Park City Real Estate Trends

            Efforts to work through the Chapter 11 bankruptcy moved forward last week as it was announced that the Promontory Development will be auctioned off on the 15^th of April, 2009.  Credit Suisse has opted to send the property and operations to auction rather than provide the $70 Million in exit financing mandated by the bankruptcy court.             It is expected that Promontory will emerge from bankruptcy in April and the winner of the auction will be bound to observe key provisions of the Court-approved reorganization plan and sale procedures.  The provisions include the new owner's obligation to honor Promontory's County-approved master plan, the Promontory Club's membership agreements and membership plan and the assumption of all lot purchase agreements with Promontory lot and home owners.  With some luck, this will remove some of the cloud of uncertainty that has been over the development since it was forced into bankruptcy in March of 2008.             The Promontory luxury golf, equestrian and "club" community of second homes covers approx. 7200 acres in the Park City Area with a master plan including 5 golf courses (2 are currently complete), pool, tennis, kids clubhouse, trails, outfitters cabin, ski resort amenities at Deer Valley and Park City Resorts and more (many of which are currently in place). The area includes over 1900 home sites. Of the 700 or so lots that have been sold, nearly 300 have homes completed or homes under construction.              Many of the homes and lots were purchased and constructed during the Park City real estate boom. They have not escaped the current market downturn and the effects of the bankruptcy cloud over the development. There are currently over 100 lots for sale and nearly 90 homes in various states of completion.  Many of the lots are offered at prices near or below their original sales price. There are 26 homes available for under $2 Million (I can recall a time two years ago when there was only one).             If The Promontory development emerges successfully from this bankruptcy and is able to complete its original vision as a four-season, multi-generational luxury community, this may prove to be one of the best times to purchase. See the Promontory golf page of the YouInParkCity.com website for a couple of our favorites.