Our local real estate news and market info.

Tips for Choosing a Colorado Property Manager for Your Summit County Home

Our Tips for Choosing a Colorado Property Manager for Your Summit County Home. Do you own a home in Summit County, Colorado or a surrounding area? If the answer is yes-  Congratulations! You own a home in an extremely popular resort destination with a big earning potential in the vacation rental market. The vacation rental industry in Summit County is huge and there are hundreds of property management companies in the county who offer their services to help homeowners who are new to the rental venture and/or need help with daily operations. Choosing the right property manager can be overwhelming. We are here to help by offering tips for choosing the very best property manager for one of your most valuable assets.

This is the first in a 5-part series with tips to help you choose a property manager for your Summit County vacation rental property. What we will cover:

  • Suggested Search Tips
  • Questions to Ask Potential Property Manager
  • Guest Management
  • Marketing/Business
  • The Vacation Home Itself

 

Suggested Colorado Property Manager Search Tips

  • If you have just purchased your home, find out if it was previously being rented and ask for contact information for the previous maintenance vendors. If the previous homeowner was happy with the hot tub company or the appliance repairman, you will want to keep using that same vendor as they are already familiar with the nuances of your hot tub or your kitchen appliances.
  • Mystery shop 3-5 companies: Visit their website. Call their office number and send a direct email with an inquiry about one of their properties. Note the type of response you get (how quick, how friendly, how informative). Responsiveness to phone calls and emails is of utmost importance in the vacation rental industry. Not only are guests most likely to book with the first company to respond, but when an emergency is encountered, time is of the essence for quick action. Furthermore, complaints made by neighbors must be handled within one hour to stay in compliance with town and county ordinances.
  • Read Google, TripAdvisor, VRBO, and Airbnb reviews for any company you are considering.
  • If your Realtor endorses a particular company, ask if they are being paid for their endorsement or receiving a kickback of any kind. Ask them what personal knowledge they have about the company they are endorsing.
  • If time and money allows, stay a few nights in a home managed by a company you are considering signing with. You will receive first-hand experience of how the guests will be treated, how timely any issues are addressed, and you can inspect the property to get an idea of how well the home is being cared for and maintained.

Colorado Luxe Living specializes in catering to the needs of second homeowners in Breckenridge and other areas of Summit County, Colorado. We hope these tips for choosing a property manager will be helpful to you in such an important decision. The Colorado Luxe Living staff lives in Breckenridge full time and knows the area well. We are committed to providing an exceptional property management experience to those wanting to tap into the vacation rental market.

Move to Colorado Springs – Once Again Lauded as a “Best Place to Live” in USA

Colorado Springs Once Again Lauded as a “Best Place to Live” in USA

Looking to Move to Colorado Springs? Colorado Springs, proudly referred to as Olympic City USA, once again made the list of rankings for “Best Place to Live.” The Olympic City USA came in third behind Boston and Denver. Researchers score metrics like desirability, value, job market, quality of life, and migration. So, let’s see why so many seek homes in Colorado Springs.

What People Move to Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs SignResidents tend to measure the quality of life a little differently. Colorado Springs fits at the foot of Pikes Peak between the Red Rocks and the High Plains. It is a Mecca for lovers of outdoor recreation and people who love unique shops, restaurants, and attractions. The peaceful city offers a low cost of living and vibrant job market. Excellent educational institutions including the United States Air Force Academy and public and private schools appeal to families. A handful of military bases solidify a diverse economy.

Most importantly, Colorado Springs features a broad collection of attractive subdivisions, parks, and community amenities – at price points running the gamut. Homes in Colorado Springs also put residents close to mountain ski resorts and big-city activities in Denver. These places are only about an hour away.

