Shop In Utah to Support Local Businesses

Posted September 25, 2020 by Christine Grenney
Filed under Great reasons to buy real estate in Park City, Park City Community, Park City Lifestyle, Uncategorized.

Depending on where you live or the industry in which you work, the pandemic has left its mark in widely varying ways across the globe. For Park City and all across the Wasatch Back, while real estate sales are booming, restaurants and independent retailers have felt the brunt of the crisis to the extent that some long-standing businesses have had to shut their doors for good.

That’s why Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) is dedicating $55-million of monies received from the federal CARES Act to support businesses that can demonstrate a revenue decline due to COVID-19 in ways that support sales by offering discounted products or services.

“Shop In Utah,” officially known as the “COVID-19 Impacted Businesses Grant Program,” was approved during the Utah State Legislature’s special session this past August, and provides grants to businesses who agree to offer a discount, coupon or other offer with an estimated value of at least 50% of the grant amount they’re receiving from the program.

For those of us along the Wasatch Back, there are offers aplenty, ranging from food and lodging, to transportation and family fun. As a long-time Parkite, I encourage you to peruse the list every time you’re planning to leave the house, as support for our local businesses has never been more critical than it is right now!

A few highlights include BOGO (Buy One, Get One) offers at Davanza’s, Hugo Coffee, Love Your Pet Bakery, The Paint Mixer, Zoe’s Day Spa, Puravida on Main and Silver Star Café. You can burn off those COVID-19 pounds at the Beau Collective’s with 50% off memberships for first 100 customers, or engage your brainpower at Escape Room Park City with 50% off all goods and services.

The list of participating businesses also provides a great guide for planning a weekend jaunt to other areas of the state, as there’s a variety of enticing offers to enhance your travels, such as Jeep rentals in Moab, to Lodging in Logan and pottery in St. George.

You can view the full Shop In Utah list of offers by clicking here, but I’ve compiled the following charts by Wasatch Back area to help you find local offers more readily:

Park City

Bartolo’s	Contact the business for more information
Billy Blanco’s	Spend $50; mention this offer; get $25 for a future visit before 12/20/20
Black Diamond Sports Center, LLC	Contact the business for more information
Black Tie Ski Rentals of Park City	20% off bookings
Chimayo	Spend $100; mention this offer; get $50 for a future visit before 12/20/20
Davanza’s	Buy one pizza, get one free of equal or lesser value
dba Davanza’s	Buy one pizza get another pizza of equal or lesser value for free.
DiJore	30% to 80% off select items throughout the store. New specials each month!
Doginhaus	Various discounts
Escape Room Park City	50% off all Escape Room goods and services
Firewood on Main	Contact the business for more information
Flying Ace Productions	Contact the business for more information
Ghidotti’s	Spend $100; mention this offer; get $50 for a future visit before 12/20/20
Grace Clothiers	50% off
Grappa Restaurant & Cafe	Spend $100; mention this offer; get $50 for a future visit before 12/20/20
Handle Park City	20% off food card for frequent customers
Hearth and Hill	$25 gift card, good towards food purchased Sunday-Thursday, with any food purchase of at least $100 any day of the week
Hugo Coffee	Buy one, get one on all coffee; buy one, get one 50% off on all sandwiches
Hyatt Place, Park City	50% off online prices
Love Your Pet Bakery	Buy one get one on luxury pet food
Morgan Lulu Hypnosis	Discounted sessions
Mountain Express Magazine, Park City Best Deals Coupon Book, Heber Valley Guide	25% discount to new advertisers
Newpark Resort	BOGO gift cards
Oasis Massage	Contact the business for more information
Park City Film Series	Contact the business for more information
Park City Lodging	50% off a 5-night stay
Peak 45	50% discount on all Class Packs and private and semi-private lesson; 30% discount on all retail
ProTrans Transportation	50% discount on all retail transportation reservations
Puravida On Main	2 for 1 on all massages and facials, or donate your free massage to a first responder/front line worker (one per customer)
Red Banjo Pizza	50% off a pizza and free delivery in Park City
ReStore	10-50% on merchandise
Right At Home	Match the amount on a newly purchased gift card
Silver Star Cafe	BOGO- call restaurant for details
Snow Country Limousine	Contact the business for more information
Snow Flower Property Mgmt Co	Book a property by December 30, 2020 and receive a $300 lodging credit and a $300 flight credit
Sushi Blue	Spend $50; mention this offer; get $25 for a future visit before 12/20/20
Tarahumara Mexicana	50% off gift cards
The Beau Collective	50% off memberships for first 100 customers
The Burbridge Group	Contact the business for more information
The Mustang LLC	Contact the business for more information
The Paint Mixer	Buy one get one free. 50% off classes
Top Shelf Services	Contact the business for more information
Utah Luxury Tours	25% – 50% off
Utah Olympic Park	50% off activities
Visit Park City	Contact the business for more information
Wahso	Spend $100; mention this offer; get $50 for a future visit before 12/20/20
Wasatch Bagel and Grill	50% off gift cards
We Norwegians North America, INC	50%-70% off retail value
Windy Ridge Cafe	Spend $50; mention this offer; get $25 for a future visit before 12/20/20
Zoe’s Day Spa	Buy one spa package, get one free

