Step one: Get started apply for a mortgage

• Most lenders suggest you should spend no more than 28% of your monthly gross (pre-tax) income on your mortgage payment.

Step two: Save for a downpayment set up automatic savings

• You may have to save less than you think. Work with your lender & agent to understand your options.

Step three: Reach your financial goals stick to a planned budget

• Follow these 5 rules: identify goals, record expenses, record earnings, compare & calculate, fix weak spots.

Lifestyle in Summit County

Culture-It’s vacation time! People from all over the world of various backgrounds gather here to relax and play.

Everything you could ever imagine-and more-is awaiting you in our mountain paradise.  Whether you are an outdoor junkie, or an introverted bookworm, we have the vehicles to relaxation and rejuvenation for you!

World class outdoor activities that abound for beginners and experts alike are downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice hockey, fishing, hiking, road biking, mountain biking, golfing, sailing, tennis, running, walking, bird watching or birding, high altitude gardening, ultra races, para-sailing and more. 

More of the indoor or relaxed type? Not to worry! There is a wide variety of shopping, from outlet malls to high-end luxury stores.  Local coffee shops and book stores welcome the avid readers and relaxers. High altitude baking is an art that can take a lifetime to perfect.  Escape rooms are in Frisco and Breckenridge and will challenge you more than you can imagine! How about just relaxing at the lodge with a cup of your favorite hot beverage while people watching?  

Love to eat? We have many local specialty restaurants you cannot find anywhere else. The “chain” restaurants here are what us locals try to avoid--and many tourists will avoid them as well to make their vacation more special. 

Sports team enthusiast? Your game is on at one of the many sports bars, and since we are a 2nd home community, you will find other fans that share the love for your team. 

Women-only activities for golf, shooting, hockey, and more are available and many programs year round for seniors and children will help you feel right at home. 

There is a large 50+ population that uses the Summit County Community & Senior Center as it’s hub for a wide variety of resources, activities, and communities.

Keystone Science School is a popular destination for kids during the summer.  

What about different types of properties?  Summit County, Colorado has the following types of properties for your pleasure;

• Golf Course Communities
• Waterfront
• Ski In/Ski Out
• In or near Ski Village
• On shuttle bus to Ski Area
• Hunting & Fishing Cabins
• Luxury Estates
• Backing to National Forest
• Communities in or near Bird Sanctuaries

Summit County, Colorado is a breathtakingly beautiful destination that offers year-round activities for all types of travelers. From skiing and snowboarding to hiking and mountain biking, Summit County is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Here's a guide to discovering Summit County and making the most of your trip.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Summit County is home to four world-class ski resorts: Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, and Arapahoe Basin. Each resort has its own unique features, but they all offer exceptional skiing and snowboarding experiences. Breckenridge is the largest resort in Summit County, with 34 lifts and over 2,900 acres of skiable terrain. Keystone is known for its night skiing and snowboarding, while Copper Mountain has the highest lift-served terrain in North America. Arapahoe Basin, also known as "A-Basin," is famous for its long ski season, which often extends into June or even July.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

In the summer, Summit County is a paradise for hikers and mountain bikers. There are hundreds of miles of trails that wind through the mountains and valleys, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. One of the most popular hiking trails is the Quandary Peak Trail, which leads to the summit of Quandary Peak, one of Colorado's 14ers (mountains over 14,000 feet in elevation). For mountain bikers, the Colorado Trail is a must-ride. This 486-mile trail runs from Denver to Durango, passing through Summit County along the way.

Fishing and Rafting

Summit County is also a great destination for fishing and rafting enthusiasts. The Blue River, which runs through the county, is home to a variety of trout species, including rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. There are also several lakes in the area, including Dillon Reservoir, which is stocked with rainbow trout. If you're looking for a more adventurous experience, you can go whitewater rafting on the Blue River or the Arkansas River, which is about an hour's drive from Summit County.

Exploring the Towns

Summit County is home to several charming mountain towns, each with its own unique character. Breckenridge is the largest town in the county and has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues. Frisco is a more laid-back town with a beautiful Main Street lined with shops and restaurants. Silverthorne is known for its outlet mall, which features over 70 stores. Keystone is a popular resort town with plenty of activities for families, including a tubing hill and ice skating rink.

