Steamboat Springs Homes
Private residences in the Yampa Valley come in all shapes, sizes and prices, and they range in age from pre-1900 to brand new. Homes may be purchased as a primary, retirement, vacation or rental / investment home. With a myriad of variables to consider, I would be happy to help match the perfect property with your desires. Many factors go into the purchase of a single family home, Some of the more important considerations include:
Location
A key component to an owner’s satisfaction in a home is its location. Money can change many aspects of a property to personalize any home, but money cannot change a property’s location. The main question on location is “town or country”? Owning in town offers a sense of community with neighborhood conversation, support and activities. It also provides convenient access to the many recreational attractions and amenities Steamboat offers, as well as its schools, grocery stores, trails, public transportation, restaurants and shops…no more than ten minutes away. Country life would require a longer commute, yet offer more solitude and rural lifestyle many enjoy, be it a cabin in the woods or ranch. There are plenty of locations in a variety of directions from Steamboat Springs a country home could be located. One could also consider living in the smaller communities south of town in Stagecoach, Oak Creek, Phippsburg, Yampa and Toponas, west in Hayden and Milner, or north in Clark, Steamboat Lake, Hahns Peak Village and Columbine. Real estate values are typically lower the further away from Steamboat a property is located.
Style & Design
There is nothing like the rustic elegance of a well-designed mountain home. Warm earth tones, a functional floor plan and thoughtful positioning of the home to take in sun and views are critical. Snow is a major reason many live here, however, it could prove to be a problem if the house is designed with roof pitches dumping snow in front of entrances, garage doors, etc. There are many other factors one needs to consider when owning a home in snow country, and I'll be there to point out those concerns.
Property Condition
The high-country climate can be rough on a home, but building techniques continue to improve. With over 35 years of living in the mountains, I’ll be able to give you my opinion on the condition of the property, how the property was cared for and potential flaws. However, once a home is under contract it is still highly recommended to retain the services of a professional property inspector who can identify additional concerns.
Use Considerations
How you intend on using your Steamboat home will play a big role in the home that will work best for you. If you’re a first-time homeowner, you may only live in the home for a few years before you build up equity and your family needs grow, so look for a property that will serve a wide variety of needs for future ease of resale. A more mature family may want a home that will provide private space for as many family members as possible, and may want to consider commute time to school and activities. Retirement home owners may want the master bedroom on the main level. Buyers seeking a vacation property to meet the needs of a multigeneration family, where grandparents, parents and kids of all ages can come together and spend quality time together, may require plenty of room with amenities nearby for everyone to enjoy.
Home Care
Second / vacation home owners should not have to worry about their home while away. For that peace of mind there are several ‘home care’ companies who can keep an eye on your property. Weekly / monthly site visits, arranging for snow and trash removal, housekeeping, overseeing contractors and even stocking the refrigerator before a late-night arrival are just a couple of services available. Technology can also help where owners can sit in front of their home computer and monitor or set room temperatures and even see how much snow is in the front yard from their security camera.
The Steamboat lifestyle can be enjoyed with a single family home that meets the needs of its owner. Many factors come into play when searching for the right property. Worse than paying too much for a property is buying the wrong property. The best way to avoid both of these is by working with an agent who will do their best to understand your needs, look out for your best interests and help you negotiate the best price and terms for you.
