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.

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

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.

Click Here for Summer 2012 Flight Schedule

With new direct flights to Jackson Hole from Houston, San Francisco, Minneapolis and Newark in addition to Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Salt Lake City and Denver, getting here is easy. Today, you can even book a direct flight from Newark on United.com starting December 22nd.

Our airport is one of the only airports located inside a national park making landing here a spectacualar experience with up-close views of the Teton Mountain Range.

The charming Jackson Hole airport is just minutes from the Town of Jackson, Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, allowing for quick access to your vacation home or next adventure.

Opportunities for Wealth Preservation and Planning for Business Entities, Individuals and Trusts Having a Situs in the State of Wyoming

Christopher M. Reimer Long Reimer Winegar Beppler LLP

1. A leading trade publication, Trusts and Estates, noted Wyoming as among the best jurisdictions to locate a trust or limited liability company.
– Daniel G. Worthington & Mark Merric, Which Situs is Best?, TR. & EST., Jan. 1, 2010, updated; Jan, 2012

2. 2nd Lowest Overall Tax Burden.
 – http://www.taxfoundation.org/research/show/27181.html

3. 3rd best in the Tax Foundation’s State Business Tax Climate Index
 – http://www.taxfoundation.org/research/topic/68.html

4. 4th best tax system for small business and entrepreneurship
– Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
http://www.sbecouncil.org/news/display.cfm?ID=4316

The Wyoming Advantage

Low state tax burden
– No individual, corporate, or trust income tax
– No gift tax
– No tax on out-of-state retirement income
– No tax on mineral ownership or intangibles
– Low property tax
– Wyoming Constitution art. 15 § 18 makes future income tax unlikely
Expansion of the Rule Against Perpetuities
Strong asset protection laws
Favorable business entity laws, including innovative LLC statutes
Modern trust laws

The Wyoming LLC Advantage

Wyoming was first state to authorize LLCs in 1978
Remains competitive with new 2010 LLC Act
Privacy: number and names of members and managers, amount and nature of capital contributions, etc.
Flexible operating agreements based on contract law
Sole charging order remedy
See Dale W. Cottam, Thomas N. Long, Scott W. Meier, Timothy O. Beppler & Whitney M. Agopian, The 2010 Wyoming Limited Liability Company Act, 11 WYO. L. REV. 49 (2011).

Advantages of Wyoming Trusts
Modified Uniform Trust Code (W.S § 4-10-101 et seq.)
Near Perpetual Trusts
Non-real property interests held in trusts opting out of Rule Against Perpetuities can last for 1,000 years outside federal transfer tax regime (W.S. § 34-1-139)
Wyoming Constitution prohibits outright repeal of Rule Against Perpetuities (Wyo. Const. art. 1, § 30)
No Tax on Income or Capital Gains
Efficient, responsive, and friendly legislature and courts

Privacy: No mandatory trust registration

The Teton mountain peaks are still snowcapped and the wildflowers are starting to peek out around the Jackson Hole valley.

With summer fast approaching, real estate excitement is in the air. It is no surprise that we have seen an increase in unit volume in homes and condos due to the terrific values for buyers, but we are now also seeing a major increase in land sales. In the first four months of 2012 the number of land sales is more than double what they were for the same period in 2011.

Sales volume of vacant land year-to-date is over 4 times that of 2011 with 7 land sales over $1 million and 4 land sales over $4 million. Today, there are an additional 2 land parcels priced over $4 million scheduled to close this month.

With land moving in both the high-end and entry – level price ranges, the outlook for the building market improves. Teton County reports that in March of 2012 it issued more than three times the number of building permits for new homes during March than the same month last year. ??

Between January and March, county staff issued over twice the number permits for new single-family homes versus the same period 2011. By the end of March, the total value for permitted residential work was roughly $27.3 million.

Today, more than ever, it is critically important to list with the right firm to provide maximize exposure for your listing and to receive expert service throughout the process. The perfect agent, combined with the substantial marketing services we offer, is your best choice in today’s market.

As the brokerage that does more business in real estate than all other brokerages combined, we have the most in-depth understanding of the Jackson Hole Real Estate market.

A few examples:
-We have 9 office locations in the region capturing visitors to Jackson Hole

-We create a tailored marketing program for your property

-SothebysRealty.com receives 3 times more traffic than our closest competitor

-We send your listings to the world through an enormous array of national and international websites including the International Herald Tribune.

-JHSIR.com, our local site, receives more traffic than any other local brokerage site

-We are the largest advertiser with the Jackson Hole News and Guide

-We create packets of lifestyle and neighborhood information for our buyers, not just a flyer.

-We want to work with you

This summer, as we launch our most comprehensive marketing program ever, we invite you to be a part of it. Please contact me to discuss your selling or buyer needs soon as spring is on its way!

