Park City Real Estate Trends

               The Park City Board of REALTORS® last week released statistics for the year ending December 31, 2008. The February press release shows that sales in the Park City, Utah area were down by nearly 50% in dollar volume versus 2007.  The sales dollar volume at just over $1 billion was roughly equal to the sales of 2004.             Looking at the sales a little closer and narrowing the scope of the statistics to only include Park City (not outlying areas such as Kamas, Francis, Heber and Midway) and focusing on sales by property type and unit volume, the statistics show that: single family home sales were down by 43%, condominium sales were down 41%, and leading the fall was vacant land sales which fell by 75% in unit volume.             Local REALTORS® are quick to note that median sales prices have only fallen slightly and that Park City and Deer Valley fundamentals remain strong. The president of the Park City Board of REALTORS® was quoted as saying: "People buy homes in Park City because it is based on a lifestyle choice. Our market has never been primarily driven by speculation and investment our product is very diverse and buyers have a wide range of properties that fit their needs and budget. Park City's world class resort facilities and year-round recreation opportunities will continue to make our community an attractive choice for many buyers."             While this may be true, there is no denying that our market is affected by what goes on in the rest of the country and the rest of the world. The Park City and Deer Valley real estate markets have many opportunities and choices for buyers; something that wasn't true while the market was soaring.             Vacant lot sales indicate that home building is down (Park City building department permits concur) and will be for the near term. There are a number of very high-end properties due to open in the near future including the St. Regis Deer Crest Resort, Montage Resort at Deer Valley and Dakota Mountain Lodge which is being serviced by the Waldorf Astoria and includes the Golden Door Spa. The impact of these resorts and the associated real estate sales will be felt in the next two years.             Sales of new construction condominiums played a major part in Deer Valley sales in 2007 with over half of the 180 condominiums that sold being newly built. Sales of condominiums in Upper and Lower Deer Valley combined with Deer Crest and Empire pass were down 67% in 2008, but there were far fewer new condominiums available.             Real Estate numbers nationwide show slow sales and many point to the fact that we still have sales in the Park City area as a good sign. To discuss how these sales numbers affect you and your decision of whether or not to buy or sell realty in the Park City and Deer Valley, Utah area call or email your http://www.youinparkcity.com/ Keller Williams Park City Real Estate agent today.