Colorado Springs Consistently Ranks

US News & World Report has ranked Colorado Springs highly for many years. In addition to the No. 3 Best Places ranking in 2020, Colorado Springs is often selected as Most Desirable Place to Live. Recently enjoyed high rankings are as follows:

  • No. 3 Best Place to Live in 2019
  • No. 1 Most Desirable Place to Live in 2018
  • No. 2 Most Desirable Place to Live by readers in 2017
  • No. 2 Best Place to Live in 2018
  • No. 11 Best Place to Live in 2017
  • No. 5 Best Place to Live in 2016
  • No. 2 Most Desirable Place to Live in 2016
  • No. 2 Best Places to Live in Colorado in 2019

Methodology Used for Rankings

Researchers assign a point system to the nation’s top metropolitan areas. Statistics pertaining to the cost of living, the job market, crime rates, the quality of education, city vibe and desirability. They take into consideration things to do such as attractions, recreation, and culture. They look at the traffic, commute times, weather, and cost of living. In addition, the median household income and housing costs are evaluated. Finally, the team considers migration stats, looking to see if people are attracted to the area.

Colorado Springs Air Force Chapel

Colorado Springs Air Force Chapel

Best Place to Live

The US News & World Report Magazine searches through 125 cities using a broad range of criteria to come to its conclusions. Among other criteria, they present awards for Best Places to Live in the US, Best Places to Live in Colorado, Best Places to Retire in US, and Best Places to Live for Quality of Life. Colorado Springs is a great big city.

Planning Relocation to Colorado Springs

Colorado Luxe Living Real Estate and Property Management serves Summit County, Denver, and Pikes Peak regions. We offer individual boutique services to make your relocation to Colorado as smooth as possible…and a rewarding experience.  Call us today at (303) 205-7875.

Monument Colorado

Colorado Vacation Rentals: Place Your Feet on Best Trails in Summit County

Colorado Vacation Rentals: Place Your Feet on Best Trails in Summit County

Ask about Colorado vacation rentals in Breckenridge.  Come alone or bring the whole crew to hike Summit County’s best trails this year.  There’s a place for you to stay in Breckenridge.  Look into our current Colorado vacation rentals at River Mountain Lodge and in Blue River.  If you fall in love with the Rocky Mountain lifestyle, Colorado Luxe Living will find you a long-term rental.  Make it permanent with fine Summit County real estate to add to your portfolio.  Colorado Vacation Rentals
Take the easier trails, difficult ones, and those in between.  It doesn’t really matter.  The important thing is fresh mountain air and a new perspective.  You will long remember the refreshing beauty: fabulous mountain vistas, rustling aspen, and bubbling streams.

Trails in Summit County

So, come on up to the high country and find the best trails.  Take a quick spin around Lake Dillon or conquer Quandary Peak.  People of every hiking ability sing the praises of Summit County trails.  Imagine hitting the 100 trailheads and exploring the diverse trail systems–one hike as exciting as the next.  For example, there are 300 miles of hiking trails in the Dillon Ranger District of the White River National Forest.  Summit County maintains 50 miles of natural surface trails and 40 miles of dirt roads.
  1. 1. Mohawk Lakes Trail is at the southern end of the Ten Mile Range.  This hike is less than 7 miles round-trip and takes you near streams and waterfalls to the Upper Mohawk Lake.
  2. 2. Baldy Mountain or Bald Mountain is close to downtown.  It is popular Ridgeline leads to Boreas Mountain.  Breckenridge sits at 9600 feet and these trails take you to over 13,000 feet without too much duress.  Catch the trail at Highway 9 via Boreas Pass Road.
  3. 3. After those warm-ups, go higher:  Grays Peak and Torreys Peak measure over 14,000 feet.  Find the easiest trail to Torreys at exit 221 on Interstate 70, go over dirt park area to Forest Road 189 for 3 miles.  Start early in the day for the full 9-hour hike.

