Blog

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Holidays in Breckenridge!!

winter-in-breckenridge-co

Happy holidays everybody. I am often asked what goes on in the real estate market during the holidays and if I still sell a lot of mountain homes and investment condos etc. The answer is yes!

It is a really good idea if you are thinking of coming to visit and looking at homes to plan ahead. Many of the condos and homes that may be for sale and are on the market can be rented. This is our busiest season. Getting in to see properties is easier during the week also. If you do buy an investment condo or home many times the properties are on rental contracts so the purchase comes with those rentals in place and legally have to “survive the closing”. Good news for you as a buyer is that the rental money goes to you as of the closing date. It is a great way to pick up extra money to help finance your new vacation or second home. Call me to discuss more in the mean time be safe and enjoy all this great snow!

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The Breckenridge Market in Brief

Sales are up 6% and the average sold price is up 5.4% in Summit County. The North Side (Frisco and Silverthorne) is witnessing a 12% improvement in sales and a slightly down average sold price (-0.5%). The South Side sales (Breckenridge )are down -2.5% and the average sold price is up substantially (+14.7%).

Interesting that the total number of properties under contract is currently up +31% over this same time last year. Another interesting tidbit is that if we remove all the new construction that is pending the total number of properties under contract today is exactly the same as last year. It will be interesting to see what percentage of that 31% improvement closes in 2014.

Just keeping you in the loop!

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How to prepare your second home in Breckenridge for that winter sale

Winter Second Home in Breckenridge
If you are thinking about putting your second home in Breckenridge on the market during winter, here are a couple of ideas to help make a quicker sale. This will make your property safer for potential buyers that come to preview your property.

We are a ski resort, so lots of snow. Your second home needs to be safe to show which means you need to pay the extra money and have the decks and stairs shoveled. One reason is liability: if someone falls on slippery stairs or walkways there is huge potential for injury and lawsuits. Or if you have a metal roof, you don’t want the snow to come slamming off of that roof right onto your front deck or someone’s head for that matter. Plus, they probably won’t be keen on buying your home!

Winter Second Home in BreckenridgeThe second reason is that buyers need to be able to see what they are buying. If the back deck for example backs up to the beautiful Breckenridge forest, but the snow level is four feet high for lack of shoveling, the only option is for a buyer to stand at the window and look out. Think about it: if you were buying a house what a difference it would make if you are coming from the city let’s say and you walk outside on your deck and smell the fresh air, see a gorgeous forest and hear the squirrels and birds. We want them to experience the Breckenridge we know and love.

Thirdly, this makes the house feel well cared for. If it is covered in snow, it can look neglected. This can make a buyer nervous about lack of care.

As most of you know you need to keep your home heated during the winter to prevent your pipes from freezing. If a buyer walks into a cold home, that sets the tone. You want your second home in Breckenridge to say “come in this cozy cabin and get warm and relax after a day of playing in the snow”.

If you live close enough or have friends here in Summit County, air out the home every once in awhile. It is easy for a second home to get that stuffy musty odor from being locked up all winter if no one is using it.

These are all small things but make a big difference in how quickly your second home will sell. We want your home to be the one people remember fondly and warmly.