Consumer confidence in the economy rose to 52.5 in March, up from Februarys 10 month low of 46.4. Consumer spending accounts for 70% of the U.S. economy. Confidence in the economy isn’t expected to make a full recovery until the job market improves. A consumer confidence index of 90 or above is considered a healthy level. Numbers are looking much better than a year ago, with February 2009 seeing a historic low of 25.3, and economists believe this trend will slowly continue. Most are predicting another year or two before we can expect consumer confidence to return to healthy levels.

Lindsey Vonn, Vail’s own gold medalist, now has a ski run on Vail Mountain named after her. The “International” black diamond ski run has been renamed “Lindsey’s. The “International” run has been used in the past for women’s ski races during the World Alpine Ski Championships of 1989 and 1999. This fact made the run a perfect choice for the name change. Since the Olympics, where Lindsey won the gold in downhill and the bronze in the super-G, Lindsey has won the overall World Cup title. This is her 3rd overall title in a row and brings her total World Cup race wins to a very impressive 33. With the season wrapping up, it’s time for Lindsey to get some much deserved rest. Congratulations Lindsey!

The real estate sales for January 2010 totaled $86,864,200. This number is up 72% from the total sales of January 2009. The sales of 19 Westin units in Avon are included in this years numbers, as is the sale of the Cotton Ranch Golf Course in Gypsum. The sales of properties in the $2,000,000 and higher market contributed the most to the total dollar amount, while the sales of properties in the $500,000 and lower market accounted for the highest number of sales. A great start for 2010!

If you are looking for property in a wonderful neighborhood and you don’t need it to be ski-in/ski-out, Cordillera is a great place to keep in mind. Cordillera will get you the most for your money, and the area includes some great amenities and membership options. The golf club’s restaurants have recently been upgraded and the club offers some great events, many of which are not golf related. You can sign up for anything from sleigh rides and hikes, to cooking classes. The club membership options have also restructured. A “premier” membership will not only get you privileges at the Cordillera Golf  Clubs, but also at the Roaring Fork Club in Basalt, CO and the Mayacama Club in Sonoma, Ca.  A new “legacy” membership will gain privileges for the adult children of members. The “legacy” members will also be able to integrate the membership into their estate and leave it to their heirs. Contact Coldwell Banker Timberline today for information on all available Cordillera properties.

Act now to take advantage of the Home Buyer Tax Credit. It has been extended thru April 30th, so time is running out. First time home buyers can receive the $8,000 credit, and qualifying existing home buyers are eligible for a $6,500 credit. The timing is right with prices still at a long time low and the credit still in effect. Don’t wait too long to act, you must close before the deadline to receive the credit. If you are thinking of buying a first home, need more room for a growing family, or are looking to downsize after retirement, the maket couldn’t be in a better place for buyers. Call your local real estate agent today and get them working for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYZge8F2a20

Take a look at the new Coldwell Banker commercial called Security. Also, keep an eye out during the Olympic Games today for the newest commercial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG_2BS-QyV0

http://money.cnn.com/2010/02/04/news/economy/energy_retrofits/

Some simple ways to update your home and help boost the value:

http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/10-cheap-ways-to-boost-your-sales-price-by-spring.html

Check out the new iPad from Apple:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/01/27/tech/main6147151.shtml?tag=stack