Colorado Mountain Real Estate & Community News

If you're looking for Colorado mountain homes for sale, or mountain cabins for sale in Colorado, then you've found the best and most comprehensive resource for Colorado mountain homes available.  Featuring listings of the best Colorado mountain homes for sale  and mountain cabins for sale and specializing in Summit County real estate in the heart of ski country Colorado. Whether you're seeking investment homes for sale in Breckenridge Colorado, or personal family retreat homes in the Colorado mountains, Patty Whetham is the top realtor in Summit County to help you find the Colorado mountain home of your dreams. Your Summit County Colorado real estate and Breckenridge Colorado real estate specialist.

Nov. 16, 2015

Vail Colorado Real Estate: An Easy Choice

Choosing Vail Colorado real estate is an easy choice! There are many great, year-round activities in Vail, Colorado, that make it the perfect home. Whether you want to buy a property to live in year-round, or one that you intend to rent out when you're not in the area - Vail is a great choice! Here are some of our favorite Vail, Colorado activities.

SummerVail Colorado Real Estate: An Easy Choice

Biking is a popular activity in Vail, Colorado. Plenty of people also enjoy getting out on the water and rafting or fishing. With the gorgeous Colorado weather, many enjoy summer concerts and other events. Don't forget about the golf courses as well. If you'd rather just enjoy nature in its purest form, enjoy a walk on one of the hundreds of different trails Vail has to often. After you purchase your Vail Colorado real estate, you'll find plenty of great things to do during the summer months. Many of them might even be right in your own backyard!

Winter

Winter activities in Vail are obvious - skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and anything else that uses that white powder the Rocky Mountains are famous for. Make sure you are dressed properly, and enjoy all the mountains have to offer! You'll love the breath-taking views when you get to the top of the slopes. Or maybe you'd prefer to snuggle up with a cup of hot cocoa and a nice fireplace. We can help you find some Vail Colorado real estate that meets those credentials!

Vail Itself

The above paragraphs talked about some of the great aspects of Vail, but those can often be found within any of the mountain towns that Colorado Mountain Real Estate represents. What makes Vail so special? Linked by three base areas, Vail has many shops, amazing restaurants, bars, and much more! Families can feel safe taking a stroll down the street. Those who are young - or young at heart - can head out for a night of bar-hopping. One of the best parts about Vail? The free transportation system can get you to almost anywhere right in Vail. Plus it runs regularly, so you won't need to use your vehicle much. If you're interested in Vail Colorado real estate, you'll need to ddecide which of the three bases you'd most prefer - Vail Village, Lionshead, or Golden Peak.
As we said right away, Vail Colorado real estate is an easy choice. A great city with lots to offer, you're going to love it here! Come for a visit, but decide to stay for a lifetime! Contact Patty at Colorado Mountain Real Estate to help you find your next Vail Colorado real estate property today!
Nov. 9, 2015

Reasons to Consider Copper Mountain Colorado Real Estate

Have you been considering buying property or your dream home in Copper Mountain, Colorado? Copper Mountain Colorado real estate is a great investment! You'll be able to fully enjoy it now, and you'll be able to sell it in the future - most likely at a profit. Not sure if Copper Mountain, Colorado is for you? Let us help you decide.

Things To DoReasons to Consider Copper Mountain Colorado Real Estate

Whenever people think about the Rocky Mountains, skiing is typically the first thing that comes to mind. However, it's more than that! If you buy a Copper Mountain Colorado real estate property, you're going to find a wide variety of activities you'll love in the area! Yes, you can enjoy all the winter months have to offer - skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, tubing, and more - but you'll also love that they have an athletic club to enjoy year round. Or what about taking a little time off enjoying a spa treatment. That's not something you can get every day with the views that only Copper Mountain, Colorado has to boast about! Plus the Free Your Mountain program lets you do more activities your way! (Everything's not free, but it's definitely worth looking into when you purchase Copper Mountain Colorado real estate.) And the food! With over 20 dining options to choose from, everyone in the family is sure to enjoy. Plus, some of them will deliver right to the door of your Copper Mountain Colorado real estate home!

Things To See

If you're interested in property in or around Copper Mountain, there's little doubt that the views are part of the reason. With amazingly breath-taking snow-capped mountains year round, gorgeous colors each fall, and plenty of surreal trees in the area, any Copper Mountain Colorado real estate home is going to leave your breathless. We have to admit, the views of this area of the Rocky Mountains are hard to beat!