Go Steeper

Now go for the hike to Peak 1, a pointed Peak above Frisco.  This is a 4000-foot ascent, mostly above the tree line.  To find the trailhead, take Highway 9 to West on Main Street.  Turn left on second Street to the end of the road.  Alternately, take the trailhead from Frisco Recreation Path at Mount Royal Trailhead.  Not far away is the trail to Buffalo Mountain where you experience impressive views of Lake Dillon.  This hike is about 6 miles round-trip.  From Silverthorne take Wilderness Road to the end.Colorado Vacation Rentals
Bring warm summer clothes for the upward journeys into Colorado high country.  And, yes, come stay a while in one of our comfortable vacation rentals.

Property Management Services – Colorado Vacation Rentals

Colorado Luxe Living Property Management offers boutique vacation rentals and long-term rentals.  Call us at (303) 205-7875.  Realtors and property managers at Colorado Luxe Living provide premium services in the real estate industry, always adding knowledge and expertise to meet our clients’ goals.  Serving Summit County, Denver metro and Pikes Peak regions.  Ask about our specials.

Check out a Handful of Denver Communities for More Affordable Real Estate

As prices for Denver homes keep moving out of reach for many, we point you to affordable real estate in a handful of communities.  Not rock bottom, really, unless you want to investigate our charming fixer upper home for sale in Fort Lupton.  Built in 1900, this 3-bedroom/2-bath home could audition for HGTV.  Fort Lupton is north of Brighton, east of Fredericksburg and Interstate 25, and west of Denver International Airport.

Affordable Real EstateLocated at 721 7 Street, Fort Lupton, CO 80621.  The farmhouse-style building is being sold as is with an affordable price of $220,000.  This 1327 square foot home could be transformed into a modern farmhouse.  Listing ID #5061985 in Lobato subdivision.

Other Denver Communities with Affordable Options

Closer to Downtown Denver, desirable suburbs include Longmont real estate.  How about Arvada and Westminster, historic towns with lots going on.  There are comparably low-cost homes in Aurora, which is southeast of Denver.  And explore homes in the Englewood area south of Denver.

Affordable Real Estate

ARVADA

Get closer to jobs in Denver and mountain recreation by investigating Arvada real estate. The median home price is under $380,000.  Arvada gives you a rural vibe, Olde Town center, plenty of recreational activities woven into its rich historic tapestry.  Besides reasonable home prices, newcomers are drawn here for the wonderful culture, low crime, low cost of living, reputable Jefferson County schools and proximity to exemplary universities.

WESTMINSTER

Between Boulder and Denver, affordable real estate in Westminster may suit your family.  The median home price here is about $360,000.  Westminster homes are about 10 minutes from Downtown Denver via Light Rail.  Think of the Butterfly Pavilion and nature and you will understand Westminster.

AURORAAffordable Real Estate

A Best Place to Live, the City of Aurora draws many families to affordable real estate.  Her median home price remains under $320,000.  This community features plenty of organized sports, an artsy edge, and professional industries such as Buckley Air Force Base and University of Colorado medical campus.   Water sports are also popular at Aurora Reservoir.

ENGLEWOOD

Englewood homes sit off Highway 85 south of Denver and north of Littleton.  The median home price is under $375,000.  The eclectic community features unique shops, theater, restaurants, hangouts, and outdoor music.

Denver Real Estate Agents and Property Management Services

Call Colorado Luxe Living Real Estate at (303) 205-7875 for more information about Denver real estate investments, property management and home rentals.

Equestrian Home Rentals in Colorado – Board or Rent a Horse Nearby

2-story Aurora Single Family Home in Adonea Subdivision

Equestrian Home Rentals in Colorado – Board or Rent a Horse Nearby

If you want to ride horses in Colorado, ask about home rentals.  Near the city, choose from rental homes west of Denver or Colorado Springs or in Douglas County.   Though you could end up buying your own horse property in Boulder or Douglas counties, try renting a house or condo close to stables.  In Colorado you cannot get too far from horses.

Rent a home and a horse.  Why not?  Your life is fluid right now and it is hard to commit to caring for a horse or owning the pastor you need.  Indoor riding arenas, private lessons, plenty for children – dressage, hunter and jumper–and rodeo are offered throughout the area.  Talk to Colorado Luxe Living Property Management division.  We will find you a rental home near equestrian activities.