Heber City, Midway & Kamas

Gargle Inc	Contact the business for more information
Park City Dry Cleaning & Linen	Contact the business for more information
Avon Theatre, Ideal Theatre	Contact the business for more information
Edgemont Dry Cleaners	Contact the business for more information
OnYourMarketing	50% off digital makeover
Tumble Central	20%-25% off regular class pricing for all new programs and enrollment
Volker’s Bakery	Buy one, get one free loaf of bread
All That Stuff in the Barn	Contact the business for more information
Hoopes Events	Contact the business for more information
Made by Fell	50% off retail (automatically applied at checkout)
Soldier Hollow Grill	50% discount on venue fee for weddings and banquets
Soldier Hollow Nordic Center	50% off activities
Wasatch Hypnotherapy	50% off select Hypnotherapy sessions

Supporting our local businesses is another reason why people Choose Park City! Connect with Christine Grenney at 435-640-4238, or visit her website by clicking here, to learn about the many ways our community is always there to support one another!

Flying out of 2020 with The New SLC

Posted September 25, 2020 by Christine Grenney
Filed under Great reasons to buy real estate in Park City, Park City Community, Park City Lifestyle, Uncategorized.

With so much of our lives put on hold over the past six months, projects and events that stayed on track despite the pandemic are an even greater cause for celebration when they come to fruition!

Photo credit Anelise Bergin – anelisekathryncreative.com/

That was certainly the case with the Sept. 15 opening of the newly-constructed Salt Lake City International Airport terminal, concourse, and garage. Coolly dubbed “The New SLC,” the $4.1-billion investment reflects the importance of creating travel efficiencies for not only Utahns, but also the tourists and second-homeowners who are critical to the economic health of the state.

The Park City Chamber of Commerce | Convention & Visitors Bureau has long-boasted the uniqueness its location being just 35 minutes from airplane seat to chairlift ride, but COVID-19 has created an even greater need for Utah to offer a world-class airport for travelers, as more people are realizing they can work from anywhere, and – for many – their dream “anywhere” is in the mountains. With so many folks moving to the Wasatch Back to leave behind states where the pandemic and recent wildfires are proving to be devastating to local economies and lifestyles, the ability to easily commute between work and the Wasatch Mountains makes Park City an enviable – yet highly-accessible – home base.

So what’s changed? Well, the newly-efficient design was achieved by replacing the previous five concourses with a central terminal and two linear concourses – the North Concourse and the South Concourse – connected by a passenger tunnel. One concourse is now open, with the second slated to open on Oct. 27. Other efficiencies include placing the baggage claim on the same level as the parking garage entrance, and elevated roadways that allow for more streamlined passenger drop-off and pickup, plus more space for Uber and Lyft.

For rental property owners along the Wasatch Back, getting those much-needed room nights back on the books is another reason to welcome visitors in the style they expect when traveling to one of the top year-round destinations on the planet.

I asked Shawn Stinson, a 35-year Parkite who serves as Director of Communications & Media for Visit Salt Lake, to share the significance of such an enormous undertaking:

“Salt Lake, as well as the entire Wasatch Front and Back, has always rated one of the most accessible destinations in North America, and now it’s even more so with the opening of The New SLC,” Shawn explained. “Being the first hub airport built in the 21^st Century, it is the world’s most modern, innovative and efficient airports in operation. Designed to accommodate 26 million passengers with the ability to expand if and when necessary, it represents a huge improvement from the old airport’s capacity and one that will undoubtedly enhance travel to and from Utah’s capital city for visitors and locals alike for decades to come.”

He further noted, “Each aspect of the new—not just remodeled—$4.1 billion airport is designed around travel efficiency, and will no doubt enhance the overall travel experience for those coming for work or play. Simply stated, The New SLC is a game-changer for the region’s travel industry, including our world-class resorts, Utah’s stunning National and State parks, and the ever-important meeting and convention segment of the visitor economy.”

One of the many things people are especially excited about are the dining and shopping options, which go from being merely convenient, to oh-so-critical when flights are delayed. Nancy Volmer, Director of Communications and Marketing for The New SLC explained it further:

“Today’s traveler expects airports to provide a quality selection of restaurants and shops,” she said. “They will find that at The New SLC Airport. The airport went through an extensive selection process to get the right combination of local, regional and national brands. Passengers will be excited with the variety of dynamic shops and restaurants. Plus, street pricing has been implemented for all concessions, which means passengers pay the same price that at off airport locations.”

Iconic local eateries and shops like Granato’s Gourmet Market, Hip & Humble and King’s English Bookshop are joined by national faves such as Shake Shack and Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen. You can view all of the offerings in the new terminal and concourse by clicking here.

With many of us hankering for a long-awaited getaway, a trip through The New SLC is certain to provide the much-needed gateway for those flying to, from and through Utah these days!

With increasingly convenient ways to get here, there are even more reasons why people Choose Park City. Take the first step in making Park City your new home base or getaway location by connecting with Christine Grenney at 435-640-4238, or by visiting her website by clicking here.

Park City Housing Market Update – September 2020

Posted September 3, 2020 by Christine Grenney
Filed under Great reasons to buy real estate in Park City, Home Buying in Park City, Home Selling in Park City, Park City Real Estate Updates.