Sales transactions reported in the Jackson Hole MLS were up a strong 32% in 2011 versus 2010 and sales volume was ahead as well. Both unit and sales volume for 2011 were well above the lows of 2009, up 69% and 71% respectively.

Sales increases occurred in all areas of the valley, with the most robust results at Teton Village where unit sales increased by 66%.

As one might expect, condominium sales led the growth, up 55% compared to 2010. Single-family home unit sales ?were also up for the year, +24% – a very encouraging trend.

2011 fourth quarter unit sales were up a solid 37% and volume was up 10% bolstering the trend of increases in 8 of the past 9 quarters. December 2011 was a banner month with unit sales up 60% and volume up 72% versus December 2010.

Average selling prices are virtually impossible to track on an “apples to apples” basis but measurable data shows they were down slightly in 2011. This is a reflection of the transfer of distressed properties at the lower end of the market – a segment of the market that is rapidly moved out.

At the same time, 2011 saw a number of very high-end sales not reported in MLS causing a dramatic positive effect on comparison numbers in both volume and average sales prices. There is Increased interest in higher end properties as buyers have determined that asking prices today represent values that make it a good time to purchase a home in Jackson Hole. An active higher end market is a good indicator of an improved overall attitude relative to the local real estate market.

For those entering the real estate market for the first time, prices of condos and single-family homes are a very attractive alternative to rental prices.

Another real estate confidence indicator is an increase in local building permits in 2011. The number of permits was up 18.4% and the value of those permits was 18.8% higher than in 2010 further indicating a renewed interest in construction.

Based on the improvement in home sales nationally, it seems we are in the midst of a transformation of the real estate market. Today’s real estate prices represent excellent values. Combine that with recovered losses in stock market paper for many individuals, the lowest interest rates in history and relatively large real estate inventories providing excellent choices.

Back at home here in Jackson Hole, the number of active listings at the end of 2011 was down versus 2010, another indicator that it is time for buyers to take notice of some excellent opportunities in 2012.

As the oldest and largest brokerage in Jackson Hole, we have an in-depth understanding of the local real estate market, strong community ties and unparalleled real estate experience. Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty perennially leads the way in real estate sales in Teton County. We participated in three times the sales volume and twice the transactions of our closest competitor in 2011.

We are dedicated to delivering exceptional service and have a long history of exceeding the expectations of our discerning buyers. We look forward to working with you.

An Inland Island
Jackson Hole’s incredible uniqueness is articulated when you consider that we are virtually an inland island.
Today 97% of our land is forever preserved in national parks, national forests, Bureau of Land management
acreage of the National Elk Refuge and conservation lands, leaving only a small percentage available for
private ownership.

Jackson Hole is very finite in terms of real estate. The scarcity of remaining available land and limited land
development going into the future, ensures the character and openness of our valley will always remain.

Convenient Air Service
The Jackson Hole Airport is situated at the base of the spectacular Teton mountain range. Located entirely
within Grand Teton National Park, flying into the JH Airport is an awe inspiring welcome into the valley.

Jackson Hole is serviced by direct flights to and from Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Salt Lake City, Atlanta and Los Angeles.

The Arts
Center for the Arts – A 41,000 sq. ft. Arts & Education Pavilion, a 500-seat theatre, Music Center, and theater rehearsal space. The Pavilion offers space for 20 nonprofit organizations creating an atmosphere of collaboration and inspiration.

National Museum of Wildlife Art – The museum is unique among American art museums, distinguished by its mission and location. With collections of nearly 4,000 works of art, the museum strives to enrich and inspire public appreciation of fine art and humanity’s relationship with nature. Situated just outside the town of Jackson, the museum overlooks the 20,000-acre National Elk Refuge and is en route to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks.

Grand Music Festival – Celebrating their 50th year, Grand Teton Music Festival has inspired countless audiences with world-class concerts by the nation’s finest orchestra players. Led by music director, Donald Runnicles, the summer line up includes a stunning festival orchestra each weekend as well as sought after visiting musicians from around the
globe and delightful chamber music.

Art Galleries – There are about 30 to 40 galleries in Jackson featuring the best of Western art and more recently, newer galleries with a broader focus. The definition of art in the town and the surrounding valley of Jackson Hole has expanded with a popular international film festival, dedicated state-of-the art studios, and organizations such as the Art Association.

National Parks and Forest Lands

Grand Teton National Park
On the north end of Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park preserves a spectacular landscape rich with majestic mountains, pristine lakes and extraordinary wildlife. In the winter, the park’s main roadway is plowed and open for winter travel from the town of Jackson to Flagg Ranch near Yellowstone National Park’s south boundary. The Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center in Moose is open year-round, except for December 25th.

Yellowstone National Park
Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America’s first national park. Located ninety miles north of Jackson, it is home to a large variety of wildlife including grizzly bears, wolves, bison, and elk. Preserved within Yellowstone National Park are Old Faithful and a collection of the world’s most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, as well as the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone.

