Interest Rates Drop to 5.03% - HAPPY NEW YEAR!

WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 31, 2008) — The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) today released its Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending December 26, 2008.

The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages decreased to 5.03 percent from 5.04 percent, with points increasing to 1.24 from 1.17 (including the origination fee) for 80 percent loan-to-value (LTV) ratio loans.

Victor Receives a 2 Year, $100,000 Planning Grant

"Victor, Idaho, may seem like a sleepy little town, but the Vermont-based Orton Foundation, recognizing the city’s unique qualities, has chosen Victor as one of four communities nationwide in which to pilot its Community Heart and Soul planning program.

With a $100,000 grant from the Orton Foundation and a matching commitment from the Victor City government, Victor is poised to engage in a planning process over the next two years that seeks to ensure smart, inclusive, community-oriented growth into the future.

The grant will fund a series of planning activities, create two part-time positions with the city, and develop implementable timelines for the vision that emerges from the planning process. The two-year grant, with possibility of an extension, will focus on providing a transportation plan, capital improvement plan, design guidelines for downtown and implementation schedules.

Main Street will receive particular attention as the heart of Victor and the most visible symbol of the city’s identity.As part of the matching contributions required by the foundation, the city will hire a part-time project coordinator and a part-time grant writer for the next two years."

By Rebecca Watters, Teton Valley News, Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Teton Valley History - Pierre's Hole

Teton Valley was originally known as Pierre's Hole. Rich in beaver, it was a favorite stomping ground for British + American fur traders and trappers between 1819-1840.

Pierre's Hole was the scene of the annual rendezvous of mountain men and suppliers - The Great Rocky Mountain Fair - in 1932.

Teton Valley was permanently settled in 1882.

Information courtesy of Teton Scenic Byways.

Winter Construction Status

With the first major winter storm for the 2008/2009 season bearing down on us this weekend, we are fortunate to have completed all of the concrete construction activities for this year.

A relatively mild Fall allowed us to work through mid November and complete our Concrete Footings + Foundation Walls without hindrance from snow.

At this time, we have prepared the entire job site for the winter conditions. We are now busy having sub-contractors bid on the various segments of construction that will occur next year.

With the New Year just around the corner, it's time to reflect on the #1 milestone achieved by the project team in 2008....

#1 Milestone - CONSTRUCTION!

After days, weeks and months of planning, design, entitlements and meetings, meetings, meetings, meetings, there is one single milestone that provides an enormous level of satisfaction to each and every member of the project team - CONSTRUCTION!

That which has been visualized 1,000's of times through sketches, spec. books, elevations and sections is now reality. The Concrete Footings + Foundation Walls shown in this picture and visible to every person that passes by the job site, reveal just how big and majestic this project will be.

Introducing - Nery Ortiz - Architectural Drafter - Dubbe-Moulder Architects

Nery Ortiz received her Architectural Drafting degree in 2001, applying her skills at two design firms before starting her career at Dubbe-Moulder Architects in 2004. Nery’s commitment to detail and consistency has led her to become a valuable member of the team. Her ability to adapt to any assignment and her capacity to work in a team driven environment has led to the success of many projects, including Trail Creek Crossing.

Raised in Teton Valley, Idaho, Nery grew up with the grandeur of the mountains in her backyard. She has participated heavily in both skiing and snowboarding, starting at a very young age. Her love of the outdoors is not confined to snow sports, as she also loves to fish.

Nery was a member of the first Teton High School female soccer team, and hopes that someday the Teton Valley will offer a women’s soccer league to any takers. Her competitive spirit would surely make this type of endeavor a success!