In conclusion, Summit County, Colorado is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're skiing down the slopes, hiking through the mountains, or exploring the charming towns, there's something for everyone in this beautiful part of the world. So pack your bags and head to Summit County for an unforgettable adventure!

When moving to, and visiting, the mountains, you must consider all the differences that geography, altitude, and the resort elements bring. We are here to help inform and guide you through the mountain lifestyle. 

The “shady” parts of town

Due to our rugged terrain, tall mountains (think taller than a skyscraper), altitude, and architecture, you would be wise to let your agent know whether you love the sun.  There are many places in the county that have direct sunlight for only 6 hours a day in the winter time.  Southern exposure is something that many people desire for their houses.  They prefer to have a front door and/or driveway that absorbs the most sun, in order to heat and melt the ice and snow more quickly.  

Altitude Sickness

Our lowest elevation in the county is around 7,500 feet, and that is very far north of Silverthorne (aka nowhere near the slopes).  That is more than a mile high above sea level. 

Altitude sickness is no joke.  You can actually die from it.  Take it seriously.  Read this chapter over and over again if you are unsure, or better yet, call your doctor!  A simple Internet search of “Altitude Sickness” will answer a lot of your other questions, just remember to stick to reputable sources. 

Altitude sickness does not always affect those you think that it might.  It does not discriminate, and sometimes “the bigger they are, the harder they fall.” For example, my father has a harder time with it than my mother. 

 Before you visit:

• Limit your intake of alcohol and caffeine 24 hours to one week before arrival. (Seriously, back off the coffee or you will pay!)
• Consult your doctor if you are on anti-depressants, blood pressure, or other medication that may have negative side effects at high altitude.
• Ask your doctor for a prescription for oxygen. Once you arrive, there are many oxygen providers that will bring the machine to your door.
• Ask your doctor for a prescription for Diamox, or generic name Acetazolamide.  This has counter-indications to blood pressure medication, so please be careful and again, consult with your Doctor.
• Consider a night in Denver on your way.  This will give you a little time to acclimate, see how you feel, and then decide whether you can come up to the mountains.
• Pack your CPAP machine if you have one.  These can sometimes fail at altitude, so please plan accordingly, and ask your doctor for a backup plan.

 During your visit:

• Drink more water than usual. When you start to feel badly, drink more water.
• Marijuana is legal here, as is alcohol, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to be able to enjoy as much as at sea level.  Take it slow and easy.
• Keep your caffeine to a minimum as well.  
• Eat well, stay on a regular schedule, and keep snacks nearby in case you start to get hungry.
• Make sure you get plenty of rest-more than usual.  If you have a CPAP machine, use it!
• Take all your walking, hiking, skiing, running, biking, movement SLOWLY!  I have blacked out after bounding up three flights of stairs-after living here for many years!  You will know your limits once you’ve spent a few days here.

 Creature Comforts

When it’s time to plan your ski vacation, here are the best tips and tricks to stay warm and dry, and keep your skin moist and happy!

Water--did you read the part about Altitude Sickness??? Keep a water bottle with you at all times.

Skin & Nose Care--I personally keep the following in all bathrooms, cars, jackets, bags and purses:

Chapstick, Lotion & Oils, and Saline nasal spray

Stick with items that have SPF 30 or more, and be SURE to put on sunscreen every morning!  Even if you’re just going into town for a coffee.  Our sunlight here is very extreme due to our altitude, and people get sunburns and wind burns here all the time.  

Ski Gear

I recommend that each person get long underwear for themselves that is new.  

Then the outer layers, I have suggestions below.

Underwear & Socks:

Long underwear should be a wool or silk mix.  

It should also be light-weight to mid-weight. Better to be warm and have to remove outer layers, than to be cold. I personally wear light-weight because I layer a lot and am very active. The mid-weight is more for slow walks, laying around.

If you get cotton, you will sweat and get cold.  The wool sounds scratchy, but the blends they are making now are actually very comfortable. It will wick away the sweat and keep you warm.

Colors and styles really don't matter because no one but people at home will see these things.  They will need washing after each ski day-as they will have a lot of sweat in them.  This is why I recommend to buy them new, because having second hand of these can be stinky and gross.  So if you are staying a week, buy at least two pairs of the above items.  

