Enjoy the Best of the Colorado Outdoors this Winter

Early winter in Colorado is a great time to get outdoors. The mountains, wilderness areas, and parks offer outdoor adventures and unparalleled scenery. Skiers and snowboarders delight in the first blanket of snow to cover the slopes, keeping hopes alive that the fresh powder will continue to fall. Even if skiing or snowboarding isn't your thing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy as we approach the holiday season. Here are a few ideas to try.

1. Horse-drawn Sleigh Rides — What better way to get into the holiday spirit than to snuggle under a blanket as the crisp winter air bites your nose? Listen to the gentle jingling of bells and the rhythmic stride of strapping horses as you embark on a Colorado sleigh ride. 
2. Snowshoeing — If navigating the slopes at a rapid pace is not for you, consider hitting up a backcountry trail on snowshoes. Pick up a trail map from a ranger station, or join a tour and glide across fluffy, snow-covered trails while enjoying the tranquility of your surroundings. 
3. Snowmobiling — If you have a need for speed, snowmobiling might be your favorite outdoor activity. Combine the thrill of a high-speed ride with a spectacular mountain backdrop for the perfect adventure. Frisco Adventure Park and Colorado Backcountry Rentals are two of the most popular places to rent snowmobiles. Whether you want to blaze your own trail or join a group ride, you're sure to enjoy zipping through the fresh powder.
4. Sledding or Tubing — If you're traveling with kids, sledding or tubing is a must. Bundle them up with hats and gloves for a fun-filled day. Tubing hills provide a giggle-inducing experience for everyone. Sail down a hill, catching a bit of air as you roll over gentle bumps. Try the hills at Frisco, Copper, or Keystone for an unforgettable day.
5. Skiing and Snowboarding - With the numerous ski resorts sprinkled throughout Colorado, you have plenty of places to hit the slopes this season. 

Colorado is a winter wonderland filled with fun things to do. Think about the kinds of activities you enjoy and get outside! You might surprise yourself by trying something new.

Top 5 Winterizing Tips for your Mountain Home

Winter is coming and that means it’s time to protect your mountain property from the elements. Harsh winds, freezing temperatures, snow and ice could damage your property if some precaution is not taken heading into the winter months. While you may know the basic measures to help prevent frozen pipes, we’ve compiled a list of winterization tips that we hope you’ll find helpful whether your mountain property is your primary residence or second home. Cheers to a great winter season ahead!

1. Reverse that fan. Reversing your ceiling fan is a small tip that people don’t often think of. By reversing its direction from the summer operation, the fan will push warm air downward and force it to recirculate, keeping you more comfortable.
2. Insulate water lines. Put rubber insulation around hot and cold water pipes. This will also help with your energy bill this winter.
3. Maintain heating units. Replace furnace filters, open and clear vents and make sure your heating appliances are serviced and ready for winter.
4. Fireplace Servicing. A well-serviced fireplace ensures safety and efficiency.  Be sure to check the pilot light, fan, venting and gas line. Have your chimney cleaned regularly. If you have a wood burning stove, make sure you have enough wood available.
5. Hire Snow Removal. Have shovels, snow blower ready or contract for removal.

Is price per square foot a meaningful comparison for homes?

Sometimes price per square foot is meaningful, and sometimes it is less accurate. It does have value when comparing similarly-sized and similarly-configured homes in a very specific area, giving general trends for the neighborhood. It is less accurate when comparing smaller and larger homes, or in the face of unique features like views, premium lots, property condition, etc., that may vary from house to house.

In Summit County, the Price Per Square Foot may be just the beginning when valuing your home. In August 2017 the median price per square foot was up 11-13% across the board

• Single Family Homes price per square foot median across the county is $342
• Condos price per square foot median across the county is $423
• Townhomes/Duplex price per square foot median across the county is $358

Year to Date, the average sales price is up 16.7%. If you're considering to sell, let us do a much more detailed market analysis to get a better determination of value on your home. Then ask us how you can save on your commissions when selling with BreckLiving. 

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year in Breck.

Here's a quick glimpse at just a few events going on in around Breckenridge during our amazing Fall besides hiking, biking, boating, ATV adventures....the list goes on and on.

September 14-17. THE BRECKENRIDGE WINE CLASSIC is a premier destination event where master winemakers, culinary greats, and our distinguished guests gather to play, wine, and dine in beautiful Breckenridge, CO. Experience more than 100 food artisans, wineries, breweries, distilleries, epicurean purveyors, and locally-made products at this ultimate food and wine experience. Whether you are a full-fledged foodie or an emerging gourmand, you are sure to find more than one event to whet your appetite at the Classic.

September 21-24 - BRECKENRIDGE FILM FESTIVAL - This fall marks the Festival’s 37th year and will feature over 60 films selected from the hundreds submitted from around the world. This year’s selections include compelling documentaries, mystery thrillers,a great Adventure Reel, some special screenings with special guests, and something for just about everyone who loves film.

September 23rd, 24th & 30th and October 1st - SUMMIT COUNTY PARADE OF HOMES - Tickets are $20 and available for purchase on line. In September, tickets may be purchased at the Summit County locations of City Market, Coldwell Banker and Bank of the West. Select homes will be selling tickets during the days of the tour.

October 20-22 - Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival, now in its 8th year, features small-batch distillers, artisan spirit seminars, a spirited cooking class, scavenger hunt, fine local cuisine and of course, plenty of sampling. Meet the distillers and taste the creations of 38 distillers at the Grand Tasting- tickets on sale now! 

October 31 - GHOSTLY TALES - Come with us to the darker side of Breckenridge. Find out the Historty of why there are so many ghosts in Breckenridge during this 90 minute walking tour. Dowsing rods available Reservations required.

Colorado REALTORS® Contribute to Harvey Disaster Relief

Being from Texas myself, the outpouring of love from our Summit County Community has just been overwhelming. We saw volunteers, trucks of supplies, and even our Colorado Real Estate Foundation showing love for our Texas Neighbors in the path of Hurricane Harvey. Thousands of people have returned home to begin recovery efforts, many of them finding that they have lost everything. That’s why the Colorado Association of REALTORS® (CAR) and the Colorado REALTOR® Foundation (CRF) have teamed up to contribute $15,000 in relief assistance to help restore lives and communities most affected by Harvey.