Brendan Trieb here, Choose Park City’s Director of Business Ops and statistician. I’m not even sure what to say right now, so we are keeping this months market update short and sweet, both in the interest of time, and for the fact that sales are just completely off the charts, and that’s pretty much all you need to know.

Our brokerage’s new pending sales volume is averaging anywhere from 2x to 3.5x higher than the same period last summer. In the week of August 10th 2020, Summit Sotheby’s pended $191,488,657 in volume, which is more than the closed sales of the brokerage for the entire first YEAR that it was open. Sotheby’s isn’t the only one, top performing agents and brokerages in town are continuing to set new records, and then oftentimes surpassing those new benchmarks the following week.

In the last two months, the Park City MLS has seen a list price volume of $1,527,537,678 worth of properties under contract. Yes, you read that right, just over 1.5 BILLION dollars. In the same time period, a list price volume of $954,042,023 in sales has closed. Year over year for the last two months, Park City single family home sales volume has more than doubled, increasing by 126%. The sales price for those same properties is also up, by 33% compared to this time last year.

Condo sales are also no slouch, and if you ask any property manger in town, you will know that the demand for rentals and short term rental eligible properties has been staggering this summer, with no sign of slowing down. Park City condo sales volume year-over-year for the last two months is up by 38%, while the average sale price is up by 19%.

Multiple offers almost seem like the norm these days, and if the property has 3+ bedrooms and is under 1.5 million, it is as good as sold. Now more than ever, communication with other agents to be ahead of the curve with upcoming inventory is extremely important, as there is a large number of sales being completed before the home even makes it to market. Writing clean offers with realistic timelines is key, as is having a reliable network of vendors who can perform in a timely fashion to meet those deadlines.

In conclusion, it’s not easy to be a buyer right now, but you can still purchase property and find value if you’re diligent, well connected, and fully prepared before beginning to shop or write offers. I’m not sure there has ever been a better time to be a seller, as demand is off the charts, and homes are continuing to be sold faster than they are listed. If you’ve thought about selling or downsizing, this could be the perfect moment to cash in on your investment.

The Taxman Cometh

Posted August 20, 2020 by Christine Grenney
Filed under Home Buying in Park City, Home Selling in Park City, Homeowner Info, Park City Real Estate Updates, Uncategorized.

All along the Wasatch Back, residents and visitors enjoy many public amenities, from top-notch schools, to state-of-the-art recreation facilities and well-maintained roads.

But those amenities come at a cost, and for property owners in Summit and Wasatch counties, a preview of that bill arrives at the end of every summer in the form of their property tax notice.

Compared to states with the highest property taxes, including New Jersey, Illinois and New Hampshire, Utah’s property taxes are relatively low, though they vary depending on whether a property is a primary or secondary residence. That’s when it’s important to pay attention to the notice to ensure your property is categorized properly.

Below, you’ll find two property tax notices from Summit County: One for a primary residence and one for a secondary residence. Secondary residences are taxed at the full assessed value, while primary residences are taxed at 55% of assessed value.

Photo Credit: Summit County Assessor’s Office

There are two situations that allow your property to be categorized as a primary residence: You live in the property year-round, or you have rented your property to a single tenant year-round. Applications for primary residence are due by May 1^st of each year, however, applications received after that date will be processed by your county’s board of equalization as an appeal. Applications received after the primary tax appeal deadline of Nov. 30 will be considered in the next calendar year. The window for appealing your primary residence status following receipt of your tax notice is Aug. 1 – Sept. 15. Visit the Summit County Assessor site by clicking here, or the Wasatch County Assessor site here, to learn more about residency exemptions. Depending on the value of your property, you could save thousands of dollars.

Another way to save money on property taxes is to appeal your assessed value. The assessed value of your property is determined by the assessor’s office based on the prevailing local real estate market conditions. If the local real estate market is strong – as it is in Summit and Wasatch Counties – then the assessed value of homes will increase accordingly.

If you think the amount on your notice is unreasonable, I can work with you to help determine whether the assessed value is fair. According to the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, an estimated 30-60% of properties are over assessed, yet fewer than 5% of homeowners appeal their assessment. To do so, I recommend going through the following steps:

Ensure the Property Description is Accurate

Is the description showing too many bathrooms, or too much square footage? These types of errors can be corrected by a reappraisal of the property, or you could submit architectural drawings to the assessor’s office. If you don’t personally provide the most accurate information possible, the office won’t have the data necessary to make a fully-informed assessment.

Chat with Your Neighbors

Misery loves company, and if your bill seems high, your neighbors are likely having the same thoughts and concerns. If you’re part of a homeowner’s association (HOA), send a note to the HOA officers to see if an emergency meeting prior to the appeal deadline is warranted to help create a united front.

Hire an Appraiser

I have a list of appraisers I can recommend to you – ones I trust to provide an experienced and accurate appraisal. Or, if you’ve recently purchased your property and have a current appraisal that falls well below the county’s version, it’s likely the professional appraisal provided at the time of your transaction will be considered as valid.

Compare With “Like” Properties

I can help provide comparable properties to determine if your assessment is reasonable.