Whenever you're ready to start finding the Copper Mountain Colorado real estate property of your dreams, contact Patty here at Colorado Mountain Real Estate. She can help you find exactly what you're looking for!

Nov. 2, 2015

Why Dillon Colorado Real Estate? Two Great Reasons!

If you're considering Dillon Colorado real estate, you're going to love it! If you're still on the fence, here we share two great reasons why you should make Dillon Colorado real estate a serious contender when you make your next real estate purchase.

It's easy to fall in love with Dillon. Located right on the shores of the Lake Dillon Reservoir, it's a gorgeous little town - regardless of the time of year! Plus it's close to many other great little towns, so there is always something to do and see!

The ViewsWhy Dillon Colorado Real Estate?

During the summer months, Dillon has amazing views of snow-topped mountains. Plus the majestic look of the water around the area make everyone want to purchase Dillon Colorado real estate. There are over 200 miles of hiking trails to explore, so you'll be able to take in breath-taking wildflowers. Love mountain biking or even just walking? Hop on the trails and see if there are any creatures waiting to meet you. Get out on the water and see the views from a different perspective. And just wait until you see the views that come during the autumn months. People may say the summers and winters in Dillon are amazing, but fall is beyond words!

The Activities

Downtown Dillon has great summer events for people of all ages to enjoy! See what's going on at the summer farmers' market, check out the amphitheater, or spend some time at the marina. They even have tours of various historical locations. Obviously many enjoy the skiing that the Rocky Mountains provide. Many slopes are just minutes away from Dillon. Skiing's not your thing? No problem! You can try ice skating, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, or any other great winter activity. And don't forget about The Lake Dillon Theater Company. They have year-round productions that are worth taking in! During the warmer months you can also take in a round of golf or some fishing.

If you're in the market for some new real estate, look no further than Dillon! A great little town that has so much to offer, Dillon Colorado real estate is going to be worth the investment. Contact Patty here at Colorado Mountain Real Estate today if you want more information on the amazing properties for sale in the area.

Oct. 29, 2015

Why Frisco Colorado Real Estate? Three Great Reasons!

Are you considering purchasing Frisco Colorado real estate? If not, you should be! Today we want to share some of the things that make Frisco so great. Once you've read through our three reasons, we think you'll agree - Frisco real estate is some of the best real estate in Colorado!

A Great LocationWhy Frisco Real Estate? Three Great Reasons!

Frisco, Colorado is tucked into the Rocky Mountains. It's located in the heart of Summit County. Here you will found skiing like none other in the world! With locations such as Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, Loveland, Vail, Beaver Creek, and more being less than an hour away - you're sure to find plenty of great outdoor activities to take part in! Frisco itself has a great cross country ski area. Plus they offer sleigh rides during the winter months and lots of boating options during the summer. Frisco has been an active town for over 100 minutes. This is attributed at least in part to the fact that it's only 75 miles from Denver, so even those who reside in the city can get away for the weekend from time to time.

A Rich History

The history of Frisco goes back to the Native Americans who first came to the area following the buffalo herds. They entered what is today Summit County and went onto Vail Pass. Trappers came soon after. They enjoyed the many beaver they could find in the area. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, a mining boom occurred. Frisco even survived the Great Depression. Now Frisco is known for its recreational activities. With a full-time population of nearly 3,000 residents, this vibrant little town has a very active Main Street.

Many Things To Do

Frisco is lucky enough to be surrounded by the White River National Forest and Lake Dillon. Both of these provide many great opportunities for outdoor recreation year-round. You'll be able to hike, fish, bike, boat, camp, cross country ski, snowshoe, kayak, and much more. Let's not forget about the various golf courses in the area as well. Ask around, there's often some fun little activity going on in one of the local towns. You might be able to find a concert, parade, or festival to enjoy!

With a great location, a rich history, and so many things to do, it's no wonder Frisco real estate is all the rage lately! People are scooping up Frisco Colorado real estate quickly. The town of Frisco has survived over a century, so you know your Frisco real estate purchase is going to be a sound one. Contact Patty here are Colorado Mountain Real Estate today. She can help you find the Frisco real estate property you've been looking for!

Oct. 26, 2015

4 Biggest Obstacles to Selling Your Home

Selling your home can be a daunting task. It doesn’t matter if you’ve lived there for a short period of time or many years, you’ve got a lot to do. These are the four biggest obstacles to selling your home.