Horse Country

Equestrian Home Rentals

Denver Penthouse for Rent

Take a tour.  If you travel off the beaten path south from I-70 on Highway 74, see fields of grazing horses—from Evergreen to Morrison and down Highway 285 through Conifer.  East of I-25, Highway 83 runs parallel. Taking this route, drivers immediately notice the uptick in horse trailers.  Beautiful suburban horse properties and boarding stables are prominent throughout Parker, Franktown, Castle Rock, Larkspur, Monument, and Black Forest.   Homes for rent in these areas sit close to boarding facilities.

Summit County Homes for Rent

1. Ski Home in Breckenridge: 6 beds/4 baths/4097 sf, $6200
2. Condo in Expedition Station: 1 bed/2 baths/556 sf, $2550

Denver Homes for Rent

3. Bungalow in Platt Park: 4 bedroom/2 baths/1944 sf, $3500
4. Denver Penthouse for Rent:  3 beds/2.5 baths/1336 sf, $3300
5. Home near Downtown and Sloan’s Lake: 4 beds/3 baths/1521 sf, $3500
6. Littleton Dutch Ridge Townhouse: 2 beds/1 bath/870 sf, $1595

Aurora Colorado Homes for Rent

7. North Aurora Home: 3 bedrooms/2 baths/1716 sf, $2100
8. Aurora/Fitzsimons/Anschutz: 3 beds/3 baths/1499 sf, $2150
9. 2-story Aurora Single Family Home in Adonea Subdivision: 4 beds/4 baths/2496 sf, $2500

Colorado Springs Homes for Rent

10. Rockrimmon Condo in NE Colorado Springs: 3 bedrooms/2 baths/1406 sf, $1600

Rental Homes near Stables

Equestrian Home Rentals

Aurora/Fitzsimons/Anschutz

Do you only ride occasionally?  There are hundreds of equestrian ranches throughout Summit County.  Rudolph Ranch and Elk Ridge Ranch in Dillon or Breckenridge Stables for starters.  Closer to Denver, check out stables in Conifer or Evergreen or Brighton.  Triple Creek Ranch in Longmont and the list goes on.

Buying Equestrian Properties in Central Colorado

If you dream of the Colorado Western lifestyle, think about buying a Colorado home in a horse friendly subdivision.  At many in Douglas County feature 5-acre parcels.  Several neighborhoods also feature community barns and stables.  Bannock Ranch in Colorado Springs comes to mind.  As do the Douglas County subdivisions in Parker and on the west side of Castle Rock.  Maybe Pradera or Horse Creek.

Start an Equine Hobby

Horses and their horseback riders thrive in Central Colorado.  Our equine friends sense their importance in keeping us happy and healthy.  Trails lead along the rivers, through the undulating foothills, and into meadows and dales.  Regardless of where you go, take the time to show up at rodeos and county fairs when the lockdown eases up.  They will give you a peek at the equestrian opportunities around Denver and Colorado Springs.

Through the seasons, horses lead us through the cathedrals of Colorado wildernesses and woodlands.  Take your horse and venture into the national forests and mountain peaks in Summit County for some fantastic vistas.

Property Management Services and Home Rentals

The team at Colorado Luxe Living Property Management offers high-quality real estate and property management servicesCall us at (303) 205-7875.  We offer online tours and personal guidance to meet your goals and standards.  Serving Summit County as well as the Denver and Pikes Peak regions.

Sell Colorado Home Live Virtual Showings

Colorado Luxe Living Will Help You Sell Or Buy Your Colorado Home Virtually

Sell or Buy a Colorado Home Virtually with Colorado Luxe Living


We Will Help You Leverage The Sale Of Your Home By Keeping Your Home In Front of Buyers Virtually!! Buyers We Will Set You Up With Every NEW Listing That Hits The Market Daily With Our Multiple Advanced Systems And Technology!

