Enjoy spring and summer in Steamboat Springs

Many people visit, or move to, Steamboat Springs to take a break, get away from it all and to unwind in our beautiful mountain town. This area really comes to life in the warmer months, and we invite you to experience spring and summer in Steamboat Springs.

Here are just a few reasons to book your visit now:

Nature and wildlife

In spring, the wildflowers begin to emerge and the abundant variety of wildlife emerges and begins tending its young. It's not uncommon to see moose, bear, elk and more here, and these wildlife sightings are breathtaking. (Keep a safe distance, of course.) Don your hiking boots or grab your mountain bike for an immersive experience on one of our many trails.

Athletic events

For competitive types, check out the many races Steamboat hosts. There is really nothing like hitting your racing stride among the beauty of our mountains and lush valley. Start with the Hayden Cog Run on May 6 and end with the Continental Divide Trail Run on August 26. Don't forget the incredible Steamboat Marathon, Half and 10k on June 4.

Five features buyers want

When you are selling your home, it pays to know your audience. While each buyer might have a unique wish list, there are some common trends that we see again and again. So, what features do home buyers want? Here are just a few that top the list:

Home office

Many people work from home at least occasionally, if not full time. As a result, home office space is in high demand. If your listing doesn't have a room dedicated to an office function, stage one room or inviting corner as an office. Show buyers how easily they can work in your home.

Check out the Steamboat weather today

One of Colorado's little-known secrets is its incredible weather, and Steamboat weather is no exception.

Oh, you might have heard of our 300 days with sunshine, but many people picture Colorado as buried in snow from October through May, and that is really a myth. Even when we have snow (and, oh, do we love our yummy snow here in Steamboat), we can have days with blue sky and warm temps even in winter and early spring.

The photo above illustrates that perfectly: 72 degrees and sunny in mid-April. A perfect day to enjoy a bit of spring skiing or to dig out the mountain bike and hit the trails.

How emotion and home sales go together

If you are planning to list your home for sale, you probably feel a whole list of emotions: excitement, fear, nostalgia and more. However, it can also help to remember the buyer's emotional state as well. Here are some ways that emotion and home sales go together:

Psychology of buying

In a piece for Psychology Today, Liraz Margalit, Ph.D., discusses the effects of emotions on buying decisions:

"Although we like to think of ourselves as rational creatures, absorbing information, weighing it carefully, and making thoughtful decisions, many of our most crucial choices are made by what we call hunches, gut feelings and a somewhat automatic reaction that is beyond or beneath consciousness. We like to refer to this feeling as intuition (“I have a very good feeling about this house"), but the reality is that this “intuition” is an established part of emotion-based learning."

Consumers tap into their emotions when deciding to buy (or not to buy), and that applies to viewing and buying a home as well. I can't tell you how many times buyers have told us "It just feels right" when deciding to make an offer.

There are a wide range of Steamboat homes to fit your budget and your needs

One prevalent myth is that you need to be wealthy to afford real estate in mountain resort towns, but that's just not true. There are a wide range of options available, and some of these Steamboat homes – current listings – illustrate that point nicely: 

Luxury

If you are seeking space and luxury, Steamboat delivers. For example, the home pictured above boasts more than 6,500 square feet and sits on 1.24 acres. The photo hints at the incredible mountain setting and views, and the main floor master, complete with fireplace, creates a retreat within a retreat. The current list price is $5.3 million.

Moderate

If you are seeking serenity and access to the outdoors, as well as the privacy of a single-family home, moderately priced options like this 1,944-square-foot home fit the bill. You still have gorgeous views here, as well as access to the Yampa River, hiking and biking trails and much more. The current list price is $579,000. 

Get ready to sell with a little home spring cleaning

Spring is a fantastic time to show and sell your home. Warmer weather motivates buyers to look, and many buyers aim to find a new home in spring and summer because it makes moving easier.

If you are planning to sell soon, it's time to do a little spring cleaning to show off your home in its best light. Start with these tried-and-true tasks. Just a little time and effort can go a long way toward attracting buyers and selling your home more quickly:

Add life

Spring is a great time to boost your home's curb appeal. Plant a few spring flowers. Pansies are cold-hardy and can add a touch of mood-boosting color. In fact, science has shown that flowers have a positive impact on mood, and you want your buyers in a good mood when they walk up to your front door. If you don't have the time or inclination to dig in your yard, even a few pots of tulips or other blooms can liven up walkways and porches. Be sure to add a few to your foyer as well.

A short guide to home buying for first-timers

Are you thinking of looking for your first home, but feeling a little lost? You might feel a little wary of the headlines about the 2017 sellers' market, financing options and more, but doing a little home buying homework can help to ease your fears. Start here:

Understand your credit

Start by ordering a free credit report from the three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Visit the Federal Trade Commission website for instructions on how to order your reports (you are entitled to a free one each year). Review the reports for any issues, and work to clear those from your record as soon as possible.

Establish a budget

Really dive into your monthly income and expenses to understand what you can afford; not just what you hope to afford. You want to buy a home that gives you the lifestyle you want, and that includes the ability to save and use money for non-home purposes. So, don't plan to tie up all your income in your mortgage. Begin by tracking your expenses for two or three months to get a handle on where your money is going. Then, set a realistic price range for your home search.

A Steamboat Springs lifestyle combines nature, recreation and culture

There's a reason more than 12,000 people call this beautiful Colorado mountain town home and why even more choose to have a Steamboat vacation home. We enjoy such a unique combination of beauty, outdoor recreation and culture that you can only find here. Here are just a few elements that make up the Steamboat Springs lifestyle:

Nature

Search "Steamboat Springs photos" and you will see what we mean, but nothing beats the experience of living and breathing that beauty in person every day. Towering mountain peaks, lush forests and valleys, rushing rivers: our little corner of the world pretty much sums up what it means to live in the Colorado mountains.

Here are a few reasons to sell a home in 2017

Throughout the state and country, properties have gained tremendous value over the past few years. This year, experts predict that home prices will level out or dip some, but there are still some compelling reasons to sell. Below are just a few reasons to sell a home in 2017:

Interest rates

Although rates have inched up a bit since the election in November, they still remain near record lows. However, experts predict that rates will rise again, as much a 0.9 percent, by year-end. That means many buyers will be motivated to find a home before that rate hike happens.

Enjoy these Steamboat Springs events; from winter into spring

It's hard to believe that a whole month of 2017 is already behind us. Around here, we are in snow and ski heaven and will be for the next few months. So, there is still time to visit and hit the slopes or the snowshoe trails throughout the valley. Whether you prefer to be inside or out, there is something to keep everyone entertained this season. Check out just a few of the upcoming Steamboat Springs events: