Top 10 Wildfire Season Preparation Activities:

1.)  Remove dry materials within 5 feet of your home and under decks, porches, sheds, and play structures.

2.)  Remove leaves and needles from roofs and gutters.

3.)  Sweep porches and decks clear of any burnable plant material.

4.)  Move firewood at least 30 feet from your home.

5.)  Transfer items under decks or porches to a storage area.

6.)  Cover exposed eave or attic vents with metal mesh screening.

7.)  Ensure home address signs are clearly visible from the street.

8.)  Visit SCAlert.org to register for emergency notifications.

9.)  Confirm at least one alternate path out of your neighborhood.

10.)  Create an inventory of valuables in your home, including written summaries, photos, and video.

What Is Defensible Space?

A defensible space is a natural and/or landscaped area around a structure that has been maintained and designed to reduce fire danger. 

When it comes to summer adventures, nothing beats the allure of hiking amid the breathtaking alpine beauty of Colorado. If you're craving the perfect blend of majestic mountains, vibrant flowers, and cascading waterfalls, Breckenridge is your ultimate destination. With an average snowfall of over 300 inches annually, the area boasts some of the most spectacular high alpine waterfalls. So lace up your hiking boots and let’s embark on an unforgettable journey through the 5 most beautiful waterfall hikes near Breckenridge!

1. McCullough Gulch Waterfall Trail - Moderate Fun

Nestled just outside Breckenridge off Hoosier Pass, the McCullough Gulch Waterfall Trail is a hiker's paradise. Prepare to be mesmerized by quintessential Colorado vistas featuring rocky peaks, colorful columbine flowers, and perhaps even a glimpse of the elusive mountain goats. To ensure a smooth experience, make reservations for this trailhead from June to September between 5 am and 3 pm. But worry not, outside of these peak times, parking is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Take advantage of convenient shuttles running seven days a week during the summer months, offering pick-up and drop-off at the South Gondola Parking Garage. Are you ready to explore this 3.6-mile trail with an elevation gain of 1,017 feet?

2. Willow Creek Falls - Conquer the Boulder Field

Prepare for a rewarding challenge on the Willow Creek Falls trail. While boasting moderate length and elevation gain, this hike is rated hard due to a boulder field and a steep descent to the creek. The terrain might take longer to navigate, but the adventure is well worth it. Be cautious in wet conditions as the boulder field can become slippery. Embrace the thrill of encountering wildlife along the way, and don't forget your furry companion – dogs are welcome on this trail but should remain leashed.

3. Spruce Creek to Mohawk Lakes and Continental Falls - Conquer the Heights

Located just a short drive south of Breckenridge near Blue River, the Spruce Creek trail leads you to the stunning Mohawk Lakes and Continental Falls. This hike is rated as hard, especially for the steep incline from Lower to Upper Mohawk Lakes. In winter, micro spikes or snowshoes are recommended. As this trail is a popular choice, arrive early to secure a spot at the trailhead parking. Dogs are welcome and may roam off-leash in designated areas.

4. Booth Falls Trail - Rewarding and Picturesque

Make your way to the Eagles Nest Wilderness for the enchanting Booth Falls Trail. Only 20 miles outside of Breckenridge, this moderate-rated hike offers scenic vistas of rivers, valleys, aspen groves, and the majestic Ten Mile Range. Summer and fall are the best times to tackle this trail, but beware – the winter season turns it into a challenging endeavor, best suited for experienced hikers with proper gear. Bring your furry friend along, but remember to keep them on a leash.

5. East Vail Falls - Short Yet Thrilling

Close to Vail, but well worth the journey, the East Vail Falls trail packs a punch despite its short length. Brace yourself for adventure, as this hike demands a climb using provided ropes to reach the waterfall. Due to its rugged nature, this trail is not recommended for small children or those afraid of heights. However, the rewards are immense, especially during fall and winter when the frozen falls offer a captivating contrast. Dogs are not permitted on this hike for safety reasons.

Embrace the Adventure!

Are you ready to embrace the thrill of hiking and explore the mesmerizing waterfalls near Breckenridge? Whether you seek a moderate jaunt or a challenging ascent, these trails promise unforgettable experiences amidst Colorado's most stunning landscapes. Don't forget to snap photos along the way and tag @MountainDreamTeam on Instagram for a chance to share your unforgettable adventure. So, gear up, hit the trails, and let the summer fun begin! Happy hiking!

Welcome to the second home community--oh wait! Locals? What locals? There are many affordable housing options for locals if you know what to look for.  If you're looking for a place to call home in Summit County and are one of the hard working members of our community, read to find out how to buy a home in Summit County even if you're earning local wages.