VIRTUAL TOURS
Looking to Sell or buy a Colorado Home Virtually? In a time where social distancing is a priority, we leverage 3D scans to create a virtual home viewing experience! We use different platforms like Matterport, Cupix and EyeSpy360 which combines still images into a virtual home tour that helps clients understand the layout of your home.

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSES
We conduct a virtual open house for potential buyers to walk through the home. We utilize platforms such as Kleard, Immoviewer, and BombBomb. We market and direct target on Facebook, Instagram and Zoom to get potential buyers engaged and allow them a live look into your home. While we are walking through the property with the potential buyer, we encourage them to ask questions and we point out the best features your home has to offer! The more we get the buyer to engage the better the video and a better chance of receiving a offer.

VIRTUAL STAGING
When your home is vacant it can create numerous questions from potential buyers when it comes to floor plans and how the house would look when furnished. We leverage our technology with a platform called Box Brownie that offers a variety of photo editing services that includes adding furniture and item removal.


VIRTUAL MEETINGS
Co. Luxe Living conducts weekly meetings with you using our virtual platforms such as Zoom, Google hangouts and or Blue Jeans. We will discuss potential buyers, contracts and the next steps moving forward to a successful closing. The focus is making sure the process is seamless and less stressful for both sides of the transaction due to the current situation. Our communication with our buyers are daily as soon as we get notification of a property that meets your family’s desired needs we are getting you in front of your computer to view the virtual tour. We don’t want you to loose out on possible missing your forever home!

VIRTUAL CONTRACTS
We will present every offer to you via electronically with a platform called CTME. You will be able to sign all documents through this platform from the convenience of your home. Towards the end of the contract deadlines depending on Title company they will arrange either a notary to come to you and or some Title companies are offering up drive through services.

WE ARE EXCITED TO WORK WITH YOU IN GETTING YOUR HOME SOLD OR BEING APART OF FINDING YOUR FOREVER HOME IN THIS NEW ERA!

PLEASE CONTACT US AT [email protected] OR CALL OUR OFFICE AT 303-205-7875

PCS Military Families Seek Prime Colorado Springs Real Estate & Resources

PCS Military Families Seek Prime Colorado Springs Real Estate & Resources

Colorado Springs real estate is close five US military bases, renowned medical facilities and good schools.  This post sounds off about neighborhoods, recreation, education, and culture that thrive in this idyllic setting.  From 6100-foot elevations at the foot of Pikes Peak, we survey the Rocky Mountains to the west and the high plains to the east.  And we travel along the Front Range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains to broaden our view.

Colorado Springs real estate

Welcome to Colorado Springs

We hope to inspire the relocating PSC military families with the many amenities found here.  There are reasons we receive honors as the Best in our class.  A variety of unique amenities greet newcomers with a smile.  In this article, we hope to introduce you to things we love about our city.

From the top of Pikes Peak, Katherine Lee Bates penned the lyrics to “America the Beautiful.”  She saw the majesty from the summit; we usually find the splendor from its base. Colorado Springs was founded in 1871 and grew heartily after General Palmer installed the railroad.  People first came for the climate, healing and gold. Today, 700,000 residents kindle the heart of prime Colorado Springs communities.

Colorado Springs Real Estate near Military Bases

Military families often return to connect or reconnect with the many desirable neighborhoods and superior lifestyle options.

FORT CARSON in South Colorado Springs Real Estate
Fountain, Security-Widefield, Stratmoor, Broadmoor

US AIR FORCE ACADEMY in Northwest Colorado Springs Real Estate
Briargate, Gleneagle, Peregrine, Woodmen, Black Forest, Flying Horse

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE in East Colorado Springs
Security-Widefield, Downtown, Cimarron Hills, Falcon

SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE at the Colorado Springs Regional Airport
Cimarron Hills, Old Colorado City, Broadmoor, Old North End

NORAD/CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN AIR FORCE STATION in Southwest Colorado Springs
Stratmoor, Broadmoor Bluffs, Cheyenne

Recreation

The sun shines upon Colorado Springs more than 300 days of the year, encouraging a variety of recreational and leisure activities.  The Alpine desert climate gives us just enough rain and snow to remind us we have four seasons.  The average humidity is 51.5 percent.  This lends itself to mountain hikes, mountain biking, fishing, and plenty of games and sports.

