How Will Cryptocurrency Affect the Housing Industry in 2019?

Leading Real Estate Companies of the World EVP of Global Operations Chris Dietz shares insights on how crytocurrency will affect the housing industry in 2019 in this article, from Showhouse, a popular UK outlet for the house building industry. Among his sources, Chris cites a recent research report from LeadingRE member Strutt & Parker, New Horizons: Housing Futures.

A year ago, the sale of the first new homes in exchange for cryptocurrency was reported in the UK press as a gamechanger, and yet little has changed over the last 12 months, writes Chris Dietz, Executive Vice President of Global Operations for Real Estate Companies of the World.

This had the potential as a key moment for the house building industry, with much debate amongst property professionals as to whether this history making sale would irrevocably change the nature of the new homes market.

However, as we draw to the end of 2018, cryptocurrency home sales remain few and far between, and there is little expectation in the industry that this will change in the immediate future. Indeed, in a recent survey of our European members, many of whom have dedicated new homes teams, only a handful stated their belief that cryptocurrency will be a widely accepted method of payment by 2025 and few shared plans to develop as specialists in cryptocurrency. Continue reading article >>

Wellness Spotlight: Top Trends for Home Gyms in 2019

Owing largely to new technologies, the fitness industry has evolved more over the past five years than it has over the previous century. Newcomers like PelotonTonal and MIRROR – which combine equipment with virtual classes and instruction – are driving a shift towards home gyms. And both health devotees and casual users alike are picking up the trend.

This reemergence of the home gym and wellness sanctuaries has steadily curbed demand for traditional club and studio memberships. Why go to the gym when you can get the same quality workout in from the comforts and privacy of your own home?

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In 2019, technology-enriched in-home fitness experiences are the top trend for luxury home gyms, creating endless opportunities for those looking to stay healthy without leaving their house. From on-device embedded screens to casting popular fitness apps on your big screen, streaming your favorite yoga, cycling and other classes into your home can afford users a whole new realm of fitness options.

These advances in technology also make building a home gym less of a chore. One needs only minimal equipment to have an efficient home gym, which, in turn, frees up time and space for other mindful pursuits – like yoga and meditation, which are the second biggest luxury fitness trend this year. In addition to a good workout, more and more individuals want a holistic, spa-like experience built into their home gym.

Advanced lighting and temperature controls make the list as the third luxury home gym trend for 2019. Consumers want special lighting for different times of day, and heating and cooling depending on the activity. Increasingly, wellness-minded homeowners are installing infrared heating systems for yoga or meditation, coupled with the ability to quickly cool the space for fitness and cardio activities.

When you’re building or remodeling your luxury home gym, selecting the right equipment is key. To do so, it’s essential to consider the unique fitness goals for each family member who will use the space. Some equipment can be used in multiple ways, whereas others can box you into more singular uses.

Also, consider how much space you have to work with. Are you building a dedicated room or just looking to add equipment to an office or garage space?

Finally, consider your budget. Home gyms can be set up for a few hundred dollars with small ancillary pieces of equipment that are portable and easy to store. On the other side of the spectrum, luxury wellness sanctuaries can cost significantly more. Whatever your budget and space, a modern and functional luxury home gym is no longer the burden it once was.

If you have questions about designing and building your dream home gym, we are happy to assist with a complementary consultation. We provide health and wellness services through Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates/Christie’s International Real Estate’s Chief Wellness Officer, a service offered exclusively to our clients. Contact us for more information.

Global Economic Insights: The Impact of U.S. Interest Rate Increases in 2018 on Global Housing Markets

In the latest edition of Global Economic Insights, LeadingRE’s Chief Economist Dr. Marci Rossell, Ph.D., addresses how the increased mortgage rate in the U.S. is the single biggest force moving housing markets globally.

The largest factor impacting housing markets globally in 2018 was interest rate increases in the United States. The U.S. Central Bank raised the Fed Funds Target Rate three times over the course of the year and is expected to raise it again in December.