Outer Layers:

Vest, Ski Jacket

Gloves/Mittens

Ski Pants (Blue Jeans with starch DO NOT count!)

Goggles

Helmets

Boots (for after skiing)

Tip:

Be careful of “off-brand” goods.  If you stick with larger name brands, you will be okay.  The problem with shopping in warmer climates is that sometimes you will think it is warm enough or made with adequate materials, but when you arrive here the snow and cold rip right through it to your bones! 

It is important to try to imagine the days that are “Arctic” that are near 0 degrees Fahrenheit, and well below freezing.  These can feel colder on the slopes with wind, moisture, etc...Then mix in your athleticism and sweating, and it all gets out of whack.  It is hard to imagine this when you are shopping at home, and it's 80 degrees outside.

Snowboards, Skis, Ski Boots & Snowshoe Rentals:

There are many ski equipment rental choices in the towns. The further you are from the base of the mountain, the less expensive the rental equipment will be. However, if you want something closer to the slopes (in case the skis don't fit/need adjustments/fail) it's wiser to rent at the base of the slopes.  For the kids, many ski schools will offer the skis as part of the package. 

Weather 

Mountain Weather Rules:

1. Wait 5 minutes and the weather will change.
2. Always keep layers of warmth to change every so often. (see Rule 1)

The Four Seasons in the Mountains can happen within one day!  Here are some generalities to help guide you.  Depending on your elevation, in Summit County it happens we go from 8,000 feet up to 13,000 feet at the highest ski peak.  So remember to always have an extra pair of socks, boots, jacket, hat, and gloves--even in the middle of summer.

Winter-October through March. Usually the first snow happens in late October.  Sometimes it can snow in May, even June, sometimes July! But for the most part, a majority of the snow pack will melt by the end of March, possibly April.  Ice fishing, snow shoeing, and skiing are fun this time of year.

Spring-April & May, Otherwise known as “mud season” or “shoulder season” due to the melting of the snow.  April and May can be spring-like, with flowers blooming and baby animals roaming about. Hiking and fishing are getting good, some ski resorts are still open. Lake Dillon Reservoir usually thaws in April or May. Expect many restaurants to be closed for maintenance, and to give employees a break.

Summer-June through August. Flowers, birds, animals, and tourists abound! The lake is open for sailing, paddle boarding, and summer fishing. But no swimming allowed--ever. Lake Dillon is too cold year round, and it’s the Denver Water source. Summer festivals and concerts outdoors are very popular and ample in all areas. Visit any weekend without researching, or plans, and there will be plenty of hiking and festivities awaiting you.

Fall-September & October. A relatively peaceful and quiet time, as most summer activities have come to an end. October brings gorgeous colors of the leaves for color watching. Make plans to have nice scenic drives, and cool hikes with not a lot of people around. Expect many restaurants to be closed for maintenance, and to give employees a break.

Home Maintenance

Maintenance, construction, and architecture of homes in the mountains and in rural areas can be quite different from other areas. Consider that Summit County has some of the harshest conditions due to the altitude, geography, wildlife, and weather.  

For example, did you know that not many homes in the area have, or need, air conditioning? That’s right! With average summer temperatures in the 70s during the day, and 40s to 50s at night, it is a rare day to want to cool off. The basic ceiling fan and shades will suffice in many cases. Should you require a cooling system, we have them, but many times people will opt for a ‘swamp cooler’ or a whole-house fan. These are less expensive, and just as effective for what little time that we need them. 

Another difference that you may notice is in the architecture.  Many homes in the area will have designs that consider Southern exposure to maximize the warmth of the sunshine, slanted metal roofs to facilitate snow melt in the right direction, and basements as living areas or storage.  Mountain moderns, log cabins, A-frames, and farm houses abound in the area, giving Summit County an eclectic and vacation mountain feel. 

So you think you want a pool? You may be better off buying a condo and sharing the expense with fellow homeowners.  Having a pool at your home in the area can be done, but is timely and cost-consuming.  Consider that the ground is frozen for approximately 8 months out of the year.  The heating costs alone would be worth thinking about.  Many people opt instead for hot tubs. Hot tubs are a must-have after a full day on the slopes.  Many vacationers who rent will only rent places with hot tubs.

