Market Perspective: The difference of a decade

by Staff Writers

Once a sleepy ranching community in northwestern Wyoming, “Jackson Hole” has grown in popularity in recent years because of its protected scenic vistas, abundant wildlife and recreational outlets, and rustic-yet-refined cultural community.

A lot, however, has happened in a decade. In January, 2008, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was above 12,000. Today, it’s in excess of 24,000.

In 2008, an ounce of gold was $869.75. Today, it’s more than $1,300.

And Bitcoin was… well, let’s not go there.

Real estate inventory in Teton County remains near historic lows, but many segments of the valley market still lag behind the values of a decade ago.

In Teton Village, for example: a 4-bedroom, 4-bath, 2,143-sq.ft. Snowridge Condominium sold in May, 2008 for $1.625MM. In the ensuing decade, the property was remodeled, and sold again in February, 2016 for $1.55MM (95% of its 2008 value). Identical units in the then-new Teton Mountain Lodge and Hotel Terra also sold in 2008 for $1.125MM and $1.35MM, respectively, before selling again in 2017 for $875,000 and $835,000 (or 78% and 62% of their previous values).

In the desirable Berry Patch section of the Aspens, an original one-bedroom condo listed for $435,000 sold in November, 2008. After a decade and a remodel, the same unit sold again in June 2016 for $425,000.

Shifting focus to the town of Jackson, a 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath Love Ridge condominium at Snow King sold in October, 2007 for $1.4MM. Since then the town market has continued to mature, the Snow King hotel has undergone a major renovation, and the surrounding resort is in the midst of a major expansion. In December 2017, the same Love Ridge unit sold for $1.41MM.

Also in the town of Jackson, a fully renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bath Ponderosa Village condo sold in November 2007 for $370,000. The same unit sold in September 2009 for $284,000 (or 77% of its previous high). Today, one unit is currently on the market in the neighborhood for $335,000.

In Rafter J, a remodeled 3-bedroom, 3-bath Cedarwoods townhome sold in July 2008 for $650,000.  In June 2017, the same unit sold after just 43 days on the market for $600,000 (or 92% of its previous high).

While the long-term effects of the new tax bill are yet to be seen, conventional wisdom and year-end activity in the Jackson Hole market suggest residents of high SALT (State And Local Taxes) states will seek refuge in low-tax environments like Wyoming.

All real estate is local. The associates of Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty look forward to helping you navigate our local market and finding your Rocky Mountain refuge.

A Private Equestrian Dream in Jackson Hole

by Emily Figenshau, Associate Broker
with Staff Writers

Tucked into a private enclave outside of Kelly, and surrounded by protected lands, lies a parcel without equal, entwined in the history of Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park.

    The original 40-acre tract of land along Ditch Creek and the foothills of the Gros Ventre range was transferred by John D. Rockefeller, Jr. to Dick Winger as consideration for Winger’s successful efforts as the purchasing agent for the Snake River Land Company. The discrete purchasing of land by Winger and the Snake River Land Company enabled Rockefeller to gift the land to the federal government for stewardship via what would ultimately become the neighboring Grand Teton National Park.

In the ensuing years portions of the original 40-acre tract were sold off by the Winger family, resulting in only six individual residences. The 4.39-acre property at 8995 Ditch Creek Road occupies the highest of the secluded parcels and offers the owner a sportsman’s and nature-lover’s paradise adjacent to the protected lands of Grand Teton National Park and Bridger-Teton National Forest. The home offers outstanding views of Jackson Peak to the south, while a short ten-minute hike to the west yields unmatched views of the entire Teton Range across Antelope Flats.

Unlimited opportunities exist for exploration on horseback with thousands of square miles of protected lands radiating from the borders of the property, and fenced corrals and a barn on site. Year-round access to the forest means that world class hiking, fishing and hunting, biking and snowmobiling are all just moments beyond your doorstep.

The 6,400 square foot home is optimized for entertaining and daily living alike, with features including an oversized gourmet kitchen, outdoor living spaces, yoga room and a custom wine cellar. Four bedrooms and an additional office house family or guests in this ultimate Jackson Hole front country retreat.