picture-perfect postcard for the holidays is right here in Aspen! There is nothing that quite says Christmas/Hanukkah/New Year’s than the glistening snow beauty with red, green and white lights.


The skiing is surprisingly good this early in the season. Unfortunately, I missed the first two backcountry powder cat trips last week, but my friends loved it. The retail stores look festive, and the restaurants are gearing up for a busy two weeks ahead!

REAL ESTATE UPDATE



I attended a “Think Tank” luncheon hosted by one of Aspen’s top brokers. He also had a money manager speak, a local CPA, and a hard money lender plus a local builder of luxury properties. Here are some highlights:


  1. Aspen is so unique that the wealthy cash buyers will still buy for the “hideout” lifestyle.
  2. Comments from money manager and CPA- Tough decisions are being made with generational families wanting to leave their Aspen property to “the kids." There are too many examples of not being clear in wills and the siblings often wind up in court.
  3. Interest rates will not drop much next year so this could cause more negotiating on price.
  4. The high-priced properties that have not sold this year need to lower their prices if they are real Sellers.

PITKIN COUNTY LOWERS SIZE OF HOMES

ALLOWED TO BE BUILT

Local governmental powers are always trying to regulate the size of building, etc. They approved a 9,250 square foot cap from the current 15,000 sq feet. I am not sure if you can still buy a TDR (transferable development right) to increase that. It is time again to work with a land planner.



The government folk always forget that every time they downzone or add building code stipulations, they exponentially increase the value of existing larger homes. So, we will see in 2024 how that affects prices.

 

The City of Aspen is still a 3-2 vote against opening up demo permits beyond a strict limit of 4-6 per year. Again, they have no concept how this affects whether or not a long-time owner can sell an older home…and how this hurts an older owner. (CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE)

ASPEN JEWISH CENTER

Rabbi Mendel Mintz has worked tirelessly to educate the Aspen Community to come together. (CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE)

Snowmass voted the #1 ski resort by Condé Nast ‘Traveler’ readers


Aspen Mountain and Aspen Highlands nabbing the No. 5 and No. 14 spots, respectively. (CLICK HERE)

17 Amazing Things To Do In Aspen


As one of the top-rated ski towns in the world, there’s no better place for a luxury wintry getaway. Along with skiing, there are plenty of amazing things to do in Aspen in winter. (CLICK HERE)


ASPEN SNOWMASS HOLIDAY EVENTS
ACTIVITIES ABOUND FOR THIS
WONDROUS HOLIDAY SEASON!!!

A Christmas Carol Cabaret Theatre Aspen at the Hotel Jerome | December 19 - 23


Don’t miss the chance to celebrate the season with Theatre Aspen’s Holiday Cabaret. CLICK HERE

A Nat King Cole Christmas at the Wheeler Opera House December 17


An evening of Nat King Cole’s holiday music, with longtime Aspen favorite Allan Harris. 

CLICK HERE

Rio Grande Park - World Snow Polo Championship

December 16-17


One of the world's top snow polo tournaments and the final stop on the World Polo Tour. CLICK HERE

The Little Nell Jazz Nights

Sundays and Thursdays | through March


Wine, dine, and unwind with live jazz music. Partnered with Jazz Aspen Snowmass. CLICK HERE

THE SNOW LODGE WINTER MUSIC SERIES


From your favorite DJ to larger headliners, this season packs the ultimate talent in Aspen at the St. Regis. CLICK HERE

THEATRE ASPEN WINTERTIME TALES


A collection of six classic stories told as you have never heard them before. A delightful way to celebrate the holidays. CLICK HERE

LITTLE NELL POWDER CAT TOURS

KRABLOONIK DOG SLEDDING TOURS

CROSS COUNTRY SKIING

SNOWMASS MTN - ELK CAMP TUBING

HIT THE ICE!

For the ice skating enthusiasts, there’s the outdoor
Silver Circle Rink in town, located near the base of Ajax Mountain. Afterward, head to The Little Nell for a mug of their famous hot chocolate (no powered cocoa and whipped cream from a can here).

We hope this season is full of gratitude and grace!


Wishing you a blessed holiday and a very Happy New Year!

About Lorrie
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