Uncertainty mixed with optimism makes for an interesting environment when it comes to making investments, particularly large investments like real estate. But today, these two forces are prominent influences in our Aspen-Snowmass real estate market.

In the first five months of this year, the country has gone from what seemed like a stable growing economy with a record low unemployment rate of 3.5% and a stock market setting new records, to a global pandemic crisis that led to a global economic shutdown and unemployment that lingers in the 13-14% range. Both of which have led to a Fed prediction of a record 53% drop in the country’s GDP in the second quarter and to social unrest in the streets of the nation’s cities not seen since the 1960s. Just when it looked like a period of extreme uncertainty was taking over, the Labor Department reported last Friday an unexpected rebound in U.S. employment with the non-farm payroll jumping by 2.5 million jobs.