Top 5 Reasons Why People Move to Summit County

Summit County has become one of the most desirable places to live in the State of Colorado. With access to outdoor recreation and stunning mountain views, it’s no wonder that many people are flocking to Summit County to buy a home and live here year-round. Summit County includes ski resort towns such as Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, and central mountain towns along I-70, including Silverthorne, Dillon, and Frisco. Here are the top five reasons why people move to Summit County. 

1. Fantastic Skiing and Endless Outdoor Recreation:

   One of the main reasons people decide to move to Summit County is the proximity to four world-class ski resorts, all within a half-hour of each other: Breckenridge Ski Resort, Copper Mountain, Keystone Resort, and Arapahoe Basin. The typical ski season extends from October/November to May/June (in some years, you can even ski in July depending on the weather!!) Vail and Beaver Creek are just a short drive west on I-70 for even more alpine ski options! Hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing, boating, snowmobiling, snow-shoeing, and camping are just a few of the endless ways to enjoy fun, cheap ways to get outside and enjoy the vast open spaces. Residents can appreciate the fresh and pristine mountain air, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, rock formations, forests, and striking mountain views that never get old. 

2. Highest Life Expectancy in the United States: 

   According to a study by the American Medical Association, Summit County has the highest life expectancy in the nation at about 87 years! That means that of all the people born in the county, the average lives until age 87 (which is 8-10 years longer than the average of other places in the United States.) Neighboring counties of Pitkin and Eagle also came in with life expectancies of about 85 years. What are the secrets to longevity, you ask? The natural and social environments of Summit County encourage healthy activities. Social activities also revolve around outdoor activities rather than food and drinking. Higher levels of physical activity help reduce stress and reduce the risk of obesity, further enhancing longevity. Access to clean water and air, in addition to high levels of education, high incomes, and quality medical care, all contribute to these impressive statistics. Another study also concluded that Summit County had the lowest cancer mortality rate in the country for the past 30 years!

3. Breathtaking Views: 

   Summit County is renowned for its awesomely amazing scenic views from every part of the county. High-elevation views over the Rocky Mountains are sure to make you stop in your tracks as you enjoy the fresh mountain air while taking in the sights. Popular scenic drives include the Loveland Pass Loop, the Independence Pass Loop, Boreas Pass, Tenderfoot Trail, Sapphire Point, and Ptarmigan Trailhead (outside of Silverthorne). Also, Breckenridge CO Peak 8 (take Ski Hill Road up as far as you can go, or take the gondola up to get a great view) has some of the most epic views in Summit County. Places to watch the sunset include Frisco Bay, Ptarmigan Trailhead, and Tenderfoot Trail (which has great sunset views in the summer when the sun sets behind the Gore Range, sending golden sun rays into the Rocky Mountain sky). Check out our Pinterest page to get more ideas for the best views in Summit County.  

4. Access to Mountain Lakes and Fly Fishing Rivers:

   The Dillon reservoir (also known as Dillon Lake) is a large freshwater lake located in Summit County and bordered by the towns of Frisco, Silverthorne, and Dillon. The reservoir is the center of attraction in the area. It offers fishing (and ice fishing), sail boating, paddle boarding, swimming, activities around the marina, and more! Several rushing streams in the area are also a significant feature of Summit County. The Ten Mile Creek runs along I-70 from Copper Mountain to Frisco is known as one of the best places to fish for trout. The Blue River, which starts in Breckenridge and goes all the way to Kremmling, passing the Dillon Reservoir, is also a famous fishing river. The best place to catch fish on the Blue River is in Silverthorne, where there is public land to fish from and areas where you can wade into the water. Other smaller mountain lakes and streams can also be found in the county.

5. Not Too Far From Denver: 

   Typically a 90-minute drive to Denver and DIA (give or take depending on the weather and traffic). Summit County saw a “Zoom Town” boom in 2020 as many employers have decided to allow their employees to work remotely. See tips on creating an ideal home office here. Given the proximity to a major airport, Denver International Airport, and a large metro area with conveniences and entertainment of a big city (including professional and medical services, professional and college sports teams, including the Denver Broncos Football, the Denver Nuggets Basketball, the Avalanche NHL Hockey team), Summit County seems to have it all! 