  1. Deciding on an Asking PriceFour Biggest Obstacles to Selling Your Home

    1. Property values change regularly. That’s why it can be hard to decide what price to ask when selling your home. It’s essential to have a good real estate agent  on your side. Someone who knows the market and can help you get a fair price for your home is the person you want to find.
  2. Making Repairs

    1. No one’s home is perfect. Deciding what to fix before selling your home can be exhausting. Should you go energy efficient or just a fresh coat of paint? What about extra storage? There are many factors to consider before selling your home, and this is – again – where a great real estate agent comes into play.
  3. Making Your Home Noticeable

    1. Some are fortunate enough to live in areas where homes sell almost immediately. For others, it’s a constant worry. Will my home be able to compete with the fixer-upper down the blog that’s only half the price? What about those new units – would people rather buy them? Make sure your place is unique and has appeal to buyers. This will help your home stand out and sell more quickly.
  4. Keeping Emotions in Check

    1. Selling your home can be emotional. Regardless of how long you’ve lived there, you have many great memories in that home. It’s going to be hard to see it go. However, you don’t want your emotions to get in the way of a sale. Make sure you’re fully committed to selling your home before you put in on the market. You don’t want anything getting in the way.

Now that you know the four biggest obstacles to selling your home, you can take the proper steps to overcome them. The best thing you can do is hire a great real estate agent. Patty here at Colorado Mountain Real Estate is a trusted agent who will help you overcome all the obstacles out there and get a fair price for your home. Contact her today!

Oct. 22, 2015

Top Seven Tips for Selling Your Home

When you’re ready to sell your home it can be an exciting, albeit overwhelming, time. Here we have seven tips for selling your home.

  1. Choose a Great AgentTop Seven Tips for Selling Your Home

    1. Finding an agent can be tough. You want someone who knows the area well. Find someone who you feel comfortable with. Get an agent who will work hard for you. Search around until you find the right person.
  2. Know Your Target Market

    1. If you have a good idea of who would be interested in buying your home, you can stage it more effectively. If you’re selling in an area where many families with small children live, make sure to stage it so parents can envision their children growing up there. Make it look family friendly. If your home sits more in a retirement community, make it look like such.
  3. Take Out Personal Items

    1. No one wants to see your family picture on the wall when they come to see your home for sale. This is probably the most important of our tips for selling your home. Get rid of all personal items and clutter! Let people envision their things in the house. You want them to feel at home.
  4. Freshen Up Your Home

    1. Make sure you’ve given the place a general facelift. Something as simple as a coat of paint can do wonders. Ensure all light bulbs are working. Do little remodels if time and money allow it.
  5. Clean Everything

    1. Now is not the time to let your home be a mess. Pick up clutter. Keep the bathrooms and kitchen spotless. Even make sure the yard looks great. Ask the whole family to pitch in to help. If it’s in the budget, you might even want to consider hiring a professional cleaning service.
  6. Tell People You’re Selling

    1. Even though you have your home listed with an agent, let your family and friends know you’re selling your home. Word of mouth can be a very powerful tool and one of the most underutilized tips for selling your home. What if that friend of a friend loved your home when they stopped over that one time? They may have gushed about how beautiful it was to your mutual friend, and you could have a potential buyer on your hands!
  7. Be Prepared for Viewings

    1. There’s nothing more intimidating than showing your house. But if you’ve followed the tips above, you’re going to be fine. Give the house one last walk through cleaning, make sure there’s plenty of natural lighting, and even put on a good candle or bake some cookies beforehand.

Now that you know our tips for selling your home, we hope you will consider Colorado Mountain Real Estate for your Summit County real estate needs. Patty would love to help you sell your property. Contact her today!

Oct. 19, 2015

Top Eight Traits of a Real Estate Agent

Finding a real estate agent can be stressful. However, this top ten list should give you a better idea of what to look for in a good real estate agent.

  1. Understands the Local MarketTop Eight Traits of a Real Estate Agent

You want to make sure your real estate agent knows the local market. She should understand the pricing, schools, and all of the other nuances a particular area has.

  1. Works Hard

Your real estate agent should have a great work ethic. You want your agent to pursue leads and work hard on your behalf. Being smart and knowing where to look are both necessary to help close the deal.

  1. Is Honest and Reliable

Make sure you find a real estate agent with a great reputation. Check out websites like Zillow (include Patty’s link) to find someone who has been trusted by buyers before you.

  1. Has Connections

A great real estate agent will have others on their team who can help you close the deal on your home more quickly. This team might include appraisers, loan officers, and even other agents.

  1. Pays Attention to Detail

Your real estate agent should pay close attention to details. They need to be organized, follow through on various leads, communicate with you well, and pay close attention to what you stated you are looking for.

