Protect your home with this vacation checklist

As Thanksgiving approaches and you look ahead to the winter holidays and vacations, plan now to keep your home safe while you're away. Our home vacation checklist includes:

The cooler months can be a great time to sell

Although many homes sell during the spring and summer months, fall and winter can also be a great time to sell. With less competition from other sellers, your house will stand out. What's more, in a resort location like Steamboat Springs, you have more opportunities to appeal to buyers who are vacationing in the area.

To prepare for a fall or winter sale of your home, follow these tips:

Resources for creating a dream mountain getaway

The mountains are alive with fall colors right now, but soon they will be blanketed in glimmering snow. The changing seasons are truly spectacular to watch here in Steamboat Springs, and the word is out. People love to come here year-round to enjoy the scenery, natural resources and incredible outdoor recreation.

As we gear up for ski season, many people are making travel plans for ski vacations in Steamboat. The slopes officially open on Nov. 24, 2016, and you can purchase your lift tickets here. If you visit before the resort is open, however, you will still find plenty of activities, entertainment, great food and more to keep you busy.

What to keep in mind when buying land in Colorado

With options available from multi-million-dollar homes to small ski condos, there is something for every buyer in Steamboat Springs. For some, though, the ultimate dream is owning a piece of mountain land and building a home from the ground up.

If you are thinking about buying a piece of land in Colorado, keep in mind these tips and questions:

Reasons to head for the hills

You might have joked to friends about heading for the hills to live life as a hermit, but have you really thought seriously about choosing a mountain lifestyle? A lot of us have done it, and so can you: Oh, and you don't have live alone in a remote cabin, unless you really want to.

If you need a little nudge, here are some reasons mountain life might be for you:

Steamboat Springs is a great vacation destination

If you are a skier or snowboarder, Steamboat Springs is hard to beat. We have legendary champagne powder, a charming mountain town complete with incredible food and beer, and some of the nicest people you will meet anywhere.

If you have never been to Steamboat, make plans now for your winter ski vacation. We’re pretty sure you will fall in love with it! When you do, you might also be dreaming of making it your regular vacation destination. If so, full or partial ownership of a ski condo could be a great option. Give us a shout if you plan to visit, and we can show you some options for owning this little slice of winter paradise.

Beautiful fall drives near Steamboat Springs

There's something so relaxing about a mountain drive, and the colors of autumn only enhance that feeling. This weekend and next will be prime viewing time for fall foliage, so add these drives near Steamboat Springs to your list.

Beyond the basics of home-buying

If you are in the market for a home for the first time or the tenth time, you likely already have a handle on some home-buying basics: prequalify for a loan, check your credit, save for a downpayment, and more. Beyond those key points, however, there are a few things that even seasoned home buyers might not consider.

Use these lesser-known tips for home buyers as you begin your search:

Own a piece of paradise

For some, the word "paradise" conjures up images of sandy beaches, clear water and lots of sunshine. For people who return to Steamboat Springs year after year, it means champagne powder, stunning mountain views, endless outdoor recreation opportunities in all seasons and, of course, soothing hot springs.

If the latter description is your idea of an ideal getaway, we invite you to consider making Steamboat your permanent home like we did!

Show off your home's potential this season

Strategic home staging can give your home an edge over the competition when you are trying to sell, and great home staging makes the most of each season.

Take a look at these fall home staging tips if you are trying to sell this September: 

Start with the basics of home staging

Regardless of season, there are a few basic home-staging steps that you should always take. Those include: 

• Decluttering outside and inside
• Adding a fresh coat of neutral paint where needed
• Removing personal items like family photos and anything the detracts from a room's potential
• Using the "less is more" rule for furniture and accessories; leave only the items that help a buyer see a room's possible uses
• Position furniture in comfortable seating groups, away from walls
• Repurpose any storage or junk rooms to show how they could be used; buyers love offices and useful bonus rooms

Add in seasonal flair

For fall, try these simple tips to give your staging an extra boost: 

• Rake leaves in the front lawn and clean up any unsightly plants to boost curb appeal
• Add fall touches to the porch and front door, including corn stalks, pumpkins, hay bales and other fall decor; keep it simple and sophisticated, and remember the "less is more" rule
• Light a fire in your fireplace for physical and visual warmth
• Turn on the lights; on a cloudy or cool day, your home should feel extra inviting, and light helps
• Bring the outdoors in; use trimmings from autumn trees to make beautiful indoor arrangements
• Light some scented candles with autumn tones; pumpkin spice and woodsy scents are nice touches
• Use accessories, such as throw pillows or blankets, in warm autumn tones like burnt orange or mustard yellow

The goal with home staging is helping your potential buyers envision a comfortable life in your home. Your staging should show, clearly and immediately, how each room can be used. In addition, seasonal staging can help a home feel more warm and cozy, which is especially important during cooler months. 

If you are buying or selling a home in Steamboat Springs, contact us using the form below. We will put our nearly 30 years of experience, and local expertise, to work for you.