Imagine moving to the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado and finding that dream job in the dream location, and next is finding the dream home for you and your family.  Yeah, you took a pay cut to be in a remote resort town, but it's worth it, right? It can be very stressful for locals who make $40,000 per year, or $80,000 as a couple, to find a house within their budget.  

Consider that a single family, detached home with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, a fenced yard and a garage in a decent location will cost at least $500,000. Not exactly starter-home or typical first-time homebuyer prices!  So what is a local dreamer to do besides play the lottery or beg for gifts from a rich uncle? That is where the Summit Combined Housing Authority (SCHA) and their deed restricted program comes in to help.

The Summit Combined Housing Authority is the local governing body that "assists the residents of Summit County and the surrounding areas with their housing needs".  It is a great organization, because, unlike big cities that have plenty of affordable options, Summit County home prices can often be too expensive for the local income levels, and inventory too low, for locals to find housing.  

In order to qualify for, and make an offer on, a "deed restricted" property, there are three requirements for application approval:

At least one member of the household must be employed in Summit County for more than 30 hours per week year-round.

Total household income must fall at or below a certain percentage of the Summit County Area Median Income (AMI) as determined by the SCHA and neighborhood rules.

Everyone over the age of 18 who will be occupying the home must apply for eligibility for the AMI.

There are many deed restricted neighborhoods all over the county.  Some properties are available for locals to buy as an investment, as long as their tenants meet the SCHA requirements as well.  There are more communities on the way, as there is simply not enough inventory for the local demand right now.  Many communities have waiting lists.

One of the last things to consider about owning a deed-restricted property in Summit County is that there is usually an appreciation cap, as determined by SCHA as well.  When it is time to sell, the seller cannot sell it for more than a certain percentage so that home prices continue to stay affordable for locals.  

Homeowner Associations in our area are key to the success of the second home and vacation market.  

Without these volunteer-led and professionally managed associations, we would not be able to cater to the hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.  Please take a moment to learn some key pieces of Homeowner Associations aka “HOA’s”

Property Management--There is the HOA, and then there is the Property Manager that the volunteer board hires to manage the Association finances and buildings, and then there is a Property Manager that you can hire to manage your own unit. 

No Dogs Allowed--Is Fido important to you? Many condo Associations DO NOT ALLOW dogs or pets of any kind.  Why? Irresponsible owners in the past who would not pick up after their pets, and/or they would leave them behind in the condo all day to bark, while the owners are out skiing.  Rest assured, if your pets are like mine, a part of the family, we can specialize your search for pet-friendly condos.

Right of First Refusal--In some instances, the Homeowner Association has established a rule that if an offer is placed on a unit within the complex, the other current owners in the complex have the right to meet or exceed the offer and buy the property.  This is a date/deadline in the contract dictated by the HOA and can be anywhere from 7 days up to sometimes 21 days or more that the other owners in the complex have to give notice that they’d like to put an offer on the property.  We can discuss this in further detail if it arises, as it will change our dates and deadline considerations.

Transfer Taxes & Private Resort Transfer Fees--The Towns of Frisco, Breckenridge, and Blue River each have transfer taxes that apply to all real property sales in their jurisdictions. There are also some HOAs that have a private transfer fee related to the sale of the properties.  These can be negotiated at the time of the contract.

Partial Ownership Vs. Full Ownership

Partial shares are a great way to have ownership of a condo in Summit County, Colorado at a fraction of the cost.

If you're looking at condos in Summit County, and the price looks too good to be true, it probably is because it may be a "Partial Share". They are NOT a Time Share, and have very important differences.

For example, a 1 bed, 1 bath condo in the heart of Keystone Village at River Run that normally sells for around $400,000 can be bought for 1/4th of the year for $100,000.  

Important things to know about partial shares:

1. You would own a partial portion of the real estate. In many cases 1/4th or 25%. It would be recorded on a General Warranty Deed, just like any other real estate purchase.

2. There is an owner's agreement that spells out the calendar usage, accounting, maintenance items, property management, etc... and each owner's agreement is different.  You get a chance to review it once you're under contract during your due diligence period.  This must be signed at closing.

3. Most owners are very flexible and fun, and enjoy trading weeks.  Owners usually live in different places all over the world, and sometimes will never meet one another in person. 

4. Most require all cash.  There are some lenders who will lend occasionally, but it's rare. I have a list I can provide if you need it.  Sometimes the seller will finance you as well.

5. Quarter shares usually get 1 week per month, and Christmas and New Year’s weeks are rotated amongst the owners so that each owner gets to have Christmas once every 4 years.

6. When you're not using your week, many times it's okay to have the property manager to rent it out, and you take the profits from that week. If you do this, in many cases it will help cover your basic Homeowner Association dues.

7. In Summit County, most of our condos, townhomes, and even single family homes come fully furnished. The furniture, including dishes, towels, and all essentials, are included in the sale as a convenience to the buyer and seller. 

