JenEngel

Aspen is currently experiencing its first big winter storm, with heavy snowfall of up to 16 inches expected through Thursday evening.  According to the National Weather Service, a winter storm warning will be in effect for the mountains surrounding Aspen until 6pm Thursday.

In anticipation of the storm, the Colorado Department of Transportation temporarily closed Highway 82 over Independence Pass on Tuesday at 3 p.m.  CDOT anticipates reopening the pass after the storm if possible, until it closes for the winter season on November 7th.

Skiers and snowboarders, get ready for a great 2009/2010 season!

As a gesture of goodwill to the community and its constituents, Aspen Valley Hospital decided in its latest meeting to give Pitkin County taxpayers a credit in their 2009 property taxes. Due to the extreme increase in property values that occurred in the 2006-2008 period, the hospital district was slated to collect an additional property tax revenue ($1.2 million more than taxes collected in 2008). The hospital will adjust its levy to receive $3.5 million in property tax revenue, the same amount it received in 2008.

Every two years, counties in Colorado review the local real estate market and assess property values accordingly. In Pitkin County, property values saw a 34 percent increase on average from 2006 to 2008.  Colorado statutes allow districts to use a temporary tax credit to lower their mill levies for one year, then have them return to the prior level the following year. Other taxing districts are expected to take a close look at their mill levies this fall to see if their increased revenue is necessary.

Several board members noted Aspen Valley Hospital has stayed fiscally healthy this year, even allowing for raises for its employees. Unfortunately, Pitkin County residents haven’t done so well-many in the community have lost their jobs or have seen their wages reduced.“It doesn’t seem fair to tax them more while we are doing well,” board member Dr. Barry Mink said. “It’s the prudent thing to do,” agreed board member Chuck Frias.

When buyers purchase a property in Aspen, most hope to 1) enjoy the area, 2) receive rental income and/or 3) sell it for a profit at a later date.   If buyers anticipate performing a 1031 tax-deferred exchange when selling the property at a future date, the usage of the property should be considered. (more…)

1) Communication with Clients–Jen will notify you of any activity that has occured that is of interest to you or relevant to your real estate goals.  Her website is constantly updated with new information about local activity–real estate related and beyond.

2) In-Depth Knowledge of Real Estate Market–Jen makes an effort to see EVERYTHING on the market in Aspen, Snowmass Village, and the Roaring Fork Valley. Even if it’s not listed in the Aspen MLS, Jen will know if it’s available.

3) Very Detail Oriented–In real estate, one checkbox could cost you in time and money, whether you are the seller or buyer.   Jen is thorough in all of her dealings for all of her clients.

4) Experience–Since 2001, Jen has been a part of the Aspen real estate community. During that time, she has sold property ranging from a $22.5 million home in Aspen to a $200,000 lot in Missouri Heights. The sales price does not correlate to Jen’s time or dedication–each and every client is just as important, no matter the size of the deal.

5) Jen Engel is always positive, yet realistic, with her clients and wants to succeed in helping her clients reach their real estate goals.