Abe and Wags On 7 Springs Resort

CEO Eric Mauck spent the good part of a day with us sharing new and future improvements to the resort. Hotel refurbishing, infrastructure upgrades, courting snowboarders, new restaurants, Trillium (new spa), convention space remodeling, expansion of Laurel Summit, employee training, and the list goes on and on! When all is done we believe a 4 star rating is in their future. Visitors have to know that with all of the wonderful improvements come higher prices for goods and services, which means to us that marketing will be expanded into the big cities.  

Slope improvements for this year include widening Wagner and regrading this slope and adding a new slope the Alley. It is located between Lost Boy and the NASTAR starting gate. Wide, moderate in pitch, it ends up at the bottom of North Face and should become a favorite for everyone. Inside is just as impressive!

The Foggy Goggle expansion includes a new bar, tables in place of picnic tables and the entire top floor of the ski lodge.  The ski lodge has new carpet, tables, and upgrades to the slope side cafe. The Main Lodge has a new contemporary restaurant where the coffee shop used to be and the dining room has been remodeled.

The Hotel Lobby has new counters, carpet, furniture, lighting, and a fireplace. Room remodeling continues into the original hotel. If you haven't been at this resort in a year you will see upgrades in every part of the resort.  It is indeed a NEW SEVEN SPRINGS! Keep up with our BLOG for pictures and more details.

Homeowners should be VERY excited that even with the economy there doesn't appear to be any slowing down of these projects. Improvements and additions to the resort only make your property more desirable! In fact a new trend we are seeing at both resorts is, if within a years’ time it doesn't work the way they planned, it's either removed or upgraded!

What sellers and buyers should be keeping a watchful eye on is the association dues collection for your community. We know from our National involvement that this is an area where people will begin to neglect if their personal finances are being squeezed.

Even with properties exceeding 365 days on the market the listing inventory has been holding right around 90. There have been a few that have been withdrawn which is a common practice this time of the year! Sellers get back to enjoying the winter amenities or put their place in a rental program. Total new listings for the year came in at 96, there were 68 in 2007. That's a 31% increase! With Hidden Valley prices still being substantially lower sellers at 7 Springs are going to have to factor in their impact.

Southwind - This community continues to deliver pre-sales and should finish up the build out this year. There were six town homes that transferred over a million dollars. The resale inventory stands at 11 and so far there has been no lottery excitement as for the pre-sales! The average sales price was up from $642,446 in 07 to $679,852 sporting a 5.50% appreciation. To find out which floor plans are selling and what they're getting e-mail ABE@ABEandWAGS.com or give her a call at 412-897-8535!

ATA Telepalooza Sat, January 31, & Feb 1, 2009 @ 8:00AM The Appalachian Telemark Association is proud to bring you the 7th Annual festival.  Two days of free-heel fun, instruction, races, prizes, food and drink.  A one-day pass is $79 and a two-day pass is $99.  ATA members get a $10 discount.  Kids under 16 are free. If you are bored with skiing or boarding this gives you a whole new outlook on the slopes and your skill level!  For more details, visit their website at www.telemarker.org. If you haven't tried telemarking this is a great chance to get some rental gear and try it out with top east coast instructors. The party and swag are worth the price of admission! See you on the slopes!

For more information on Abe and Wags visit www.abeandwags.com