Green Building In Jackson Hole | Alive and Well

I am pleased to report that green building is alive and well in Jackson Hole where it is still most prevalent in the commercial area.  However, this is not unusual because, in the past couple of years, specifications for commercial projects nationwide have often  required that LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification be achieved, particularly if they receive government funding or are a government agency, such as national parks and HUD.   The Lawrence Rockefeller Visitor Center in Grand Teton National Park, The Davey Jackson Elementary School and several public housing projects built locally by Habitat for Humanity and the Jackson Hole Community Housing Trust have achieved LEED certification.  And all these projects involved local architects and builders.

This is good news because, during this long recession, government sponsored or subsidized projects have been some of the few projects available to architects and contractors, who might not have been exposed to the requirements of LEED as soon if there had been more projects available in the private sector.  Secondly, many of these same architects and contractors are the professionals who will design or renovate your Jackson home in the future using LEED standards.

There have also been several private residences in Jackson Hole that have achieved LEED certification or have been constructed according to this standard but did not register for LEED certification.   These two LEED certified homes are different architectural styles that fit within their environment very nicely.  The Hawtin residence fits in beautifully in a sagebrush landscape north of Jackson, while the Carter house fits in among other rustic western style homes in 3 Creek Ranch, which is located just south of Jackson.

Residences built according to LEED but not registered or certified include the home on the west bank in the Willowbrook subdivision (see my article titled “Green home on West Bank of Jackson Hole“).  There have also been very desirable contemporary style condominium and townhouse projects completed in Jackson Hole that meet many LEED standards.  These include Pine Glades, Pearl at Jackson and Hotel Terra.

In a word, the talent and experience is here to design, build and landscape green homes according to sustainable standards, whether it be LEED, Energy Star or other national or regionally recognized programs.

How can I find out which homes in Jackson Hole are LEED certified, or have the green features important to me?  The answer is coming early in 2013.  The Teton Board of Realtors will have  green features in its database for use by our local  realtors to search for you.  So, for example, let’s say you are interested in a home with passive solar features or an HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilator).  Your realtor will be able to provide those listings for your review.

There are also green features/sustainability issues that are unique to Jackson Hole.  They are addressed in the database of green features which your realtor will be able to share with you.  For example, we are blessed with an abundance of wildlife, and we are within the corridor of the second largest migration in the Western hemisphere of a particular species of animal, the pronghorn.  Keeping this corridor open and retaining the landscape as natural as possible are very important considerations and responsibilities as property owners in Jackson Hole.

Therefore, please use your realtor as a resource to learn about these unique sustainability issues and corresponding green features that will help you help us maintain this very special place.  I also encourage you to read some of the other articles in my blog that go into detail on the advantages of the LEED process, its components, and green features and technology in general.  Also check regularly  for my write-ups on homes in Jackson Hole with green features.  There is a lot of misunderstanding out there about the meaning and value of using green products and green building standards.  My goal is to demystify them for you, because the results are well worth it. Log inSign Up to comment!­

Don Alsted

http://jacksonholegreenrealestate.com/

Growing Up In Jackson Hole – It Is All Downhill | Alpine Skiing in Jackson Hole

Having been born and raised in Jackson Hole, it is no surprise that I have an affinity for winter sports. I started skiing when I was two years old. It began with plastic skis that just strapped to my little snow boots on the giant (to a two year old at least) snow banks that the plows left at the end of our drive way. It was a love/hate relationship at first. My parents loved seeing me try to ski and I loved it when I made it to the bottom (mostly tumbled there) but I hated my skis. I thought it was the skis that were the problem and I was too young to realize that the equipment I had made little difference when my skill level was at zero. From then on it was all downhill.