Global investors have three main choices for allocating their portfolio:

1. Bonds

2. Stock Markets

3. Real Estate Markets

After the financial crisis of 2008, the Federal Reserve dropped the Fed Funds Target Rate very low. This rate decrease forced global investors out of bonds and into stocks and real estate, helping those markets recover.

With four interest rate hikes in 2018 totaling 100 basis points, the Fed Funds Target Rate sits above 2%, which is the often the tipping point for portfolio allocations. Global investors are more willing to purchase U.S. bonds instead of investing in stock and real estate markets. In turn, we’ve seen money flow out of stock markets worldwide. As of the end of November, stock markets are down everywhere except in the United States, which also means money has flowed out of real estate investments.

Contact Christy and Garth Gillespie for more information on the real estate market.

Christie’s International Real Estate Luxury Ski Market Report 2019

Christie’s International Real Estate looks at the ways in which classic and emerging ski destinations continue to evolve in order to retain or gain their high-altitude rankings. Presenting what is new and notable at top mountain resorts with insider perspectives from our mountain destination affiliates. Christie’s looks at the lifestyle—après ski yurts serving champagne, private chefs, and the highest altitude fine dining on the planet. The slopes—from Hail Mary drops to groomed gliders—are reviewed, as is each property market. Plus, exclusively on Luxury Definedwe have compiled data from top resort locations about ski run difficulty and how many acres of skiable terrain can be found at each luxury ski destination.

Their finds show lack of inventory is fueling strong seller’s markets:

  • In Sun Valley saw average sale prices rise 7% with active listings down 4%.
  • In Telluride, lack of finished inventory in town sent land sales soaring 70-85% as buyers opted to “build to suit.”
  • Jackson Hole and the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe continue to attract buyers drawn by the most welcoming of tax laws in the U.S.
  • Canada, while popular, remains an international value proposition. Blue Mountain posted 43 sales so far in 2018 over C$1,000,000 with only three exceeding C$3,000,0000.

Given the dual trends of remote workplaces and ski resorts morphing into four-season communities, almost all have reported an uptick in full-time residents especially for parents looking to raise their children with an active outdoor lifestyle.

EXPLORE THE FULL 2019 LUXURY SKI REPORT >>

 

*Article courtesy of Christie’s International Real Estate Luxury Defined blog.

 

Happy Holidays from Christy and Garth Gillespie

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As we reflect on the past year and the year ahead, we are grateful to you, our friends, and neighbors, for helping us shape our business and for making Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates the region’s leading brokerage. We are honored to serve this remarkable community. We would like to express our sincerest appreciation for the trust you have placed in us and best wishes for the holidays. From our family to yours, happy holidays!

Please reach out if we can assist with any real estate needs this holiday season or in the coming year.

Catalog of Fine Properties Winter/Spring Issue 2018-2019

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We are pleased to present the Catalog of Fine Properties and Lifestyle for Winter and Spring, 2018-2019. Inside you will find a collection of the region’s premiere homes and properties, as well as a look at the organizations, people and lifestyles that make Jackson Hole and the surrounding communities unique. View Catalog >>

Whatever your needs, we welcome the opportunity to explore the Teton region’s real estate market with you. Please reach out if you have any area, market or real estate questions.

 

Skating Club of Jackson Hole: Get Your Tickets

Chirsty and Garth Gillespie are proud supporters of Skating Club of Jackson Hole and sponsors of the Holiday Spectacular. The Skating Club of Jackson Hole, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to providing quality instruction for children and adults of all ages, backgrounds, abilities and creeds.

Welcome in the Holidays this season with the Skating Club of Jackson Hole’s ice skating 2018 Holiday Spectacular: “Noisy Village & The Magical Night”. Show includes over 30 skaters who showcase their performances with old time classics and new holiday music, incredible costumes and holiday dazzle that will have the whole family cheering and getting excited for their own magical night! Special performance by Ryan Bradley, U.S. National champion, three-time Collegiate Champion & Two-time Grand Prix Medalist. Hurry, purchase tickets soon! Proceeds from this event support Skating Club of Jackson Hole.