Attractions and Activities

Whether you plan to visit local attractions often or simply to tour with your houseguests, there will always be interesting places to show.  The landmark United States Air Force Academy sits right along a major hiking and biking trail that runs north/south through the area.  It passes the Garden of the Gods where you find red rock formations.  Children enjoy visits to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and Seven Falls Park.

Over 150 city and state parks add to the beauty of Colorado Springs.  Seasoned trails lead through many of them, including horse trails.  You’ll be able to explore the Great Outdoors in larger ones like Pulpit Rock Park, Palmer Park, Pikes Peak Recreation Area, and North Slope Recreation Area.  Then, it may be time to head out for whitewater rafting in Canyon or alpine skiing and fly-fishing in the High Country.

Education and Economy

Good public and private schools feed into robust options for higher education.  More than a handful of colleges and universities present residents with a variety of options.  These schools feed into the needs of local employers and large companies.  The equation feeds many sectors of the Colorado Springs economy.  It weaves around the health industry, tourism, defense industry, and a strong IT community.

In addition to the US Air Force Academy, colleges include Pikes Peak Community College, Colorado College, Colorado Technical University, DeVry University, University of Colorado, and Webster.

Real Estate Services

Colorado Luxe Living agents offer personalized resources and discounts for PSC military families.  Call Colorado Luxe Living Real Estate at (303) 205-7875 for more information about Colorado Springs real estate investments to fit your goals and fulfill your needs.  Our Realtors and Property Management team serve Pikes Peak, Denver, and Summit County regions.

A Big Thank You to our Clients who Buy or Sell with Colorado Luxe Living

A Big Thank You to our Clients who Buy or Sell with Colorado Luxe Living

Our gift to clients for entrusting us with your real estate business is a trip to Las Vegas! “Buy or sell with me and you will score a trip for two to Vegas!” teases Wendy Perkins, Broker/Owner of Colorado Luxe Living. Over many years, Wendy has seen clients who could use a little break. That’s why she is excited to give her clients a closing gift of a relaxing experience.

Trip Details

If you get on board buying or selling Colorado real estate with us, you will be receiving this complimentary gift of travel on us! What a better way to celebrate your newest home sale or purchase than by going on vacation with a friend or loved one!

Everything will be taken care of once we get to the closing table and close. Clients simply ask our real estate agent to book on their behalf or opt for a gift card in the amount of $700.

The gift of travel includes the following:

Round-trip airfare for two people
Two nights of accommodations in Las Vegas

Call the agents at Colorado Luxe Living Real Estate at (303) 205-7875 for information about Colorado real estate investments to fit your needs.

 

Disclaimer:

1). Travel taxes and additional fees above the $700 will be the responsibility of the participating party. Other conditions may apply.

2). This offer can not be combined with any other offers for example the 1% Listing Fee we offer to List your property. Other conditions may apply.

 

 

This gift is purposefully planned as a memorable vacation, not a thing or a branded product.

Dr. Gilovich explains:

“Our experiences are a bigger part of ourselves than our material goods. You can really like your material stuff. You can even think that part of your identity is connected to those things, but nonetheless, they remain separate from you. In contrast, your experiences really are part of you. We are the sum-total of our experiences.”

Company incentive WARNING: This clause is to indicate that the buyer or seller may also receive a separate special travel trip package (closing gift on behalf of agent as a thank you for trusting him/her with their business) as part of their purchase or sale. If the company/agent meets its 2020 sales goal of $10+ million, all clients will be entered into an end of year drawing (December 2020). The client whose name is drawn will be awarded a cruise with a cash value of $3500. The winner may opt for a gift card in the amount of $3500. To perform this commitment, the company/agent must meet sales goals.