  1. Be Knowledgeable

Keeping up-to-date on the latest trends and topics in the area is another important trait for your real estate agent to have. Make sure your agent is fully licensed in the area. Ask to see their credentials and prior references. You want to make sure you find a knowledgeable real estate agent who will be able to help you find exactly what you are looking for.

  1. Self-Motivated

Do you want to call your agent each week to see what the latest update is? Of course not! Be sure to find a real estate agent who is self-motivated and will keep you updated each step of the way. Your time is valuable, and you don’t want to have to waste it trying to get in touch with your agent.

  1. Enjoyable Personality

A good real estate agent will make you feel comfortable. They are able to sell themselves. Schedule a chat over the phone or meet with an agent to find out if they are a good match for you. You want your real estate agent to have a great attitude, an honest reputation, and the ability to listen to your needs. Oftentimes a phone call or an in-person meeting will help you know if the agent your talking to is the right one for you.

Now that you know the top eight qualities to look for in a real estate agent, begin your search. We fell Patty here at Colorado Mountain Real Estate would be a great match for you. Contact her today to start looking for your next property.

Oct. 15, 2015

Should I Buy a New Home Before Selling My Old One?

There are many reasons why someone might want to buy a new home before selling their old one. It can be a tough call. When you decide to buy a new home while still making payments on the second one, there can be problems. However, we’re going to go through the benefits and drawbacks with you today.

Buy a New Home Before Selling: The BenefitsShould I Buy a New Home Before Selling My Old One?

  • You get your dream home. Perhaps you found the perfect new place to live. That’s great! And it’s a typical reason for people wanting to buy a new home before their first one even sells. You have to decide if this new home is really what you are looking for and worth some of the drawbacks of having two homes that we’ll discuss later in this article.
  • You consider renters. Maybe part of your plan has always been to have renters take over your initial house so you can buy a new home. While not an option for everything, it’s definitely a valid thing to look into.
  • You can fix it up. When you purchase a second home before selling your first, you have the opportunity to fix it up. We’re not necessarily saying that you bought a fixer-upper, but you’ll have a chance to make the house exactly the way you want it before you move in. Whether it’s just a few cans of paint or an entire kitchen makeover, you’ll be able to get it done while still living in your first home.

Buy a New Home Before Selling: The Drawbacks

  • You have to consider finances. Not everyone can afford to take the financial risk of carrying two homes. Can you afford both mortgages? How long can you afford both? You would not want to have to foreclose on one or both properties because you can’t afford them. Make sure you know exactly how much you can spend and for how long.
  • You ask for a contingency clause. Many sellers will not accept such a clause in their sale paperwork. Yes, you want to buy a new home, but don’t expect the seller of the second house to sell to you only if your home sells. There are just too many factors that work against them.
  • You ask for right of first refusal. This is another thing you can ask the owner of the second home. In this instance you would let them know you are interested in the house, but that you cannot buy it until yours sells. If the seller gets another offer, you will be given a short window of time to purchase the home. This does not happen much more often than the contingency clause listed above.
  • You consider renting your first home. When you want to buy a new home, an obvious solution might be to rent out your original house until it sells. This will help cover your first mortgage payment and allow you to move into the new home with less financial risk. However, there are risks with this. Will your renters be good about letting interested parties see the house? What if the renters cause property damage? Consider these and other factors before you allow someone else to move into a home you are wanting to sell.

Not everyone is able to sell their first house before they buy a new home. However, we hope the benefits and drawbacks listed above will help you decide what the best option for your situation is.

Still confused? No worries! Patty here at Colorado Mountain Real Estate would love to help you look into the dream home you’ve been eyeing. Contact her today!

Oct. 12, 2015

How to Sell Your House (in three relatively easy steps!)

You’re ready to sell your house. This is an exciting and nerve-wracking time. Regardless of the reasons you are selling your home, there are three things to help your home sell more quickly. Get it ready. Get it listed. Get it sold! Let’s look at each of these three in details.

Get It ReadySell Your House - Three Main Things to Get Ready to Sell Your Home

  1. Make Repairs

    Before you list your home for sale, make sure you take care of any obvious repairs. Maybe you’ve been meaning to re-shingle the roof for the last two summers. Now is the time to get it done! Or perhaps you have a couple light fixtures that no longer work. Take care of them. You want to sell your house quickly, and the best way to do that is to ensure everything is in great condition.