Fireplaces are a must-have in the area.  Wood-burning or gas? Wood burning fireplaces and stoves can offer a great amount of heat and enjoyment of the ‘mountain feel’. With wood-burning units, it’s necessary to price out buying firewood (many HOAs include this in their dues when you buy a condo). I have had a wood burning stove, and loved it! The heat is profound, and less expensive than running other types of heaters. What I did not like was the constant dirt and ash that it can leave in the house; always making things feel a bit dusty.  If you are a ‘white glove’ kind of person, and want simplicity, I recommend a gas fireplace.  They are just as heat efficient, a little more expensive to run, but a flick of the switch and your fire is heating you up in no time. You can attach many gas stoves and fireplaces to a thermostat so that they automatically kick on when the temperature gets too low for your tastes. 

Consider also that the natural disaster we are in danger of is wildfire. The southern United States has hurricanes, the midwest tornadoes, and here in the west we are at risk of fires due to hot summer sun, low humidity, and pine bark beetle infestation which kills trees and leaves them as dry timber. When buying a home, it is necessary to consider the wildfire mitigation to diminish the risk of wildfire destroying your home.  The more you can do to mitigate your home from fire, the safer you are keeping your family, as well as the firefighters when they respond to an emergency.

Last but not least, precipitation in the form of snow is an daily fact of life-even sometimes in the summer. It is, after all, why people find our area to be so popular. Without the snow, we would not have all of our wonderful ski resorts and other sports!  

But snow can wreak havoc on a house, and maintenance costs.  Primarily, if you have a car, driveway, and/or garage, you will need to budget for snow removal. The county plows the roads, but when you arrive to your dream home, how will you get into the house if there is two feet or more of snow? Which there often is from October to March-sometimes April!  

There are many local companies that will plow for you and offer a seasonal contract. Alternatively, you could purchase your own snow plow vehicle. Just remember-when you’ve arrived from the long journey, the last thing you may want to do is plow to get in.  

Another consideration is the shoveling and preventative salting to avoid slipping on the walkways, stairways, and decking.  Again, this is something you can maintain while you are present, but I highly recommend having someone keep up with it while you are away.  Multiple storms of three feet day after day can stack up quickly, and snow shoveling is something you do not want to get behind on. It is well worth the cost of maintenance. 

The final consideration when owning a home in the mountains is the wildlife.  Bears, moose, elk, deer, rabbits, raccoons, foxes, mice, martins, muskrats, minks, mountain lions, birds, and so much more will try to make your home theirs.  Or perhaps they will eat your garbage in the middle of the night.  Talk with your agent at Mountain Dream Real Estate, or your property manager, about how to manage your home and keep the wildlife safe as well. 

One easy solutions is bear-safe garbage containers.  These will keep out the racoons and other vermin.  Another easy solution is to look for holes where mice can come inside.  Plug up the holes with steel wool.

The most dangerous animal, in my opinion, is the moose.  When walking with your dogs, the moose see the dogs as a natural predator.  Moose are very blind and your dog looks like a wolf to them, so they will charge you and have the capability to hurt you badly and even kill you and your dogs.  The best thing to do is to be situationally aware, and keep your dogs on a leash or in a fenced yard.  The moose are known to wander freely through highly populated areas such as main street Frisco, or River Run in Keystone.  So it’s not just in the woods!Consider buying a house with a fenced-in yard, or getting a fence installed, if you have pets. 

Vehicles

Maintenance, preventative care, and learning to drive in winter conditions is not only essential, it is the law.  The State of Colorado requires vehicles to have adequate snow tires and/or chains on many winter days-from around October to April.  

I highly recommend all wheel drive, or 4-wheel drive.  Even if you are an experienced ice driver from other areas, there are many places I could take you in Breckenridge or Silverthorne for example, that you would get stuck even WITH the assistance of 4 wheel drive or all wheel drive.  Why not spend the extra money to have peace of mind and be safe?

If you are not familiar with how to drive in the snow and mountains-I recommend you take the time to educate yourself.  There are many fatalities in the area due to lack of experience or knowledge behind the wheel.  Consider black ice, severe downgrades, giant hills and mountains, high speeds, blowing snow, whiteout conditions leading to low visibility, and more that could be awaiting your driving experience. 