December 16, 2018 | 2:00 and 5:30 performances

PURCHASE TICKETS

Adjusting to Altitude in Jackson Hole

The town of Jackson sits at an elevation of 6,237 feet, just over a mile high. Yep, that’s right, we got Denver by 957 feet! And the top of the tram at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort sits at an elevation of 10,450 feet. Coming from Sea Level or any lower elevation, you may notice that our air here in Jackson is thinner, that means you’ll get less oxygen per breath.

Everyone adjusts to altitude differently, most people can adjust to the altitude in Jackson in 1 to 3 days. It is recommended, especially those traveling from sea level that you acclimate before taking on any outdoor adventures. Symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, nausea, dehydration, lethargy, and dizziness. If you experience these symptoms, consult a local physician.

The best way to prevent altitude sickness is to prepare. Here are 3 things to consider to better prepare you for higher altitudes:

  1. Includes foods full of iron. Your red blood cells use iron the help deliver oxygen to muscles. Include iron-rich foods in preparation for and during your stay in Jackson. Some of our favorites are lentils, spinach, dark leafy greens, sesame seeds, and of course steak. Cooking with Cast-iron is also helpful in boosting your iron levels.
  2. Stay hydrated. At higher altitudes, water evaporates faster from your skin and your lungs. This combined with an increase in both respiration and heart rate can lead to dehydration. The trick is to never go thirsty, some people need to drink twice as much as they do at lower levels of elevation.
  3. Supplement with appropriate. Studies have shown that increased levels of vitamin C have helped to prevent and reduce instances of altitude sickness. Vitamin E, glutathione, and alpha-lipoic acid are common antioxidants also shown to support your body at higher altitudes. Adaptogenic herbs can also help with lung function and oxygen transportation, the most common being ginko biloba and rhodiola

As with any health advice, it is always recommended to consult your physician prior to adding new vitamins or supplements to your diet. Reach out and let us know how we can help, we are more than happy to put you in touch with JHREA’s Wellness Officer.

Article courtesy of and created by Chelsea Kmiec, Chief Wellness Officer at Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates/Christie’s International Real Estate. Kmiec develops and implements health and wellness services exclusively for JHREA team and clients. As clients seek the Jackson Hole lifestyle, many are also seeking to change the way they are living, and we are able to assist in achieving lifestyle and health goals. 

Join Us December 12th

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Global Economic Insights: Global Effects of U.S. Monetary Policy

In the latest edition of Global Economic Insights, LeadingRE’s Chief Economist Dr. Marci Rossell, Ph.D., addresses how U.S. Monetary Policy impacts financial markets worldwide.

The Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve met and once again increased the Federal Funds Target Rate in September 2018. The impact of the most recent rate increase is being felt in financial markets worldwide, but unlike the last time we had a crisis like this in the late-1990s, there is no spillover effect into healthier markets.

After the financial crisis of 2008, the Federal Reserve kept interest rates low for about 10 years. A low interest rate environment in the United States tends to have two effects on emerging markets:

1. Global investors look worldwide for higher returns. Therefore, financial and bond markets do well in peripheral countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Turkey, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa and Russia.

2. Countries outside U.S. borders borrow in dollar denominated bonds.

However, as interest rates in the United States begin to rise, the opposite occurs:

1. Funds flow out of emerging markets.

• Stock markets in the Philippines, Indonesia, Turkey, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa and Russia have not done well yearto-date.

2. Debt borrowed in denominated dollars becomes more expensive to service.

• Interest rates have risen in Argentina.

• Turkey is experiencing a currency crisis.

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Contact Christy and Garth Gillespie for more information on the real estate market.