I have many people ask me “how can you learn to ski on a mountain like Jackson?” Probably referring to very steep grade, the multitude of trees and cliffs and the amount of annual snow that falls. I always respond by telling them that there is no better place to learn. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is by far one of the greatest ski destinations in the country and possibly the world. And though it looks menacing, it actually boasts a healthy portion of beginner and intermediate trails.I started my journey up the mountain on the Eagle’s Rest Lift that accesses the shallow slopes of the lower mountain. Once I had mastered the wedge (or pizza) turn, it was time to move onto the Teewinot Lift, which used to be a very slow double chair but has since been upgraded to a high-speed quad lift. Teewinot takes you a little higher on the mountain but not much and is a great place to warm up before heading to the upper mountain. From there it was on to Apres Vous (or AV to those of us without French accents) now a high-speed quad but was once another slow double chair that took 12mins to get to the top. That was as much time as the old Aerial Tram and it only traveled a quarter of the distance. The trails accessed by AV are great for both the intermediate and expert skiers. The terrain varies from long steep pitches to easy slopes all of which are groomed daily. AV now boasts a terrain park and super-pipe for the trick skiers and those brave enough to leave the snow for a brief moment or two. Finally there is the Casper lift, which is about half way up the mountain and iApres Vous (or AV to those of us without French accents),now a high-speed quad but was once another slow double chair that took 12mins to get to the top. That was as much time as the old Aerial Tram and it only traveled a quarter of the distance. The trails accessed by AV are great for both the intermediate and expert skiers. The terrain varies the last of the “intermediate” trails. Casper is quite popular these days probably due to the on-mountain restaurant located at the bottom of the lift. It is a great place for families to relax between runs or to grab a quick lunch on the go. The rest of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is considered to be expert (aka Black Diamond trails) but there are many ways down that don’t require you to have started skiing at two.

Learning to ski in Jackson Hole has given me the ability and confidence to ski anywhere. I have had the great fortune to be able to ski many resorts in the Rocky Mountains and I am looking forward to expanding that list across the world. (Someday) Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is not a large resort per say but the amount of vertical terrain and the variation of that terrain is what makes it world class. If you take the Aerial Tram to the top of the 4,139 ft Rendevous Mountain, you can ski every type of terrain in a single run. You can either start on the wide open faces of the main run or for the more bold and adventurous take the plunge into Corbet’s Couloir, an infamous drop that rewards the brave with some of the best snow on the ski mountain. From there you can traverse to the Cirque, another wide open bowl, or make your way down through the trees to the Thunder quad lift. Then, bypassing the ride back up the mountain, you can hit the mogul fields on Lower Tram Line or head over to the groomers Gros Ventre or Sundance Gully. Many people would have to travel to a few different resorts to have a run like that.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort also appeals to the more extreme skier with its “open gate” policy which basically means that there are no “out of bounds” areas. This means that the backcountry, accessible via the Resort, is always open. However, avalanche danger must still be respected and acknowledged. If the danger is high, it’s probably not a good idea to venture out into the backcountry. In recent years, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has started to pander to the “Freeskier,” those who like to huck big cliffs, send narrow chutes, and do backflips over big jumps. These Freeskiers are right at home at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and the resort has built some custom features for them too. The new Burton Stash Parks are terrain parks built into the existing landscape and include features like log rails, a fake cabin rooftop, and even a hole cut out of tree branches through which you can “thread the needle.”

Though Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers a lot and has something for everyone, it is not all that Jackson Hole has to offer. There are two other ski areas that offer much to the Skiers and Boarders of the world. Snow King Resort in downtown Jackson Hole is a small, yet very steep mountain that is great for a quick few runs during lunch for us working stiffs. It is also the training for the Jackson Hole High School Ski Team and the local Jackson Hole Ski Club. The steep pitches, short lift rides, and night skiing allow young racers plenty of runs to hone their skills and master the gates. The US Ski Team and even a few European teams have come to Jackson Hole to train on Snow King. For many years, when I was a part of the Ski Club, we would look forward to the US Ski Team’s arrival and the chance to ski with world class athletes. We also had the opportunity to see the latest in skiing technology as they would usually commandeer our locker room to house their many pairs of skis. It was a great experience and one I will always remember.

The third local resort is a hidden gem on the west side of the Tetons known as Grand Targhee. It is a relatively small mountain but boasts an average of over 400 inches, annually, of the best snow in the Rockies. Since Grand Targhee is somewhat unknown to the rest of the world, the lines are usually short, the runs are open, and you can sometimes get first tracks on the same run twice in a day. If you live in Jackson, Grand Targhee is a great place for a winter weekend getaway. They have great lodging, though not too much of it, and usually offer great packages throughout the winter months. Many times they will throw in a day of Cat Skiing too. This is one of the unknown treasures of Grand Targhee, Cat Skiing. They have an entire section of the best skiing in the area closed off just for it. Plus, how often do you get to ride a Cat (the grooming machines for those who don’t know).

All in all, Jackson Hole has a lot to offer when it comes to skiing. Not only is it a great ski destination but it is also a great place to grow up in the sport. Whether you are an expert looking for a new thrill or beginner looking for a challenge, Jackson is the place to be.