Prepare Your Appeal

You must file your appeal within 45 days of receiving your property tax notice. For Summit County, this can be accomplished by either submitting an electronic Board of Equalization Appeal Form via the county’s online portal, or downloading a PDF version to fill out and send to the Summit County Board of Equalization.

The Wasatch County primary residence exemption form can be found by clicking here.

You must include a copy of your property tax notice, along with any evidence, such as an appraisal, sales comparable to your property or MLS – Multiple Listing Services – data to support your appeal. Contact me if you would like help with this.

Decisions depend on the availability and workload of Board of Equalization Appeal Officers, and could take several weeks. Once a decision is reached, you can expect to receive a “Notice of Determination.” If your appeal is denied, you cannot appeal your final property tax bill when it is received in November.

To contact the Summit County Assessor’s Office, call 435-336-3257, or visit them at the county courthouse in Coalville, at 60 North Main Street. The Assessor can be emailed at [email protected].

For Wasatch County, call 435-654-3221, or visit them at 25 North Main Street in Heber.

If you have any questions or need help finding comparable properties to support your appeal, please reach out to me sooner than later. I’m happy to walk you through the art of how to appeal your property taxes anytime, but keep the deadline in mind!

There are many reasons people Choose Park City beyond continually-increasing home values. Connect with Christine Grenney at 435-640-4238, or visiting her website by clicking here to learn more about the many benefits to living in this amazing area.

Last Minute Weekend Roadtrips

Posted August 20, 2020 by Christine Grenney
Filed under ASKME, Great reasons to buy real estate in Park City, Park City Lifestyle, Uncategorized.

There will be many reasons to remember the Summer of 2020, but for most of us, far-flung family adventures will not be among them.

For those concerned about large crowds – for whatever reason – the opportunity to get out of Dodge was hampered by the prospect of visitors from across the Western U.S. also clamoring to get out of their respective environs to see something new, if only for a few days. During the summer, crowded tourist hotspots had the potential to also become Coronavirus hotspots, but now that school is back in session, it might be time to head out for a few overnights to one of the many drive-able destinations in Utah or the surrounding states.

Leveraging the benefit of living smack dab in the middle of God’s Country, I polled a few moms to see what their go-to destinations would be to help squeeze a few more drops out of our all-too-short summer in the form of quick weekend roadtrips with their kids as we head into fall.

At the top of most lists was Jackson Hole, Wyoming. A 4.5 hour drive from Park City, some might question swapping one ski town for another, that’s why it’s helpful to look at the ways Jackson Hole is different from Park City, and what those differences have to offer families in the fall.

While Snow King Resort – where plenty of Park City ski team kids head to compete each winter – offers a similar alpine slide and coaster experience as Park City Mountain, they distinguish themselves with their Treetop Adventure Full & Flying Squirrel Courses. Described as “Swiss Family Robinson meets the X-Games,” the Treetop Adventure Center invites you to harness up, clip in and safely ride zip lines, cross swinging logs, scramble up nets, shimmy over suspension bridges and ride an aerial skateboard across seven different courses. Kids must be at least seven years old, and will take to the Flying Squirrel Course, while kids and adults ages 10 and older can test their skills on the full Treetop Adventure Course. Private harnessing to start the course with just your group of 10 or more starts at $699. Visit the Snow King Mountain site to see all of the summer fun they offer!

Another “must do” Jackson Hole adventure is whitewater rafting, and while a few outfitters have suspended operations due to COVID-19, Barker-Ewing River Trips is still providing experiences on the Snake River with a promise of hassle-free cancelations. Horseback riding and hot air balloons are also fun ways to experience the area from a difference perspective.

If you’re headed to Jackson Hole with your camper, the Virginian Lodge features an RV resort with 103 sites with full hookups, plus a pool, saloon/restaurant and liquor store. For a more rugged experience, the Curtis Canyon Campground, located right above the National Elk Refuge, offers 12 sites, but does not have hookups – a tradeoff for the spectacular experience of witnessing herds of elk so close by. Prefer a swanky stay? The Amangani resort offers wildlife safaris to Grand Teton or Yellowstone to spot black bears, elk and bald eagles, while the Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole provides a mix of rustic and luxe from one of the top hotel brands.

A close second to Jackson Hole among local moms was Sun Valley, Idaho. Sun Valley is approx. five hours away, and offers an even more chill version of Jackson Hole, with excellent dining options and killer hotel deals extending into September. Bike enthusiasts recommend the 20-plus mile Wood River Trail (known to locals as “the bike path”) connecting Ketchum and Hailey, and Iconoclast Books is a haven for true bibliophiles.

One mom suggested heading up to Dinosaur National Monument, and camping at Red Fleet State Park. She noted it’s a much quieter destination, and could be perfect for families to relax for a few days after gearing up to head back to school. Another mom concurred, noting a meal at Antica Forma in Vernal never disappoints, offering the “best pizza this side of Italy.” And if you have a fourth grader, be sure to register for the Every Kid Outdoors pass, which grants the student and their family free admission to all National Parks, Monuments and Forests for one year.

Closer to home, Bear Lake grew exponentially in popularity this summer, with the azure waters accessed via a relatively short two-hour drive. The lodging options in Bear Lake range from quaint cabins at the Bear Lake/Marina Side KOA, offering easy access for boat owners, to glamping at Conestoga Ranch, featuring luxury tents and covered wagons with cozy beds and high-end linens. Blue Water Beach offers something for everyone with both hotel rooms and RV sites, plus access to a pool and the beach, with on-site boat rentals.

