The Best Ski Spots in Colorado

January 19, 2018

It’s no secret to anyone that Colorado has some of the best places to ski in the world. Every winter, locals and visitors a like flock to our amazing mountains to enjoy some fresh powder and blue skies. When Friday hits, the avid skiers head towards the mountains to get in their much needed ski time and even though our snow hasn’t been as much this year as previous years, the weather has taken a turn and it is now a great time to get you and your family and friends up for a few turns in the mountains.

I have many clients who are big time skiers and I always like to know where could I recommend if someone asked me the best places to ski. Below is a list of what I have been told as well as a little research that led me to believe even more we have some of the greatest spots to ski:

Breckenridge – (80 miles from Denver) Sitting at 9.600 feet above sea level, Breck as locals call is one of the highest ski towns in the mountains. The mountains themselves feature five fun peaks to shred on – peaks 6 to 10. And when you are done for the day, make sure to head into town for some great happy hour specials and live music.

Aspen – (198 miles from Denver) Probably one of the most well known ski towns there is (in the winter you are sure to see your share of celebs roaming around) the beauty of Aspen is seldom matched with the ski slopes running right into the beautiful historic downtown. If you have a pass for Aspen you can also enjoy Snowmass, Highlands and Buttermilk. If someone in your group isn’t a skier but likes to shop, this high-end area is perfect for them to enjoy premier boutiques and many a lodge to relax in with a hot beverage.

Telluride – (362 miles from Denver) While this is quite the haul for most and may not be an easy weekend getaway spending 6 hours driving one way, Telluride is definitely worth a visit in the winter. Its natural beauty and stunning views are one of a kind and the ski trails start around 8,750 square feet rising all the way up to 13,320 square feet. Festivals happen year round so you will never have a dull moment in this quaint town.

Vail – (97 miles from Denver) Vail is the biggest ski area in the state that also houses the Austrian inspired village, which is stunning from every angle. Beaver Creek and Vail are combined so you can share a daily lift ticket.

Keystone – (76 miles from Denver) Keystone has some steep slopes but also an amazing ski village that has one of the best outdoor skating rinks in the state. The ski area is Summit’s largest at 3,148 acres with three giant peaks. There’s also night skiing on weekends and holidays.

Some other incredible places worth mentioning are Winter Park, Crested Butte, Steamboat Springs, Snowmass, Cooper and Loveland. Bottom line, you can’t go wrong with most ski spots in Colorado and you will be sure to have a good time wherever you go! Don’t forget to wear your helmet and stay safe out there!

Living in the Surban areas of Colorado

January 12, 2018

This new has brought about a lot of changes for real estate agents in Colorado. As we watch the market change daily we have to constantly be on the lookout for what is happening now and what trends will be happening 3-6 months from now. I try very hard to always be on top of my game while also preparing my clients for the future and helping them decide when is the best time to get into the market.

Something new that has been developing across the country is a term known as Surban. That’s right, mixing suburban and urban together to have this very unique term that has meaning here in Denver. Basically what it means is a suburban area that has a feeling of an urban area; blending the best of both worlds to have an area that has an urban feel with walkability to great restaurants and retail spaces from ones apartment or home. “According to a survey by The Urban Land Institute, these areas will draw at least 80 percent of the coming wave of households and will attract the most families in the next 10 years.” (timandjulieharris.com)

As Denver grows as a city I am helping more and more clients look for spaces a little bit more away from the city but still have a city feel to them. A lot of clients are looking for more space, a bit more bang for their buck and realize to have that without crazy prices and competition, they might have to look a little further out from the direct city district. Luckily for them (and you!) I specialize in a lot of there suburban neighborhoods and have good insight into where to look, when to look and even how to look.

The places I specialize in are the following:

Olde Town Arvada

Westminster - Bradburn

Lafayette -

Louisville

Superior

Brighton

Frederick

Erie

Broomfield

It is important to have an experienced realtor when looking at areas to purchase, someone who knows the area and can help guide you towards the right house for you! If you are thinking it might be time to head out to the burbs, get a little more room for you and yours, contact me today and let’s grab coffee to discuss how I can help you achieve those real estate dreams!

Starting the new year off right

January 5, 2018

Let me start by saying happy New Year to you all! We are already a week into 2018 and I know I am feeling a bit overwhelmed already with the amount of work and new years resolutions and planning. But I also feel a sense of hope and happiness as I get to have a new 365 days to work on bettering myself, growing my business, being a present mother and wife and trying out new things. I recently sat down and had a chat with a colleague of mine and she asked me the following questions which I sat with for a few days before I answered. I think these questions are great for everyone to ponder this year:

1. What's something you learned in 2017?

2. What worked for your business this year and what do you hope to change in 2018?

3. Any goals you have for yourself this coming year?

4. Any advice you have for people as they face a new year?

And here are my answers:

1. Everyone seems to want your time and attention these days. Make sure you focus on what and who matters most in your personal and business life.

2. The old saying "Less is more" focusing on doing less and mastering it.

3. Paying off all our business "bad" debt. Credit cards and other loans that don't benefit the business. We paid off all our personal credit card debt in 2017 and rose our credit scores from 690 to over 800. Our goal is to have our house paid off within 10 years.

4. My advice for people facing the new year is to plan your life around what you want and how you want to live. Develop smart money habits. Don't watch what everyone else is doing and think that is how your life should be. I just recently finished a bible plan on YouVersion called "Love Your Life Not Thiers" by Rachel Cruze, the daughter of Dave Ramsey and I highly recommend going through this plan. My other advice for 2018 is:

1. Try to read the Bible everyday. If you live your life by the bible it's just a better life that you will live. You will find yourself more kind, compassionate and loving to one another. The YouVersion App is a great way to do that.

2. Be Present. Get off your phone or any other device during dinner and be with your family and friends and talk to them. It's ok to take photos and post on social but do it after you have finished your time with them. Think about something compelling to say about the time you spent with them. I would also ask for permission from your friends, family, co-workers and business partners to post anything to respect their privacy.

3. Volunteer your time to organizations you have interest in or that will benefit you personally or in your business or work. Don't do it because everyone else is doing it. Make sure it's meaningful to you.

The thing is, we have to start somewhere every time the year starts again and I always say it is better to just begin then to be overwhelmed with how much you think you “need” to do this year. My best advice as you begin another year is to take it a day at a time, make realistic goals and expectations of yourself and finally, make sure to have a little fun this year.

Here’s to an amazing 2018, I look forward to working with you all this year to make your real estate dreams a reality!