International

Information of Interest for Our International Guests

Steamboat has certainly drawn a lot of attention and susequent Real Estate purchases from our International Clientele in the past decade. The most obvious fact is Steamboat's affordability compared to our more upscale competing resorts. Couple that with a weak dollar, and a strong Euro (at present) and Steamboat is an economic leader.

Steamboat and the Yampa Valley have nearly every outdoor activity one could want. Most importantly we have protected Lands of every description the size of which dwarfs the size of many countries. Big Game Hunting is a privledge not found in many foregn lands, or if it is available it is only through private clubs and private land. Here in Steamboat and the Yampa Valley there are hundreds of thousands of acres of Public Land available to hunt. A vast amount of Private ground is a massive addition to the total. Either Public of Private one can find any combination of guided, unguided, primative area drop camps. The harvest numbers for all 6 of our Big Game species (Elk, Deer, Pronghorn(Antelope),Moose, Black Bear & Mountain Lion) are impressive indeed. In fact the Yampa Valley and the rest of the NW corner of Colorado boasts the Largest Elk Herd in America, and Canada  estimated to be 250,000 That's 5 Elk for every resident of our corner of the state!

The Yampa River is the soul of our Region. The Yampa providing Agrecultural Water, Domestic Water, Snowmaking water for Mt. Werner, World Class kayaking, duck & geese hunting, and even just floating. And best of all is the fishing. The public waters of the Yampa are the best in the region, thanks to the tireless works of several local non-profit groups.  Steam enhancements, strict flow requirements, catch & release practices and erosion control have made our fishing quite remarkable. Add to this the significant improvements and stocking by upscale in-stream private fisheries and the resulting fly-fishing is spectacular. The Hay production by the Valley's Ranchers is an export business supporting  generations-old ranching traditions. Senior Water Rights coupled with our location at the headwaters of the American West keep our Ranching Heritage alive, strong, and passed down to younger generations.

The crown jewel of our Valley is Steamboat's Mt. Werner ski area.  Known world-wide for it's famous "Champagne Powder" and unsurpassed tree skiing Steamboat  has consistantly finished in the Top 10 in trade magazine surveys the past 30 years running. Named for the late Buddy Werner, America's first Internationally known ski star, Mt. Werner has everthing skiers of all abilities will love. Among our best attributes with the North American snowsport public are Children's Ski School, our Western Hospitality and Charm, and our affordibility. And if you need to take a break from all that Champagne Powder Vail is just 80 minutes south on gorgeous  CO 131 and Aspen another 1 hour west and south.

Steamboat has produced over 75 Olympic Athletes over the years. And our historic Howelsen Hill, a city-owned, Downtown facility, is the cornerstone of that success. There are a very respectable number of Olympic Medals to show for these athlete's hard work and the community support facilitating these dreams. Carl Howelsen was a Norwegien skijumping immigrant who brought his daredevil sport to Steamboat nearly a century ago and thus began the development of the ski area that bears his name. He was famous for his appearances with the Barnum & Bailey Circus and brought much attention to Steamboat.  And this was prior to WWI! Thus Steamboat became Ski Town USA.

So why buy Real Estate in Steamboat and the Yampa Valley?

The US Dollar is somewhat weak against the Euro and other powerful currencies. Our Real Estate is very undervalued at this time.  In fact it has always been undervalued against our competing Resort Towns. Prime Vacant Land and profitable Working Ranches are Real Property that other Resort Towns do not even have. Here in Steamboat one can purchase a 35 acre parcel with 3-4 Bedrooms, 3-4 baths, Garage, only 10 miles from town for $500,000. to $ 800,000. This same piece, if it even exisited in Vail or Aspen, would cost 3-5 times that amount. My wife and I are from those places and know their markets well.  And it gives us great pride to be able to show our International Guests the fabulous advantages Steamboat offers.

So ask around. The name Steamboat is known world-wide as a true Western town with upscale opportunities as well. Where else can you go and see a Cowgirl in spurs at the grocery store and then see Wynton Marsalis on stage at Strings Music Festival just down the street?  Where else can you enjoy Hot Air Ballooning in still & brisk skies then catch truly impressive trout from the Yampa, Elk or a multitude of other waterways...before lunch ? How about Powder Skiing followed by a Horseback Ride with 4th generation homesteading cowboys? Want more strenuous challenges? Ski Town USA is fast becoming Bike Town USA  with trails and competitions for all levels of cyclists.

The U.S. Government's EB5 Visa and what it could mean for you, our Foreign Clients

Once you experience our wonderful corner of the World you may find yourself yearning to relocate or simply invest in Real Property.One avenue to Real Estate ownership and become a legal resident at the same time is a little used legal tool known as a EB5 Visa . This Immigration tool was established by Congress as the Immigration Act 0f 1990. In brief, an EB5 Visa allows the holder Green Card Permanent Residency status in the US. In order to qualify an applicant needs to invest $500,000. into a particular property creating 10 jobs as a result.  The areas where such an investment can be made must be rural in nature and with a statistical high unemployment level. (The same Visa could be granted in areas that do not qualify as rural, etc. but require $1,000,000. investment). The Visa Holder does not need to reside in the property area, nor does the law specify the type of Investment Property used .

A small group of foreign investors, for example, could invest in a working ranch, with perhaps hunting & fishing revenues and special event capabilities, with outstanding prospects for future appreciation. In the meantime the EB5 Visa is the up-front bonus to such an investment.

Of couse we reccommend you consult with a US attorney specializing in Immigration law to understand all the nuances of US law in this respect.  And we must disclose that we are not connected to any entity that provides such a service nor are we marketing specific Properties with the EB5 Visa as something of added value to the properties themselves.

Having visited and worked in dozens of international mountain resorts I can truly say that Steamboat is one-of-a-kind. Steamboat is a real town, with sensible hardworking people dedicated to preserving the gifts of this special, and affordable, slice of the Rocky Mountain Dream. Come see for yourself.  But call ahead and allow Erik & Kathy Steinberg to organize a tour of properties that meet your dreams.  We look forward to your call or email!

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