No trip to Bear Lake is complete without sampling its world-famous raspberry shakes at LaBeau’s, but get there before Oct. 17, or you’re out of luck for the season!

Daytrip adventures are also abundant in and around Park City, and one that’s truly popular is floating the Provo River on a tube. High Country Adventure provides heavy-duty tubes, with the typical float time ranging from 90-120 minutes. Shuttle leave on the hour from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., with trips starting at Deer Creek (just past Heber on the way to Sundance Resort), and finishing at their private take-out and parking area near Vivian Park. To make reservations, visit their website by clicking here.

Whether it’s rafting the nearby waterways, or roadtripping to neighboring resort towns, there are many reasons people Choose Park City, and connecting with Christine Grenney at 435-640-4238, or visiting her website by clicking here, can help you on your way to enjoying the Park City lifestyle year-round.

The New Rental Realities

Posted August 4, 2020 by Christine Grenney
Filed under ASKME, Great reasons to buy real estate in Park City, Home Buying in Park City, Homeowner Info, Uncategorized.

The minute “Coronavirus” became a household word, the effect of the pandemic on the local rental market became far-reaching, creating a change some see as extending into next year. Word of nightly rentals transitioning to long term as overnight visitors decide to stay home prompted us to query a few local property management professionals to see what they’re experiencing in terms of how the rental landscape has shifted.

According to Todd Marsh of Property Alliance, his company is “definitely seeing a trend of property owners exploring long term rental options that have in the past been in the VRBO (Vacation Rental by Owner) market or short term (nightly, weekly).” Marsh noted that, because of this, he’s seeing more furnished units hit the long-term market than has typically occurred. He further explained that existing long-term rentals, which would normally attract multiple roommates, are remaining vacant a little longer, until families come along who are able to fill them. Conversely, roommates are seeking smaller studios, one- or two-bedroom units in order to have fewer people under one roof.

Jayme Angell of Summit Sotheby’s International Realty Property Management said they did witness an increase in properties transitioning to long-term rentals back in March and April due to uncertainty as to when vacation rentals would resume, but they are not experiencing an increased volume of this type currently.

However, what they are seeing something that has become a hot topic as of late: An increase in renters who move into Park City to flee other parts of the country. “Single-family homes for rent are a hot commodity,” Angell explained. “We are seeing people relocating to our community from many larger cities. Many are wishing to escape the large city living, enroll their children in school and see how they like the weather in Utah prior to purchasing a home here.”

For Rob Alday of Abode Luxury Rentals, the shift he’s seen is in the area of length of rentals vs. a change in rental type. “What we are seeing is not short-term vacation rentals converting into actual long-term rentals,” he said. Rather, “we are mostly seeing the consumer take longer vacations as they are working remotely and have more flexibility especially if their kids are out of school. So they are still being used as a sort of a vacation type of property, but people are staying for anywhere from three weeks to three months or more.” Echoing Angell’s observation, he added, “It is mostly people from more urban areas that want to get out to the mountains.”

With rentals continuing to be a hot commodity in Park City and the surrounding areas, investment properties are a great way to own a piece of the mountain lifestyle, and many new developments across the Wasatch Back are offering a variety of housing types to choose from.

To learn more about why buyers Choose Park City for investment properties, connect with Christine Grenney at 435-640-4238, or visit her website by clicking here.

What Will School Look Like For Local Students This Fall?

Posted August 2, 2020 by Christine Grenney
Filed under Great reasons to buy real estate in Park City, Home Buying in Park City, Homeowner Info, Park City Community, Park City Lifestyle, Uncategorized.

Sending students back to school this fall while COVID-19 numbers continue to grow in some areas of the country is arguably one of the most contested topics across the U.S. right now. Though there is still concern from some parents and teachers about how schools can safely return, local school districts in Summit and Wasatch counties have solid plans in place to ensure kids who want to go back to school in-person are able to do so, and those for whom the prospect is not preferable can continue their instruction online.

With support from the state’s public health order mandating all K-12 students wear masks (with a provision for reasonable exceptions), along with the recently-published statewide COVID-19 School Manual, schools have been able to focus on structuring how their schedules will look without having to worry about entering the politics of the face covering debate. In Summit County, the health department recently reported a significant reduction in new COVID-19 cases, which they attribute to the county’s public face covering order that went into effect on June 26. Wasatch County has also seen a steady decline in cases over the past week, and their school district will be the first to return to school buildings, starting on Monday, August 17.

Wasatch County School District (WCSD) is offering three options for their 7,500 students – in-person full-day instruction, hybrid half-day instruction and online learning through a district-sponsored platform. After surveying parents, WCSD discovered nearly one-third would prefer to have their student attend school half days on-campus with social distancing (15 or fewer students in a class), and then the other half of the day would be at-home instruction. A smaller percentage of parents opted for at-home instruction, so the District contracted with Harmony Educational Services to keep students enrolled as Wasatch students, but also able to complete their studies entirely online. The three WCSD options and their school reopening plan can be viewed here: Wasatch.edu/COVID.