Fall in Jackson Hole | op Elk Bugling Spots for a Jackson Hole Outing

Have you ever heard an elk bugle? If not, it is worth the small effort to hear one of the most “back to nature” experiences in Jackson Hole.

As the mountain maple and aspen trees put on their colorful fall show, the bull elk in the rocky mountain west are ready to start their migration and mating season.

Male elk bugle in order to attract female elk to their harem (usually 20 to 30 elk cows). Only one adult bull elk travels with and protects the harem so the bugling also serves to keep young male competitors away and to attract only the bravest male elk, who may be ready for their own harem, to a duel.

An elk bugling outing is best at dusk so bring your wool travel blanket, your favorite bottle of wine, evening picnic fare and a bit of patience.

Top Elk Bugling Destinations in Jackson Hole:

Lupine Meadows: Head out of the town of Jackson on US 89 towards Grand Teton Park about 12 miles. Turn left and pass the town of Moose and head through the park gate. Travel about 7 miles and turn left to the Lupine Meadows trailhead just before you hit Jenny Lake.

Moose Wilson Road: This is a fairly untraveled road as RVs and trailers are not allowed. It is beautiful all times of the year. From Jackson head north on Highway 390, Moose-Wilson Road past Teton Village, about 12 miles. Go through the park entrance and continue. The road turns to gravel/dirt. Here, anywhere along the road is appropriate to stop for your evening picnic. If you continue on this road you will end up in Moose, WY (about 6 miles or so) and you can take Highway 89 back to town.

All New, All Blue | Intermediate Run Expansion at Jackson Hole

All New, All Blue – Jackson Hole Mountain Resort introduces an entirely new intermediate experience.

The excitement in Jackson Hole is building with 3 days until opening day at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. This year skiers will be greeted with lots of “new blue” improvements and infrastructure at the ski resort further cementing the commitment of the owners to create an unparalleled mountain vacation for all guests and Jackson Hole residents alike.

The mid mountain of the Jackson Hole ski resort will enhance the intermediate skier experience with a new, high-speed quad chair lift. The new snow cat fleet is larger and the snowmaking has been expanded. The on-mountain Casper Restaurant launches a new menu and a custom taco and Margarita bar. And for the visiting family with younger kids, there is more to explore than ever.

And visitors are noticing all these enhancements. Readers of SKI magazine ranked Jackson Hole Mountain Resort #1 in 3 separate categories including Overall Satisfaction.

Meanwhile, one of the most important real estate and hotel developments at the ski resort, Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole, was awarded #2 in the Top 40 Resorts in the West.

Real Estate In Jackson Hole Seeing its Best Year

With Jackson Hole real estate seeing it’s best year in 2011 since the “great recession”, it seems that this Rocky Mountain destination is poised for a big year on many fronts. Between some of the most scenic beauty in the US, ease of travel in and out, proximity to Grand Teton and Yellowstone and the enviable lifestyle of residents, why wouldn’t you want to discover this rocky mountain gem.

Get to Jackson Hole – Directly from Nine Cities.
Yes it true. You can now fly to Jackson Hole non-stop from New York. Add that to non stop flights from Dallas, LA, Chicago, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Denver and Salt Lake City and Jackson Hole becomes nearly impossible to resist.

Jackson Hole Real Estate Market Hits Pre-Recession Highs!

Jackson Hole Real Estate continues to show clear indications of a recovery in full swing.  Third quarter closings shook off the doldrums of the Great Recession and posted numbers that we haven’t seen since 2006.  These latest closing figures continue the trend for the year with each quarter posting higher numbers in both total sales and total dollars than the quarter before.  Perhaps even more telling is the fact that these numbers are being driven by increases in all sectors of the market and all areas of Jackson Hole except 1.  Single family homescondos, vacant land and commercial properties all saw significant gains in July, August & September.

What’s the Exception? The only area of Jackson Hole that did not see an increase in closings this quarter was south of the town of Jackson.  The decrease was slight. And it could be entirely accounted for by the relative lack of inventory under $1.5 million in Jackson Hole.  That price category makes up the bulk of sales south of Jackson.  In fact, overall inventory of Jackson Hole Real Estate under $1.5 million has dropped 15% since the previous quarter.  It is also interesting to note that the average number of days that properties south of town have been on the market has also dropped.  This would indicate that while there is less inventory currently, that which is available is being sold faster.