Partial shares are an excellent opportunity to have a ski condo that you and your family can return to year after year, build equity, and avoid wasting money on rental fees.

*A note on Time Shares: Time Shares are available for sale at some resort properties, including but not limited to Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, and Keystone.  Real Estate Agents in the State of Colorado can sell Partial shares but NOT Time Shares.  That’s not to say that some agents won’t try, or don’t have the experience.  

Feel free to call your Time Share company and ask for more information. As always, call us and we can also direct you to local companies who sell them.

The differences go on and on! Be sure to talk with your agent at Mountain Dream Real Estate about your preferences, and if you’re still in doubt, go see one of each kind!

5 Tips for Buyers Success in a Red Hot Market

1. Lock in a mortgage before you start your search.
2. Shop for homes priced below what you can afford.
3. It will probably take multiple tries before you succeed. Sold.
4. Put your big number out there from the start.
5. If you love a property, act fast.

Homeowner Associations in our area are key to the success of the second home and vacation market. Without these volunteer-led and professionally managed associations, we would not be able to cater to the hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.  Please take a moment to learn some key pieces of Homeowner Associations aka “HOA’s”

Property Management--There is the HOA, and then there is the Property Manager that the volunteer board hires to manage the Association finances and buildings, and then there is a Property Manager that you can hire to manage your own unit. 

No Dogs Allowed--Is Fido important to you? Many condo Associations DO NOT ALLOW dogs or pets of any kind.  Why? Irresponsible owners in the past who would not pick up after their pets, and/or they would leave them behind in the condo all day to bark, while the owners are out skiing.  Rest assured, if your pets are like mine, a part of the family, we can specialize your search for pet-friendly condos.

Right of First Refusal--In some instances, the Homeowner Association has established a rule that if an offer is placed on a unit within the complex, the other current owners in the complex have the right to meet or exceed the offer and buy the property.  This is a date/deadline in the contract dictated by the HOA and can be anywhere from 7 days up to sometimes 21 days or more that the other owners in the complex have to give notice that they’d like to put an offer on the property.  We can discuss this in further detail if it arises, as it will change our dates and deadline considerations.

Transfer Taxes & Private Resort Transfer Fees--The Towns of Frisco, Breckenridge, and Blue River each have transfer taxes that apply to all real property sales in their jurisdictions. There are also some HOAs that have a private transfer fee related to the sale of the properties.  These can be negotiated at the time of the contract.

2023 Summit County Chipping Program Dates and Service Area Locations

Summit County is helping residents and property owners create defensible space by providing free chipping and disposal for conifer and aspen branches, logs, and small trees. If you clear this material from around your home and stack it in a pile, we’ll chip it and haul it away for FREE.

This list is a “vicinity” locator. Not all subdivisions within the noted areas are listed. The areas listed are “bookends”. The areas within & between the named zones are included in that service area week. Please have your material out Monday of each week. We will drive down each road once.

North and Central Summit County 

Week 1 June 5-9 Frisco, Copper Mountain 

Week 2 June 12-16 Silverthorne (east of Hwy. 9), Ptarmigan, Dillon Valley, Town of Dillon, Corinthian Hill 

Week 3 June 19-23 Summerwood, Summit Cove, Keystone, Montezuma 

Week 4 June 26-30 Summit Sky Ranch, Eagles Nest, Three Peaks 

Week 5 July 3-7 Silverthorne (west of Hwy. 9), Mesa Cortina, Wildernest 

Week 6 July 10-14 Willowbrook, Willow Creek Highlands, Ruby Ranch 

Week 7 July 17-21 All properties north of Summit Sky Ranch 

Week 8 July 24-28 Sage Creek Canyon, South Forty, Hamilton Creek, Angler Mountain Ranch, Ponds at Blue River, Blue River Run

Southern Summit County 

Week 1 June 5-9 Farmer’s Korner, Gold Hill, Highland Meadows, Tenmile Vista, Silver Shekel Week 2 June 12-16 Airport Road, Peak 7 

Week 3 June 19-23 Peak 8, Peak 9, Town of Breckenridge, Western Sky Ranch, Moonstone Week 4 June 26-30 Boreas, Baldy 

Week 5 July 3-7 Warrior’s Mark, Spruce Valley Road (The Crown), Spruce Valley Ranch 

Week 6 July 10-14 Town of Blue River vicinity 

Week 7 July 17-21 Tordal Estates to Quandary 

Week 8 July 24-28 Highlands, Summit Estates, Gilrose, Swan River Valley

7 Tips to Getting your House Ready to Sell!

• Clear clutter.

• Change appliances.

• Paint exterior of home.

• Trim trees and maintain lawn.

• Replace roof if needed.

• Wash windows.

• Residential real estate council.

• Replace carpet.