Staging Your Summit County Home For Sale

Staging your Summit County home for sale is all about putting the best foot forward for potential buyers looking to purchase their Rocky Mountain dream home. By highlighting your home's most desirable features, you can draw more interest for your home and leave a lasting impression that is sure to help you sell it more quickly. Here’s what you should keep in mind as you prepare for your next open house or viewing!

1. Help buyers to visualize your home as their own. Make it easier for buyers to imagine themselves making your house their home by removing personal memorabilia, knick-knacks, and photos. Instead replace them with simple décors, such as paintings, nature images, plants and modern vases. If you have many keepsakes and collectibles, it may be best to put these items into storage before listing your home for sale.
2. Think sleek instead of comfy. Modern-day buyers are leaning toward modern, crisp, clean interiors over comfy, homey looks. When staging your home, keep a minimalist mindset, and incorporate bright colors and metal accents. 
3. Clear the clutter. Countertops should be mostly clear with the exception of an intentional piece of decor to accentuate the space. Referring back to point 1, removing personal items such as toothbrushes, hairbrushes, bar of soap, shaving kits, etc… is important because if buyers notice these personal items, it may be a turn-off.
4. Make the home as light and bright as possible. Check lightbulbs to make sure they are all working. Consider adding a mirror or lamp in dark areas to help reflect more light. In addition, a good paint job in light neutral shades is an important step before listing your home for sale because it shows buyers that you care about your property. In addition, it can make your home picture perfect for the professional photos taken by our marketing team. Some of our favorite neutral paint colors include: Pale Oak (Benjamin Moore), Muslin (OC-12 Benjamin Moore), Atrium White (OC-145 Benjamin Moore), Modern Gray (SW7632), Anew Gray (SW) and Agreeable Gray (SW). Don’t forget to give the window and door trims a fresh coast of paint, as well.
5. Deep clean the small spaces. It's obvious to say you should clean your home before viewing, but don’t forget to cover your bases by deep cleaning the small spots such as drawers, the pantry, closets, cabinets, and even the garage & basement. Take time to scrub porous areas like grout that may hold on to stains and baseboards where small pet hairs and dust love to cling. Clear out oversized winter clothing, boots and blankets from closets to make closets feel larger.
6. Spruce up your landscaping. The first impression your home gives to potential buyers is its exterior. Ensure you have a freshly mowed lawn, neat hedges and shrubbery, bright flowers, and a clean driveway. For a spring or summer listing, consider a planter with beautiful blooming flowers near the entrance of the home.
7. Consider the small details when selling your Summit County home. If possible, make beds with crisp linens, fresh clean accent pillows. 
8. Consider a professional window cleaning before you list your home for sale. The small details make a huge difference. 

For more information about listing your home for sale, visit our Selling page. Contact us if you have any questions.

CREATE THE HOME OFFICE OF YOUR DREAMS

2020 has redefined what it means to work from home. Summit County real estate has been a popular destination for people who have the ability to work from home remotely on a regular basis. Remote workers have sought out Breckenridge properties for sale, Frisco, Dillon or Silverthorne homes for sale, and Keystone or Copper Mountain condos and have found creative ways to make functional work spaces in the home. What's better than hitting the slopes between Zoom meetings?!

Whether you work full-time at home or occasionally need to conduct business in the evenings or on the weekends, a home office a great way to utilize an extra room. A dedicated workspace in your home can be designed to increase productivity and comfort. Here are 5 ideas to get you started.

1. Invest in a good office chair. Investing in an ergonomic office chair is essential. You may be spending anywhere from 30 to 50 hours a week sitting in it, so your back will thank you. Purchasing one with multiple adjustments is ideal so it fits you just right.
2. Switch up your lighting. Fluorescent lighting has been proven to be hard on the eyes. Make the switch to LED or halogen light bulbs in your home office and try to let in as much natural light as possible. Also, consider finding a desk lamp to reduce headaches and eye strain.
3. Keep essentials in reach and organized. Nothing says productivity like a clean, neat workspace. Select a desk with a lot of storage or install creative shelving to keep items like pens, pencils, extra batteries, calculators, notepads, and more stored within arm’s reach.
4. Decorate bright. Pick a color you love and use it to spice up the room. Use cheery yellow or red or relaxing tones like green and blue, instead of beiges and browns.
5. Aim for the view. There is no shortage of breathtaking views in Summit County. If possible, place your desk so you are facing a window instead of a blank wall. Natural light can do wonders for staying alert and you can give yourself a short mental break when necessary by looking to the outdoors.