Let’s take a look at it by the numbers:

  • 2012 Third Quarter compared to 2011 Third Quarter:
    • Number of Units sold is up 33%.
    • Dollar Volume of sales is up a dramatic 77.6%.
  • 2012 Year To Date compared to 2011 Year to Date:
    • Number of Units sold is up 17%.
    • Dollar Volume of sales is up 31.5%.

The positive news for the market does not end there.  Average monthly sales volume for July, August & September is up 93% as compared to the average monthly volume for the prior 6 months.  In fact, September posted the highest single month of closings since November of 2007.  Finally and perhaps most notably – average price of Jackson Hole real estate continued to increase throughout the quarter.

So what does this all mean?  While it is impossible to predict the future, 3 strong quarters of growth in the Jackson Hole real estate market are certainly strong indicators of a recovery.  Particularly interesting is the fact that this is happening across the board in all sectors and virtually all areas of the market.  Finally, you can not ignore the fact that this is also happening while the average price of real estate is increasing.  This would strongly indicate that the trend of sales being fueled by ever decreasing prices is also over.

Been thinking about purchasing real estate in the Jackson Hole market?  Now could be an excellent time to do so.  As we move into early winter, sales typically fall off which could make your offer more attractive to a seller looking at possibly having to hold their property until next summer.  This also could mean they would be willing to accept a lower offer than they will consider next summer, particularly if 2013 continues this year’s strong growth.  Interested in a specific area or type of property?  Contact us today to get a customized market report highlighting properties of interest to you.

Jackson Hole | Shhh…. only the locals know

The temperatures are cooling to a refreshing climate this fall with warm days that are ideal for outdoor pursuits and nights that are crisp and refreshing – perfect for curling up to a cozy outdoor fireplace.

This time of year, try donning your outdoor gear for a bike tour into one of the most beautiful and scenic places in the United States, Grand Teton National park. Simply hop on the paved pathway that leaves the town of Jackson and heads north offering some of the most astounding Teton views to be had – all without the worry of automobile traffic. The 20-mile long pathway extends all the way from the town of Jackson to scenic Jenny Lake. On your way, stop in at Dornan’s in Moose, WY for a freshly made gourmet sandwich and provisions you may need for your journey.

As the evening time approaches the selection of wonderful restaurants in Jackson and – this time of year, reservations are optional. The fall offers a new menu at the local favorite Sweetwater Restaurant – a Jackson Hole tradition since 1976. Their creative menu uses ingredients such as organically grown produce, local game and meats and sustainable fish. The ambiance of the cozy log cabin or sunny outdoor deck is as inviting as ever with their hand made table linens and “mason jar” iced teas.

For the fishing enthusiast this time of year offers some of the best fly-fishing of the season. Your pursuits just might include a trip to the Snake River, Flat Creek or the Gros Ventre River to practice your cast for cutthroat or brown trout. The local fishing outfitters know that this secret time of year is known only to a few lucky folks who can make this their fall destination.

If you are lucky (and patient) the fall evenings in Jackson Hole offer another unique outdoor experience – elk bugling. Find a spot just outside of town to pull off the road, grab your picnic dinner and listen to the wilderness sounds that are suddenly alive with a true “call of the wild” as male Elk make their presence known to all.

While everyone knows the and loves the summer and winter Jackson Hole lifestyle, with our proximity to 2 national parks and as the home of world renowned Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the fall in Jackson Hole is a true marvel. As the colors of the mountainsides change, and the air has a crisp edge, it just may be the best-kept secret in the rocky mountain west.

Final Days of Fall Arts Festival | Sotheby’s Hosts First Annual Open House

The wrap up of the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival was just as thrilling and beautiful as the beginning. Mark your calendars for next year’s dates – September 5th through 15th, 2013.

Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty hosted it’s first annual open house for the “Gallery Walk”, inviting visitors and locals alike to the jewelry art of Carole Liebzeit, Julie McKnight and Padgett Hoke. We raised a glass in celebration of fall arts in Jackson Hole.

Friday night featured the wildly popular 25th Annual Western Visions: Miniatures and More Show and Sale – the final opportunity to place bids on the beautiful works of art by Susan Goldsmith; Simon Gudgeon; Richard Painter; Anke Schofield/Luis Garcia-Nerey: KOLLABS; and Les Thomas and more. The money raised supports education and programs at the National Museum of Wildlife Art.