Park City School District (PCSD) will reopen schools and welcome students for in-person instruction on August 20, but they are also offering a remote learning option for all families. Their “Ready to Return Learning Options” also include online hybrid learning resources for illness or absence, which utilize technology as an extension of in-person classroom learning. PCSD’s remote learning option allows student to learn from home using a District-provided device with instruction facilitated by a certified, grade-level teacher following a daily learning schedule. The District is assuring Dual Language Immersion students that, if they select remote learning, they will be allowed to return to their regular DLI classroom once they are again learning in-person. PCSD’s school reopening plan can be found by clicking here.

South Summit School District (SSSD) will reopen their Silver Summit Academy on Tuesday, August 18, with South Summit Elementary, Middle and High School opening on Wednesday, August 19. Their return to school plan includes two schedules – five-day blended learning or online learning. Both options include remote learning, as the five-day blended model features in-person learning for four days, with the fifth day online. The District assures parents that the remote learning option is improved from online learning at the end of the last school year, and that students can change their choice at the end of the first quarter. In addition to these two options, Silver Summit Academy will pilot a hybrid option that features two days in-person, two days remote and one day for personalized intervention. SSSD’s school reopening plan can be found by clicking here.

North Summit School District (NSSD) is planning to open with a typical school day on Wednesday, August 19, but with increased hygiene protocols in place. For students who wish to engage in remote learning, all classrooms will be equipped with cameras for students to watch instruction live at home. More information on the District’s reopening plan can be found here: https://www.nsummit.org/

With so many milestones missed over the past five months, getting students back to school in some fashion remains a priority for many parents in our local communities. The “how” of school might look different from student to student, but the understanding and support our local families will receive from the area school districts is just one more reason so many people Choose Park City for their new home or vacation property. To learn more about the many ways to enjoy all Park City and the surrounding communities have to offer, connect with Christine Grenney at 435-640-4238, or visit her website by clicking here.

Park City Housing Market Update – July 2020

Posted July 6, 2020 by Christine Grenney
Filed under Great reasons to buy real estate in Park City, Home Buying in Park City, Home Selling in Park City, Homeowner Info.

*The famous McPolin “White Barn” draped in the stars and stripes during a previous July 4th holiday in Park City. Photo: Tiffany Fox*

I don’t know where springtime went, but alas July is upon us! Summer time in Park City is in full effect, albeit with some restrictions in place, a few less events, and a bit more social distancing. Town has been noticeably more busy, including a lot of out of state visitors and home shoppers, and the Park City housing market is following suit. After a major slow down a few months ago, the market has been continuing to pick up speed in terms of sales volume, units under contract, and buyer demand.

Despite an increase in new listings as of late, year to date for 2020 as compared to this time in 2019, the total amount of new listings is down about 15%. At the same time, the number of properties that are pending, is actually up about 2% year over year. This is leading to a low supply of available inventory that is compounded by increased buyer demand, low days on market, and multiple offer situations for some price and property segments. It is an excellent time to be a seller, but as a buyer, you may need to be a little more patient than usual to find the right property, and then quick to act with a strong offer when it becomes available.

It is worth noting that compared to national averages, Park City’s housing market numbers are markedly better:

Nationally at the end of June, total available inventory was down by 29% compared to 2019. In Park City, total inventory was down by 12.3%, less than half of the decline seen nationally.
National median list prices are growing by 5.6% compared to 2019, while Park City list prices are growing by 8.9%
Nationally, the average days on market is 13 days more than at this time in 2019. Park City average days on market have actually decreased by 12 days compared to June 2019, as our market continues to heat up.

park city weekly housing market stats — *After a lull in weeks 13-16, new listings are back on pace with 2019, while new pendings (under contract listings) have surpassed 2019 by a sizable margin; courtesy PCBOR*

With the holiday weekend, we’re keeping this market update a bit more brief, and honing in on some specific segments. We’ll take a more in depth look at another portion of the market next month.

Park City Real Estate

Park City Single Family Homes

This month, I’d like to take a moment to focus on a specific portion of the Park City housing market: single family homes between $1.0 and $1.5 million. This price point represents a relatively accessible (for Park City) market segment that is common for full time local residents, as well as those looking to relocate to Park City full time. It includes sought after family neighborhoods like Silver Springs, Jeremy Ranch, Sun Peak, Prospector, Ranch Place and others, and allows buyers to acquire an established home with 4-5 bedrooms and 2500-4000 square feet of living space, common requirements for many families.

Recently, we have been working with multiple buyers to purchase homes matching this criteria, and it has been apparent that there are not a lot of options on the market. As I said earlier, the overall inventory in the Park City housing market has decreased year over year, however this segment of the market has been particularly hard hit. The number of currently active single family listings in the Park City area between $1.0-$1.5 million is down by 25% compared to this time last year. In addition, the average days on market before going under contract has been slashed nearly in half, dropping from 54 DOM in June 2019, to only 28 DOM in June 2020.

While some understandable uncertainty in the socio-economic climate due to Covid and other factors are leading some homeowners to hold off on selling, for others it could be great opportunity. High buyer demand, low inventory, and rising prices bode well for a quick sale at favorable terms for the seller. At the same time, buyers must have their ducks in a row and be prepared to move efficiently and make strong offers, especially with new listings that are priced competitively.