Consider When to Refinance

Current interest rates continue to be very low and it could be a great time to refinance or sell your current home and upgrade to a new home with a low mortgage interest rate. 

Refinancing your mortgage is something most homeowners consider at least once throughout the lifespan of their home loan. It allows you to pay off your previous loan by applying for a new one that has better financial advantages. While there are many good reasons to refinance, here are five common ones.

• Scoring a lower interest rate. The number one reason homeowners decide to refinance is to secure a lower interest rate on their mortgage. Not only does this save you money in the long run and decrease your monthly payment, but you can start building equity in your home sooner.
• Using an improved credit score. Even if interest rates have not dropped in the market, if you’ve improved your credit score over the last few years, you may be able to reduce your mortgage rate.
• Shortening the loan’s term. If interest rates are decreasing, there is a chance you may be able to get a shorter loan term with little to no change in your monthly payment, allowing you to pay off your loan sooner.
• Switching from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate. If you chose an adjustable-rate mortgage with great introductory rates when you initially financed your home, that rate may increase significantly over the years. By switching to a fixed rate while interest rates are low, you can protect yourself from future increases.
• Cashing out home equity. If there is a big purchase or payment on the horizon, such as funding a wedding or going back to school, your best option may be to use the equity you’ve built in your home to borrow money at a lower cost.

For your convenience, we have pulled together a list of several Summit County mortgage lenders and refinance specialist. 

Contact us if you would like to learn more about the Real Estate Market & Homes for Sale in Summit County. Browse the Summit County Real Estate Market Reports (to view all sold, pending and active listings) or request a free home valuation report to find out the current value of your home. 

Summit County Lenders and Mortgage Professionals

-A Few Options for Your Convenience-

Traditional Lenders

Movement Mortgage

6041 S. Syracuse Way, Suite 33
Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Website: https://www.movement.com/

Contact: Jack Laurent, 

Office: 303-915-4452 

Email: jack.laurent@movement.com

BOK Financial Mortgage - Frisco

401 E Main St. 
1F (1st Floor) 
Frisco, CO, 80443

Website: https://www.bokfinancial.com/

Contact: Aimee Airey 

Office: 970-668-2200 

Cell: 970-485-2594 

Email: aairey@bokf.com

BOK Financial Mortgage - Breckenridge

130 Ski Hill Rd. PO Box 5361 
Unit #210 
Breckenridge, CO, 80424

Website: https://www.bokfinancial.com/

Office: 970-453-3881

Cornerstone Home Lending 

Website: https://www.houseloan.com/

Contact: Chad Noble 

Office: 970-390-4084 

Email: cnoble@houseloan.com

Portfolio Loans (Outside the Box) & Traditional Lenders

Alpine Bank Frisco

701 N. Summit Boulevard

PO Box 4457

Frisco, CO 80443

Website: https://www.alpinebank.com - Frisco

Contact: Brian Blankenmeister

Phone: 970-513-5910

Email: brianblankenmeister@alpinebank.com

FirstBank Branch
200 Ski Hill Road 
P.O. Box 7129
Breckenridge, CO 80424

Website: https://www.efirstbank.com - Breckenrige

Contact: Braden (Brady) McMillan

Phone: 970-547-3859 

Email: braden.mcmillan@efirstbank.com

A Closer Look at the Breckenridge Historic District

Breckenridge’s Historic District is one of the largest in the State of Colorado and is a significant contributor to the identify of the Town. The historic district is a blend of commercial, residential and religious (with three 19th century churches). The Historic District is a highly desirable area for home buyers and real estate investors. Read more about the Historic District below. See all current Historic District real estate listings and homes for sale. 