  2. Upgrade

    We’ve seen it on every home selling show on TV. They do these amazing updates to the home and it sells right away. We can’t all afford to make the kind of upgrades we’ve seen on television, but we can help improve the chances of our home selling. Even something as simple as a fresh coat of paint can help sell your house more quickly. Consider making these other upgrades as well. (include link to previous post I wrote)

  3. Make It Look Great

    Ask your realtor for some staging tips and tricks to help make your home look great. Taking down your personal photos allows others to see themselves in your home. This will help it sell more quickly.

Get It Listed

  1. Find a Trusted Realtor

    Make sure you find a realtor who knows the Colorado Mountain real estate area well. You want a realtor you can trust and one you know can help sell your house as quickly as possible. You don’t want to be on pins and needles for months on end waiting for your home to sell.

  2. Name Your Price

    Make sure you and your realtor set a fair, marketable value for your home. Overpricing your home will ensure it sits on the market for too long. Undervaluing your home could cost you thousands of dollars. If you’ve found a trusted realtor who knows the Colorado Mountain real estate area well, they should be able to do this easily to help sell your house.

  3. Keep It Clean

    Make sure your house is ready for potential buyers at any time. You want to make sure you keep your home show ready. Spend a few minutes each morning tidying up the place. Try to limit the messes made by children and pets. Make sure the home smells great, and have as much natural lighting as possible. All of these tips should help you sell your house more quickly.

Get It Sold

  1. Make a Contract

    Make sure your realtor creates a great contract. You want to make sure everything is taken care of without any problems down the road.

  2. Watch the Transaction

    Even after you have a contract, ask your realtor to monitor the transaction. Unexpected delays can be kept to a minimum with a realtor who knows what to look out for.

  3. Seal the Deal

    Make plans to attend the closing. Leave the home completely presentable for the new owners. When you sell your house it can be hard to walk away, but you’ve put too much time and effort into everything to look back now!

When you’re ready to sell your house, let Patty here at Colorado Mountain Real Estate know. She’s got years of experience in the Colorado mountain real estate area, and you’ll be in great hands. Contact her to get your home listed today!

Oct. 8, 2015

How to Know You’re Ready to Buy Your First Colorado Home

You’re an adult. You have a good job. You know what you want out of life. But are you ready to buy your first Colorado home? There are many ways to tell if you’re ready to buy a home, but today we’re going to give you what we consider the top five. Here you go – the top five reasons to know you’re ready to buy your first Colorado home.

  1. Do the MathHow to Know You're Ready to Buy Your First Colorado Home

    You know the difference in cost between what you’re currently renting and what it would cost to buy your first Colorado home. Some say that renting is simply throwing money down the drain, but there are definite advantages to renting as well. When you become a Colorado home owner, you have to pay for all the utilities, maintenance, taxes, and all other home owner expenses. If you’ve done the math, you’ll know if you’re prepared to take on that financial responsibility or not.

  2. Have a Backup Plan

    No one wants to think about this, but what would you do if you lost your job? You wouldn’t want to have to foreclose on your brand new Colorado home if something suddenly happened to your income. What would you do if you lost your income for three months? Six? A full year? Have a backup plan in place. Perhaps you have six months of living expenses currently in savings. Or maybe you have a side job that you could work more if you were laid off from your full-time position. Whatever the plan may be, make sure you’re ready for all the financial responsibilities when you purchase your first Colorado home.

  3. Know the Costs

    Be realistic about the costs associated with owning your first Colorado home. You’re going to need to pay for more than just the mortgage. You must keep in mind maintenance, utilities, repairs, a potential escrow account (some banks require it), and possibly even a homeowners association fee. Do your research. Know what the cost, upkeep, and utilities of the Colorado home you’re looking at are going to be.

  4. Save for a Down Payment

    Many banks will not lend you the full amount of a home. They want you to be able to put 20% down on your own. Don’t wait for your Great Aunt Erma to give you the money. Make sure you have this amount saved for your Colorado home, while also making sure you’ve taken care of #2 above.

  5. Know What You Can Afford

    A good rule of thumb is to buy a home that is about two times that of your annual income, but some would say three times is acceptable as well. Buying more of a house than you can afford can prove disastrous. Make sure you know how much you can afford while continuing the lifestyle you currently have (or want to have).

There you have the five reasons to know you’re ready to buy your first Colorado home, or any home actually. If you feel you’ve met all the criteria, Patty here at Colorado Mountain Real Estate would love to help you find the Colorado home of your dreams. Contact us today so we can help you get the process started.