Location, location, location. That’s something you often hear when searching for a property to buy in Summit or Park County. But what do people really mean by that? And why is it so important? Aside from the obvious (that the value of certain locations will increase at a faster rate than others), location is often what determines whether you are going to love your new home or not. The house might seem like a dream home, but if it’s not in the right location, it won’t be your dream home.
Buying a new home (whether it’s a second home or one that you will use full-time) is very much an individual decision. When you start the home buying process it’s important to consider what you want, and how you will use your home with family, friends, and guests. Working with an experienced local real estate agent is always helpful. Especially so if you plan to rent out your home when you’re not using it. A local agent will be familiar with local laws and how they apply to you. They will also help you narrow down your search area based on your specific wants and needs (or refer you to an agent who specializes in your specific criteria). As an example, the Summit and Park County area offers many choices in location, amenities, and price points. But not every agent specializes in Mountain and Luxury properties. For this reason, before you start interviewing agents, it could be helpful to consider what type of location will work best for you.
Although everyone prioritizes them differently, I have found that there are certain criteria that are important to all buyers when it comes to location.
Convenience and Access to Utilities
A remote, secluded mountain home might be perfect as a second home or holiday getaway but if you plan to make this your primary residence have you considered the commute to town for shopping, dining, and work? If you work remotely, will you be able to get high-speed internet and cell phone access? Ask yourself if it makes sense for you in the long term. There are many variables but thankfully there are just as many amenities to choose from.
Is a remote riverfront home just what you want? How about a place in town so you can walk to get a coffee or breakfast? Does it make sense to find a place for your group so everyone can walk home at the end of a late night? Do you want to be on, or close to the golf course? Is a secluded mountain home in the woods with great views and thirty-five acres your dream home?
Home With a View
Compared to a typical home in the suburbs where views are not usually an item on the checklist, views can oftentimes be the deciding factor between two homes in Summit or Park Counties. Some homes are tucked in a valley, and while this can be a beautiful setting, others offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. We’re lucky and it’s hard to find a home that doesn’t have some sort of nice view, but again, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Do you want a home with a western-facing view that will display the breathtaking mountain sunsets? A home that has great exposure and views facing to the east is nice as well; there’s something special about having coffee on the deck on a crisp morning while watching the sun come up.
But it’s important to be very keen when looking at the views of a home and asking, “Are these views protected? Who owns the land in our ‘viewshed’? What can be built there?” It can be deceiving in a new development, when there are very few homes built, to visualize the changes to the views once other homes are constructed. It’s not uncommon for homeowners to buy adjacent lots to guarantee open space and protect their views. Great, unobstructed views will positively impact the value of a home or property, and homes on a National Forest fence line are also very desirable.
Summit and Park County Locations at a Glance
| Location Options in Summit County | Location Options in Park County |
| 1. Ski-in/Ski-out homes are common in Breckenridge, Keystone, and Copper Mountain. 2. If you’d prefer to be in town, closer to stores and restaurants (some within walking distance) Breckenridge, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne are great options. 3. Out-of-town locations offer options for great mountain views or secluded forest settings in developed subdivisions or unincorporated areas of the county. 4. Something to keep in mind, Summit County prices tend to be higher than Park County. | 1. Park County is more affordable than Summit County. 2. A variety of in-town locations and many secluded options for a greater sense of privacy. 3. Home lots are usually larger in size. 1- 3 acres are common in Park County. 4. Still offers great access to skiing, hiking, fishing, rafting, etc. |
How Can We Help?
Choosing a location to buy shouldn’t be stressful. We hope that you’ve found this information informative and if you need buying or selling guidance in Summit or Park County please reach out! We will also continue to provide you with relevant and up-to-date information here on our blog.
If you would like more information on how the Summit and Park County real estate market is doing, you can also sign up for our detailed monthly market report by clicking this link.
Best Regards,
Scott & Anne Lindblom
Broker Associates
[email protected]
[email protected]
Scott: 970-485-4065
Anne: 608-345-2734
www.LindblomGroupe.com