We’re keeping things relatively brief this month (#dataoverload), but please take a minute to review the overall single family home and condo/townhome statistics for the last month.

park city housing market statistics — Single family home sales, all price points, for June 2020 in the Park City area as
compared to May 2020 and June 2019; courtesy PCBOR

Park City Condos and Townhomes

As always, if you have any specific questions on these statistics, or other segments of the market, please call, text, or email me, and we can talk about your specific criteria. Every clients’ needs and every transaction is unique, and so specificity is key when evaluating your own real estate purchase or sale.

Is New Construction for You? These Exciting New Developments in Park City Might Make You Say “Yes!”

Posted July 2, 2020 by Christine Grenney
Filed under Great reasons to buy real estate in Park City, Home Buying in Park City, Homeowner Info, Park City Lifestyle, Park City Real Estate Updates, Uncategorized.

As growth in the Wasatch Back continues to boom, developments in Summit and Wasatch counties are creating opportunities for homeowners who prefer new construction and the opportunity to customize their home, without the steep architect fee.

We’ve compiled a list of standout developments in both existing and new communities, with links to the properties and a few tidbits about the area. Please reach out to me to learn more about the nuances of each development and to schedule a site tour!

SILVER CREEK VILLAGE

The Silver Creek community is located north of where I-80 and Hwy 40 meet, and has long offered large, sagebrush-covered lots compatible with horse riding and elk-viewing. The lower area of Silver Creek continues to be built out, and provides convenient access to both Salt Lake and Heber City, with sweeping views of the Snyderville Basin.

Two new communities from Salt Lake City-based Garbett Homes currently under construction are Skyscape and Eclipse, both with distinct features that set them apart from other developments in the area. Skyscape offers Park City’s first Zero Energy-Ready townhomes, comprised of 26 two- and three-bedroom residences starting at $474,000 for 1,480 square feet, while Eclipse includes 29 three- to six-bedroom single-family homes starting at $612,900 for 2,157 square feet, making it easily one of the best values located within the Park City School District.

CANYONS VILLAGE

Canyons Village is located at the base of Park City Mountain’s “Canyons” side, which is named for the former resort that was combined with Park City Mountain Resort in 2015 to create the largest ski area in the U.S. and is operated by Vail Resorts. The benefits of Canyons Village include proximity to lift-served on-mountain activities and the challenging Canyons Golf public course, easy access to trails and a shorter drive to Salt Lake and the airport.

Buyers looking for a full-service, luxury property will enjoy the soon-to-be-completed Pendry Residences Park City, located adjacent to the Canyons Village and boasting the only rooftop pool and bar in Park City. Offering fully-furnished studios to four-bedroom residences (446 square feet to more than 2,500 square feet, with prices ranging from $675,000 to $2,995,000), the property includes four restaurants and lounges, an activities-based children’s program and a spa. Included among Forbes’ recent “The 30 Most Anticipated Luxury Hotel Openings for 2021” list, a planned high-speed lift will provide immediate access to the mountain, and Park City’s acclaimed ski and snowboard school can assure every level of skier or rider a fun and safe on-mountain experience.

Another new property ready to come online in Canyons Village is the affordable YOTELPAD Park City, offering fully-furnished micro-condos in the low $300,000s. The units range from 402-square-foot studios to a 1,013-square-foot three-bedroom, and boast features designed to maximize their compact spaces, such as SmartBunks that transform into a desk for day use.

Two other newly-constructed Canyons Village properties of note include Juniper Landing townhomes located between the 9^th and 10^th fairways of the Canyons Golf Course with three residences still available ranging from $1,250,000 to $1,950,000, and The Ridge at Canyons Village offering four- and five-bedroom ski-in townhomes with six units still available from $1,935,935 to $2,303,265.

NORTH OF THE JORDANELLE RESERVOIR

As you leave Park City along SR 248 towards the Kamas Valley, you’ll see new developments all along the roadway with price points for every buyer. These developments are mostly located in Wasatch County, as this small finger of Wasatch was cut off from the bulk of the county when the Jordanelle Reservoir was created in 1994, establishing one of the most popular state parks among water sports enthusiasts. With stunning views of the reservoir, especially in the early morning as fog floats along the water’s surface, these communities offer easy access to recreation and dining in Park City at a slightly reduced cost. These properties are not located within Park City or the Park City School District, so students will attend either Wasatch County or South Summit schools – both of which are excellent school districts.

Black Rock Mountain Resort, currently under construction next to the Black Rock Ridge community of condos and townhomes on SR 248 and Brown’s Canyon Road, offers 2- to 4-bedroom luxury condos starting at $455,900 with amenities that include underground parking, and outdoor heated pool, fitness center, full-service restaurant & bar and an Ice Event Center with one outdoor and two indoor ice rinks. The property website refers to it being within Park City, but that is not the case, as it is located in Wasatch County – and important note should prospective buyers have school-aged children.

Deer Waters Resort, located in Hideout, offers three- to four-bedroom properties in its Phase 2, starting at 2,388 square feet overlooking the Jordanelle, while Klaim at Hideout features 88 3- to 5-bedroom contemporary townhomes starting in the $600,000s and sliding glass walls to take advantage of the reservoir views. Also located in Hideout is Shoreline, boasting 360-degree water and mountain views from energy-efficient townhomes starting at $804,750.