Bridger-Teton National Forest
Easily accessed by Jackson Hole, Bridger-Teton offers more than 3.4 million acres of public land for outdoor recreation enjoyment. With its pristine watersheds, abundant wildlife and immense wildlands, these forest lands comprise a large part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem – the largest intact ecosystem in the lower 48 States. Offering nearly 1.2 million acres of designated Wilderness, over 30,000 miles of road and trails and thousands of miles of unspoiled rivers and streams, the Bridger-Teton offers something for everyone.

Significant Tax Benefits
There are numerous reasons why those who live in Jackson Hole have chosen to have their primary residences here. Some of those reasons are emotional, such as the sheer beauty of the natural surroundings and the overall quality of life. Other reasons are more practical in scope and include Wyoming’s overall tax-climate benefits, when compared to all other states. For years, Bloomberg has rated Wyoming as the most tax-friendly state in the U.S. Here are the 10 top tax benefits offered by Brian Jones, a senior vice president at Bank of Jackson Hole.

1. No state income tax:  With no state tax on personal or corporate income, “you have more disposable income,” Jones says.

2. Dynasty trusts: In Wyoming, you can shield your real estate from federal estate taxes for up to 1,000 years through a dynasty trust. “You can establish a trust in Wyoming for the benefit of your family or other beneficiaries,” Jones says. “You can transfer your real estate into a limited liability company or family partnership and then put that into the ‘dynasty trust,.” As a result, multiple generations can make use of and enjoy the property, without having to pay estate taxes or worse, having to sell the property in order to pay the taxes. A key point to remember: The trust must be administered in Wyoming.

3. No inheritance tax or estate tax: “Wyoming repealed its estate tax as of January 1, 2005,” Jones says.

4. No state gift tax: “Somebody who owns property in Wyoming can ‘gift’ that real estate to their heirs without having to worry about paying a state gift tax,” Jones says.

5. No tax on out-of-state retirement income: “A lot of people in Jackson Hole use Wyoming as a second home,” Jones says. “They have retirement income that comes from other states where they may be a resident. Wyoming doesn’t tax that retirement income that’s earned outside of Wyoming, which is certainly beneficial.”

6. Low property taxes: “Wyoming has very low property taxes compared to other states,” Jones says. “The taxes that you do pay here are based on the assessed value of the property.”

7. No excise taxes:  When you fill up your car’s gas tank or buy groceries in Wyoming, you won’t pay any state tax on your gas or food.

8. No tax on mineral ownership. “A lot of states charge owners a tax on their mineral ownership, but Wyoming does not,” Jones says. “If you own minerals, you won’t pay a tax on it like you would your home.

9. No intangible taxes: Wyoming doesn’t make you pay a tax on financial assets like stocks and bonds.

10. No tax on the sale of real estate.

Wyoming Fiscal Responsibility
While many states are wrestling with how to close widening budget deficits, Wyoming lawmakers are determining where to park the state’s surplus. Wyoming is a leading mineral producing  state and gets significant revenue from natural gas, coal and other minerals. The Wyoming state budget surplus is more than $1 billion.

Recently reported by the Denver Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank, the current condition of Wyoming’s
economic health and prospects for recovery look promising. Here are a few observations:

• After the contraction of 2009, Wyoming has added more than 3,000 jobs through August 2010
• Residential construction in Wyoming one of the leading states in the U.S.
• Population and labor force losses remain minimal
• Retail activity is improving
• Wyoming will well positioned for economic health entering 2011

Protecting The Lands we Love
Jackson Hole Land Trust and Nature Conservancy

With 97 percent of Jackson Hole’s land protected as national parks and forests, it’s easy to assume that elk, mule deer, antelope and other key wildlife species have plenty of room to roam between their winter and summer stomping grounds. But Jackson is part of a much bigger, scientifically important region, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and the tiny 3 percent of land here that is privately owned is part of a network of critical migration corridors through the ecosystem.

The Land Trust and The Nature Conservancy are on a mission to protect enough open space for the Yellowstone region’s wildlife to get where they need to go. Through conservation easements and other land-preservation tools, they are working acre by acre to protect important terrain ensuring our valley maintains it visually spectacular character and remains open for wildlife.

With over 7-feet of snowfall already this yearJackson Hole Mountain Resort is poised for a great ski season; and with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s $5+ million investment for even better ski conditions.

A re-designed kids facility, a new chair lift, more snowmaking and enhanced grooming are just a few of the improvements waiting to greet you at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Teton Village.

Getting to Jackson Hole has never been easier. Nonstop flights from Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago, Salt Lake City, Denver and Atlanta arive daily. Driving from the Airport to Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is easy and close by via the historic Town of Jackson.

The resort was granted the National Ski Area Associations Golden Eagle Award for Environmental Excellence. The award is the highest honor of environmental achievement in the ski industry.