Breckenridge’s Victorian history dates back to the mid 1800s, where gold-miners rushed to the area to seek out fortunes from the mineral-rich deposits found in the area. Although the historically significant buildings in Breckenridge date back to this time period, the architecture and detailed ornamentation typically associated with Victorian era was not as prevalent in the designs. 

The map shown below (source: Town of Breckenridge) outlines the Historic District in Breckenridge and the Town of Breckenridge regulates construction and remodeling within its boundaries to preserve the history that is so enduring to residents and visitors alike.

The Historic District has the highest concentration of historic buildings in the area, and date back to the early settlement period to the late Victorian phase of the town’s history. The goal of the Town’s Historic District preservation is to protect the historic character and defining identify though careful attention to preservation and considerate design of new building and remodels. 

The Breckenridge National Register Historic District was formed in 1980. In 1992, the Town adopted the “Handbook of Design Standards for the Historic and Conservation Districts” to create standards for all new construction and renovations. In 1992, the “Handbook of Design Standards for the Transition Character Areas of the Conservation District” were adopted. These guidelines were to help protect the character of the areas immediately surrounding, but outside of, the Historic District. 

The Historic District is a highly desirable area of town for both home buyers and renters. And, living in the Historic District in Breckenridge places you in the center of a lively and vibrant town that is not only rich in culture and history, but is also teeming with independent restaurants, shops, boutiques, galleries and entertainment. With lots to do within a short stroll from home, living in the Historic District means being able to easily enjoy the best that Breckenridge has to offer and being in the center of it all. Browse all Breckenridge homes for sale and all up-to-date MLS property listings in the Historic District.

To find out more about Breckenridge’s history, visit the <rel=”nofollow” a href="https://www.breckheritage.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Breckenridge Heritage Alliance website, where you can find details about the documented history as well as learn more about the local museums and historical monuments in town. You can even take a guided historical tour or hike to learn more about the fascinating history of the town. 

And as always, I'm happy to answer any additional questions you may have about Breckenridge, Summit County or the surrounding areas. Be sure to check out the Definitive Guide to Living in Summit County for more information about the pristine mountain communities, including Breckenridge, in Summit County, business, jobs, education, restaurants, nightlight and more! 

If you are in town and would like to schedule a no-pressure, no-obligation, showing of a Breckenridge homes for sale, please contact me. I look forward to meeting you!

6 Tips for Winterizing Your Home 

Plus 10 Additional Tips to Save Energy (and $$) this Winter!)

Autumn is one of my favorite seasons! Leaves are changing, and the air is crisp. I love sipping hot coffee while bundled up in a warm sweater. As summer gradually slips away here, now is the time to start thinking about preparing your home for winter in the mountains.

Starting in the fall, Summit County can experience heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures along with higher gas and electric bills. It’s essential to do what you can around the house to keep the house warm and safe. 

1. Clean Your Furnace and Sweep the Chimney

If you haven’t turned on your furnace yet, it’s only a short time before you need to. Consider having your furnace serviced in October or November to ensure your unit is working correctly. If you have a fireplace and plan to use it as a heat source, consider having your chimney swept before winter.

2. Change out HVAC Filters and Insulation

Change out the filters on your HVAC to ensure your furnace is circulating clean air and that your unit is performing efficiently. Keeping your filters and insulation up-to-date can help reduce your energy bill over the winter months.

3. Turn off Irrigation and Cover Exterior Faucets

Turn off any water sources outside before the first freeze. Water remaining in your pipes can expand and crack pipes in freezing temperatures, so make sure to flush the irrigation pipes and outdoor faucets before the first freeze. Consider installing outdoor faucet covers to ensure pipes don’t freeze. And be sure to inspect hot tub hoses in October to ensure they can operate safely during the winter.

4. Check Your Roof and Gutters

Before the snow falls, it’s essential to make sure you inspect your roof, shingles, and gutters for leaks and cracks. Be sure to clean out debris and leaves from the trenches that may clog and prevent water from draining down and away from your home correctly. Water that sits in the gutters, on the roof, or near the house (in areas where it shouldn’t) and freezes when temperatures drop can expand as it turns into ice and damages your roof or foundation. In the Spring, when the snow melts, water may seep in cracks that occurred as a result and damage your home.