Saturday night’s grand finale, the Jackson Hole Art Auction, is a collaboration of the Trailside galleries of both Jackson Hole and Scottsdale. Locals and visitors alike attended the exciting, annual, live auction. With works by contemporary and traditional western artists the array of talent and diversity of works was one of the best in recent years.

Feds Come to Jackson Hole | World Looks to Bernanke Speech

The mountain town of Jackson Hole will get ready to host the Federal Reserve’s annual symposium at Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park. Bernanke’s speech is anticipated for Friday, August 31st., kicking off the Labor Day weekend. The president of the European Central Bank, Mario Draghi will speak on Saturday. Says president of Prestige Economics’ in Austin, Tex. “The US story is one of modest but tepid growth, but the story in Europe is quite uncertain.” as excerpted from Maketwatch.com.

Bar BC Ranch Sales Brisk

Above: View from Ranch 12

As the high end real estate market in Jackson Hole dominates in the second quarter 2012, sales at the Bar BC Ranch continue to be strong.

In Teton County, sales volume of properties over $1.5M doubled and the number of units sold were up 160%. It does appear that “land is back” as sales of Land/Farm and Ranch nearly doubled in the second quarter 2012 vs. the same time period in 2011.

In recent months, 3 more Bar BC parcels have sold leaving only 3 developer parcels left for sale – ranches 12, 9 and 5.

The 38 acre Ranch 12 feels more remote than it actually is, as moose and elk range on the property and mule deer are often seen perched on outcroppings of rock. A yurt has been constructed on the property so one can sit on the deck and enjoy the incredible Teton vistas from a future home.

Ranch 9, at 38.72 acres, has abundant Douglas fir and aspen trees not only affords privacy but also holds a number of surprises in terms of smaller animals and large wintering game. Rocky promontory offers Teton Range, Hansen Peak, and Sleeping Indian views.

Ranch 5, at 36 acres, overlooks a meadow with Sleeping Indian and Jackson Peak views, with wetlands habitat and ponds directly below. Aspen and conifer trees frame the Teton Mountain views. Each ranch has paved roads, central waters, and underground utilities and a private gated entry with secure access.

As a legacy property, the Bar BC ranch is designed to enjoy today, and for generations to come. Thanks to the conservation efforts place by the Hillwood Development team, the Bar BC will remain unchanged by development over the years.

Jackson,Wyoming continues to be the rocky mountain jewel of the West. The beauty, the National Parks, the wildlife and the genuine people that live here are the best p part of the story. The rest of the story may be discovered  through Wyoming’s tax benefits, which are arguably the best in the U.S.

–       No state income tax

–       Dynasty trusts

–       No inheritance or estate tax

–       No gift tax

–       No tax on out-of-state retirement income

–       Low property tax

–       No excise taxes

–       No tax on mineral ownership

–       No intangible taxes

–       No tax on the sale of real estate

Jackson Hole Real Estate Update

Year To Date and 2nd Quarter

2012-dollar volume for Jackson Hole surged ahead of 2011 and 2010 boosted by strong sales in May and June as reported by the Teton Board of MLS. Looking at the 2nd quarter 2012, unit sales jumped 25% and volume was up a robust 36% versus the 2nd quarter of 2011. Average sales prices for the period also increased 8.9% to $1.2 million from $1.1 million.

Buying Real Estate In Jackson Hole

Today more than ever Jackson Hole offers a compelling lifestyle package like no other. Arguably one of the most tax friendly states in the U.S., residents enjoy no state income tax, no state capital gains tax, no state inheritance tax, no state estate tax, no state gift tax and more. Jackson Hole has non-stop airline services from Newark, San Francisco, L.A., Chicago, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Minneapolis, Denver and Salt Lake City and when you step out of the airplane; you are already in a National Park. With our thriving arts and entertainment venues, our protected scenic wildlife corridors and world-renowned recreation including skiing at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, a home in Jackson Hole is the perfect combination of extraordinary natural beauty with very practical financial benefits for owners.

Rates at True Record Lows

Rates on 30-year real estate loans slipped to a record low of 3.56 percent. That’s the lowest rate since Freddie Mac began keeping records. The average 15-year rate also dropped to a historic low of 2.86 percent. The lower rates along with a limited inventory in Jackson Hole this summer make it a very compelling time to consider a property purchase.