If you are in doubt as to whether you can handle the severe conditions, there are many local shuttle buses and private cars that will take you back and forth from the airports, and drop you directly at your vacation home door.  Once you are in Summit County, there is a free shuttle bus that runs throughout the whole county, taking you from your home to the ski slopes!

Maintaining an emergency kit is also essential for winter driving.  In my emergency kit, year-round, I carry:

• A shovel
• Warm blanket
• Multiple ways to start fires that can be burned cleanly in the car
• Toilet Paper
• First Aid Kit
• Jumper Cables
• Hand & Feet warmers
• Water
• Gloves, Hats, Boots
• Flashlight

If you become a full time local, we can put you in touch with reputable mechanics in the area who can help you maintain and prepare your car for the harsh winter environment. 

Did you know that Lake Dillon Reservoir is man-made?  The Town of Frisco was already in existence, and all the buildings at the bottom of the lake were moved to the new towns of Dillon and Silverthorne.

Some of us consider the lake to be the heart of the county-with all the towns and ski resorts surrounding the alpine lake.  The lake was built in the 1970s to serve as a reservoir for Denver Water, around the same time as the Eisenhower Tunnel.

Today Lake Dillon Reservoir doubles as a recreation area for boaters, anglers, sailors, and so much more.  But no swimming allowed!  It’s too cold and Denver Water likes to keep their supply clean.  

There are others who consider Breckenridge or Frisco to be at the heart of our county.  Both have history that date back before the mining days of the early 1800s.  The true stories of these towns include all the best of the West--robberies, mining successes and failures, trains, and so much more!  

Keystone was once owned by Purina Ralston, and was also developed in the 1970s.  It was originally being built to suit the Olympics, but alas, they never came to this area.  There are many locals who have lived and worked on the resort since its inception.

There have been many books written about our wonderful local history. Feel free to stop by one of our local museums or bookstores (yes, we still have those) to find out more. 

Most of the ski areas in Summit County are actually National Forest.  The resorts lease the land and water rights from the National Forest Service in order to function.  There are technical skiers who will “skin” up the mountain (with no chair lifts) and ski down; and have every right to do so for free because they are enjoying our National Forests. Go to www.MountainDreamTeam.com to search for real estate with amenities.

Each town and resort has their own rules with regards to Transfer Taxes, Private Resort Transfer Fees, “Owed But Not Due” tap fees, which all come into effect when buying or selling property.

 Transfer Taxes & Private Resort Transfer Fees

The Town of Frisco, and the Town of Breckenridge each have transfer taxes that apply to all real property sales in their jurisdictions. Each are 2% of the Sales Price. 

There are also other communities that have a private transfer fee related to the sales of the properties.  One of these is Keystone Neighborhood Company, which is also 2% of the Sales Price.   

Owed But Not Due

“Owed But Not Due” are fees to the towns that were established many years ago.  In an effort to spur development, towns such as Blue River just North of Breckenridge, allowed builders to build homes, but told them they didn’t need to pay tap fees.  They could be “Owed But Not Due”.  The Towns are now calling some of these due, as they see that real estate prices have increased in value since the inceptions of the towns.  It is up to the Buyer, an experienced real estate agent, and the Title Company, to determine whether a property is part of this loophole.  

As with all contracts, everything is negotiable.  These Transfer Taxes & Fees can be negotiated at the time of the contract to determine whether the Buyer or Seller pay, or if it is split between the two. 

What is “Mud Season” or “Shoulder Season” in the mountains?

Welcome to “Mud Season” or “Shoulder Season” as we call it here in the mountains. At most elevations below about 9,000 feet we are experiencing spring snow melt. So you can probably guess what a muddy mess it can be! 

Most small towns use it as a time to do community wide spring cleanups. As for the resorts, once they close this month, until just after Memorial Day, all hands are on deck! Every maintenance person and housekeeper is working diligently to prepare for another busy summer season. From repairing small items such as carpentry finishes on the walls where skis have knocked on corners, to big items that need water and electricity turned off, we use this time when less people are here to take care of our properties. This is the best time to hire someone to work on your property, just be patient because it’s busy for the contractors right now. 