4. Seal Gaps Around Windows and Door Frames

Cold air can enter your home even though the smallest cracks around the window frames, window sills, or door frames. You can find air leaks using a smoke pencil. To keep your energy and heating costs low, make sure you seal these cracks properly with caulk, spray foam, or other weatherproofing materials.

5. Protect Outdoor Plants and Plant Perennial Bulbs

Some plants will need protection over the winter or be brought in, including some tender perennials (such as geraniums) or tubers such as Dahlias. Perennial bulbs should be planted in the fall approximately six weeks before the ground freezes, so mid-September to Early October is the perfect time in Summit County. It’s a good idea to water the bulbs once after planting, so be sure to do that before turning off your irrigation! Perennial bulbs to grow in the fall include daffodils, tulips, and irises. In the Spring, you will be happy to see your efforts of fall planting pay off! Visit the Summit County Garden Club for more information about gardening and plant care in our alpine climate. 

10 Tips to Save Energy (and $$) During the Winter

1. Install a Smart Thermostat- features allow smart thermostats to adjust the temperature in your home automatically and can be programmed to turn down the heat at times when you won’t be home.
2. Pay Attention to Windows- Approximately 10-25% of your heat loss can be due to windows. Open curtains on south-facing windows to allow the sunlight to warm the room. Close the curtains on windows without direct sunlight (and at night) to keep the heat inside. Cellular blinds have more insulation than thin blinds, so next time you replace your blinds, consider options that improve insulation.
3. Maintain Your HVAC System & Furnace
4. Stop Using Your Fireplace- yes, you read that correctly. Generally speaking, a wood-burning fireplace is very inefficient due to drafts that can pull the warm air up through the chimney, causing other rooms to be colder. Also, if you have a wood-burning fireplace running simultaneously as your furnace, this causes the furnace to have to work harder to maintain temperatures in the rest of the home. Lastly, wood-burning fireplaces contribute to air pollution. Bottom line- If possible, consider using your fireplace as ambiance, not heat. Seal the chimney flue when not in use. 
5. Use LED Lights- the initial investment of replacing old bulbs with LED lights can be high; however, the energy savings associated with using LED lights in your home can be significant. Also, consider purchasing only LED lights for a holiday decorating to keep expenses down.
6. Insulate the Water Heater and Pipes
7. Use Fans to Circulate Air- Switch the blade rotation on your ceiling fan- this is a small change that can lead to significant energy cost savings. Since hot air rises to the ceiling, reversing your ceiling fan blade rotation to clockwise rotation can help push that warm air back down. 
8. Close Doors- Close the doors and vents for the rooms that are not in use. 
9. Change Air Filters- Clean air filters improve your furnace’s efficiency because a clean filter allows more air to easily travel through the vents and the filter. Dirty filters require that furnace work harder, causing higher operating costs and possibly shortening your furnaces lifespan
10. Humidifiers- Humid air holds heat better than dry air. Using a humidifier also reduces static electricity, dry skin, and helps with breathing. 

Living in Summit County, Colorado

With a history known to prospecting adventurers as being rich in gold, the old mining towns in Summit County over the years have grown into lively mountain towns and thriving resorts towns. Summit County is well-known for year-round outdoor recreation and fun!

It’s the perfect location - Just west of the snow-covered Continental Divide, up I-70 less than 2 hours from Denver. With an alpine climate, the county has relatively cool and dry summers (compared to the Denver Metro Area) and abundant snowfall in the winter. Summit County residents and visitors experience enjoy all four seasons. It’s the ideal place to call home. And with its year-round ski and outdoor recreation culture you can expect Summit County to continue to evolve and grow, while maintaining vast areas of publicly owned lands and open spaces for generations to enjoy for years to come.

The Definitive Guide to Living in Summit County will go over where Summit County is located, Summit County’s economy and jobs, where the best places are to live, restaurants and nightlife, education, recreation, activities and entertainment, and much more! Is Summit County a possibility for your future home? You’re about to find out! Click here to see more… 

Receive the Latest Local Market Stats

Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!

Get Local Market Reports Sent Directly to You

You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.

We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, we hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.