MAYFLOWER BASE

Located along Highway 40 on the way to Heber City, and overlooking the west side of the Jordanelle Reservoir, properties at the Mayflower exit (named for the Mayflower Mine, located above this side of the reservoir) offer ease of access to the Jordanelle Resort and Jordanelle Express Gondola for Deer Valley Resort. This is also where the planned Mayflower Mountain Resort will be bringing an additional five chairlifts and up to 1,000 acres of skiing. Existing developments in this area include Stillwater, Star Harbour Estates, and Fox Bay, but a new entry into this burgeoning community is Mayflower Lakeside, offering 3-bedroom condos starting at $580,000 and 1,577 square feet, and 4- to 5-bedroom townhomes starting at $850,000 and 2,494 square feet right on the banks of the Jordanelle. The planned community encompasses 93 acres with more than 65% designated as open space, plus trails, a community pool and clubhouse.

The combination of its rich mining history and unmatched outdoor experiences is one of the reasons people Choose Park City for their new home or vacation property. To learn more about the many ways to enjoy all Park City has to offer, connect with Christine Grenney at 435-640-4238, or visit her website by clicking here.

Settling into Post-Quarantine Life in Park City

Posted June 3, 2020 by Christine Grenney
Filed under Great reasons to buy real estate in Park City, Park City Community, Park City Lifestyle.

Much has been said about the “New Normal” we’re experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ways local eateries, presenters and nonprofits have adapted to this could become a preferred mode of engagement for many over the next few months, particularly for those who are not quite ready to venture out among the masses due to health issues or continued concern for personal safety.

I’ve cultivated a few ways locals can still participate in their favorite pastimes, while also staying within their own coronavirus comfort zone after the Park City quarantine.

Gourmet in PJs

Order this tasty take-home Brunch Box for 2 from Luna’s Kitchen Park City for just $40! (Photo credit: Luna’s Kitchen Park City)

Immediately after Parkites were directed to stay at home, many local restaurants jumped headfirst into curbside pick-up, with more restaurants than ever offering takeaway dinners safely. The opportunity to nosh nightly on everything from lobster rolls to Jamaican beef patties without even leaving your car means you can still get your favorite foods while staying safe and supporting local restaurants and their employees. A list of 35 restaurants serving curbside during and after the Park City quarantine is included on the Park City Chamber/Bureau site here, and includes options for every price range. It’s a perfect time to try a new place, and be sure to tip generously (think of all the money you’ll be saving by serving your own drinks at home).

Fitting in Fitness

As I’ve noted in an earlier blog, my fave sweat sessions happen at the Beau Collective, which has made its popular workouts virtual by offering ten classes (two per week) for just $50! Check out the details here, and toss any excuses not to exercise out the window.

Tackle the Triple Trail Challenge

(Photo credit: Mountain Trails Foundation)

Mountain Trails Foundation has made their Triple Trail Challenge (TTC) virtual this year, with the three events taking place during June, July and August. Covering 78.6 miles total, participants will have one month to complete each course by either running, walking or jogging, creating an event that is truly suitable for all ability levels. June is the Round Valley Rambler, July is the Jupiter Peak Steeplechase and August is the Mid-Mountain Marathon. Upon registration, participants receive a race bib and finishers medals for each stage, with overall event results posted online Sept. 2, 2020. Registration is $290 for new participants and includes a TTC jacket, while returning participants pay $250 and receive an embroidery with the 2020 logo/year to add to their jacket from previous years. Registration fees benefit Mountain Trails’ mission to build, maintain and protect local trails for non-motorized recreation. Click here to register for this year’s event.

Bring Performances Home

Providing arts experiences to a broader audience has long been the goal for presenting organizations, and the COVID-19 pandemic has inspired some area nonprofits to bring entertainment into the comfort of their patrons’ homes.

Park City Institute, presenters of the Eccles Center shows and Big Stars, Bright Nights summer series, is presenting its new “Locals Live” season by streaming concerts online. The performances are held at 7 p.m. on Saturday nights throughout the summer, and feature professional lighting, film and sound crews. The full schedule can be found by clicking here. Contributions from individuals and sponsors will go toward paying the artists, and can be made by visiting the donation page here.

Park City Film Series has scheduled a variety of “Virtual Cinema” screenings, including “Hail Satan?” from June 5 – 21, “The Hottest August” from June 5 – 18, and “One Ocean Film Tour” from June 8 – 10, and “Marona’s Fantastic Tale” from June 12 – 25. Each screening includes an online rental of the film, and some offer the opportunity to participate in a Q&A with the filmmaker on a set date by sending in questions in advance of the event. Park City Film Series receives 50% of each ticket price, so it’s a great way to view new films, while also supporting the series until they’re able to resume operations at the Jim Santy Auditorium. For more information on the Virtual Cinema program, click here.

While everyone is handling Park City quarantine re-entry at their own pace, it’s heartening to know we live in a community where individual approaches to ones own health and wellbeing are respected and supported, and is one of the many reasons people Choose Park City for their new home or vacation property. To learn more about the many ways to enjoy all Park City has to offer, connect with Christine Grenney at 435-640-4238, or visit her website by clicking here.