We also call this “shoulder season” because  the other “shoulder” is in September after Labor Day, and before the reopening of the ski slopes.  The definition of shoulder season varies by destination, but it typically means the period of time between a region's peak season and offseason. This timespan can last months or just weeks. For instance, if a place's peak season is summer and its offseason is winter, then the shoulder season would be spring and fall.

That’s not to say there isn’t a lot of fun to be had outside. In fact some days the weather can be absolutely gorgeous! Just don’t expect for your boots, clothes, or car to stay very clean. For my dog Ruby and I, we love getting a little ‘mud on the tires’ with some high elevation cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and low elevation hiking on forest service roads that can sometimes be dry enough.  It’s fun to hike in the woods at this time of year because there aren’t a lot of people, and the birds are really active. There are a lot of deer and elk eating to their hearts’ delight, and a lot of fun stuff to discover that’s been lost in the snow over winter.

If you're looking to sell your mountain home, you want to make sure you get the best deal possible. But where do you start? With so many real estate agents out there, it can be tough to know who to trust. That's where Kristin Walter of Mountain Dream Real Estate comes in. As a seasoned mountain real estate agent, Kristin has the expertise and experience you need to sell your home quickly and efficiently.

Why Choose Kristin Walter of Mountain Dream Real Estate?

At Mountain Dream Real Estate, Kristin and her team have a deep understanding of the mountain real estate market. They know what buyers are looking for and how to position your home to sell for the best price. With years of experience in the industry, Kristin has a proven track record of success. She knows how to negotiate and close deals, so you can be confident that your home will be sold for top dollar.

Steps to Sell Your Mountain Home with Kristin Walter of Mountain Dream Real Estate

Get an accurate home valuation: The first step to selling your home is to get an accurate valuation. Kristin will use her expertise to assess your home's value, taking into account its location, size, condition, and other factors.

Prepare your home for sale: Once you have an accurate valuation, it's time to prepare your home for sale. This might include decluttering, deep cleaning, and making repairs or upgrades to improve your home's appearance and appeal.

Price your home right: Pricing your home correctly is crucial for a quick and successful sale. Kristin will use her market knowledge to help you determine the right price for your home, taking into account its location, size, condition, and other factors.

Market your home effectively: Kristin will use a combination of traditional and digital marketing techniques to market your home effectively. This might include listing your home on popular real estate websites, staging open houses, and promoting your home on social media.

Negotiate and close the deal: When you receive an offer on your home, Kristin will use her negotiating skills to help you get the best deal possible. She will work with you every step of the way to ensure that the closing process is smooth and stress-free.

Why Wait? Contact Kristin Walter of Mountain Dream Real Estate Today!

If you're looking to sell your mountain home, there's no better time than now to get started. Contact Kristin Walter of Mountain Dream Real Estate today and discover how she can help you get the best deal for your home. With her expertise and experience in the mountain real estate market, you can be confident that your home will be sold quickly and efficiently.

For skiing enthusiasts, having access to a great ski property is the dream. Fortunately for them, having access to a great ski property can also be a great investment. With some careful consideration, a ski resort real estate investment can be a very lucrative asset that retains, and even increases, its value incredibly well.

There are two very important details to consider when considering this kind of investment. One, of course, is location, and all of the nuances and details that come with that. The other is the purpose of your investment, and how you want your property to be used. What does this look like?

Size and Investment

No property investment is particularly inexpensive so, naturally, anyone looking to invest in a ski resort property should have a good idea of why the investment is being made. One of the extremely valuable parts of a ski property investment is how easily and reliably it can be rented out seasonally. If your main priority is to have a rentable property, then maybe wider accommodation (and a bigger price point) should be on your mind. If your main priority is personal use, though, a cozier space might make more sense.

Fortunately, either of these two options are perfectly marketable. A quick look through Colorado ski resort listings shows that bigger and smaller size lodgings are regularly on the market. The true key to the ideal choice will be careful research into the demographics of resort visitors to know how well the demand in your location matches up with your personal preferences. Speaking of location…

Location, Location, Location

This is the first rule of any property investment, and ski resorts are no different. Location matters a lot! If the property is primarily for your use, then the location should match what you’re looking for. Maybe you’re after a more intimate connection with nature, and so the super populated skiing destinations just aren’t for you. There are plenty of beautiful locations in Colorado that tend to have much less traffic, like Creede & Mineral County. A more personal ski trip location is fine for the market, too. You certainly won’t be the only one looking to avoid the crowds in places like Aspen.

The other location-related detail that really matters is what’s in proximity to the property, year-round. At first thought, a ski resort property just sounds like an opportunity to rent out the lodge during the winters you won’t be there, but that’s only half the story! Certain ski locations double as great hiking trail spots and places for other fun summer activities when the heavy winter snow isn’t around. You most likely aren’t looking to stay year-round at your ski property, so being able to rent the place out while you aren’t there regardless of the season is a clever way to practically duplicate your potential rental income.

Demand for ski lodging is present every year, which helps make sure that these investments stay stable and lucrative through time. With some careful thought and research, though, you can make sure that this becomes the investment of your lifetime. Interested? Reach out to a professional today!

Whether you’re buying or selling a house, it seems natural to want to minimize the cost of the process and get that contract signed as soon as possible. Avoiding unnecessary expenses, like hiring a real estate agent, seems like the obvious answer, then, right? You might want to think again.

While hiring an agent might seem like an extra and unnecessary cost, it can cost both sellers and buyers much more money to take on the market by themselves for a plethora of reasons. The truth is that you can expect much better results when you have a professional by your side. So, what exactly makes having a real estate agent so important?

Knowledge and Experience

It may seem like an obvious point, but real estate agents simply have more market knowledge and experience. How else can you know what an appropriate price looks like? From making sure there’s a fair offer on the table to knowing how and why to negotiate, hiring a real estate agent can save both the buyer and the seller a lot of painful time and research and make sure there isn’t too much money being left on (or off) the table.

More to this point, knowing the local market and the market trends helps real estate agents make educated and sensible offers, taking into account details that the average buyer or seller might be missing. If you’re buying, do you know what tomorrow’s market means for your offer today? If you’re selling, would you know whether or not to take the counteroffer?

Resources

Another great benefit that real estate agents have on their side is access to more resources. Not only will real estate agents have better command and knowledge of resources that are accessible to you, but licensed realtors will also have access to resources that you cannot access, like certain MLS listings. Maybe you’re looking for a nice ski property on the Colorado real estate market and can’t seem to find any reasonable options. Chances are the options you’re looking for are hidden behind a realtor’s license.

Additionally, one of the greatest resources a real estate agent can help you access is their network of professional contacts. Most likely, you’ll need to speak to other professionals during the process, such as mortgage consultants and home inspectors. It can be tough to know who to call without the intuition and network of a real estate agent.

The Devil in the Details

Put the experience and the resources together and, above all else, a professional real estate agent is simply better equipped to handle one thing: the details. If everything goes exactly right, avoiding hiring an agent might save you some money. But every single thing is a lot of things! Anything from a stray deadline to an improper home inspection can end up costing either the buyer or the seller much more money upfront or down the line. With a decision this big, there’s truly no need to gamble that margin.

Another thing that often goes trivialized: being a real estate agent is a whole job—literally. Is there another industry where you’d consider picking up an entire full-time job on top of your existing workload? Even beyond the real estate training and licensing that real estate agents have to offer, they work around the clock to make sure everyone involved is getting the best deal possible. Details included, that’s a whole lot of time and effort that most people simply do not have! Whatever way you cut it, the conclusion should be clear. Whether you’re buying or selling, you need to have a real estate agent. 

Buying a Home

Interested in buying a home? More than likely you have discovered our team through our books, websites, social media, open houses, signs, trusted advisor, friend, relative, or any number of places during your discovery phase. Maybe you have been ‘kicking the tires’ for a few years and still need more information.  You’ve listened to radio shows, podcasts, watched TV shows or online videos, or searched online via large national sites, and more.

You are thinking of discovering, buying, weighing your options, gathering information, and ‘kicking the tires’.  You are researching all that you can, and perhaps talking about it with a few people.  Perhaps you’ve been in the area, driving around or even staying in a unit that is for sale.  You have been ‘window shopping’ on main street, dreaming of the possibilities.  We can answer any questions you have at this time about buying a home, knowing that you may or may not decide to buy. Stay tuned for Step 2 in the Home Buying Process!