Road & Weather Info

Summit County: 970-668-1090
Vail: 970-479-2226
Colorado: 877-315-7623 or 303-639-1111
Weather: 970-668-0600
Avalanche Forecast: 970-668-0600
AAA Roadside Asst: 800-222-4357
Bus – Summit Stage: 970-668-0999

Ski Resorts & Snow Reports

A-Basin: 888-272-7246 or 970-468-0718
Breckenridge: 800-789-snow or 970-453-6118
Copper Mountain: 800-789-7609 or 866-841-2481 for general info
Keystone: 970-496-4111
Vail: 970-476-4888

Airlines & Airports

Air Canada: 888-422-7533
Air Tran Airways: 800-247-8726
American: 800-223-5436
America West: 800-235-9292
Alaska Airlines: 800-252-7522
Continental: 800-784-4444
Delta: 800-325-1999
Frontier: 800-432-1359
Horizon Air: 800-547-9308
Jet Blue: 800-538-2583
Lufthansa: 800-645-3880
Midwest: 800-452-2022
Northwest: 800-441-1818
Southwest: 800-435-9792
United: 800-824-6200
US Airways: 800-943-5436
Denver International Airport (DIA): 800-247-2336 or 303-342-2000 or 303-342-8477 for security wait times

Airport Shuttle Services

A Advantage Limousine Service: 303-421-4300
Colorado Mountain Express: 800-525-6363
The Mountains USA: 866-433-2244

Full Pass– Includes unlimited access to Keystone, Breckenridge, A-Basin, Vail & Beaver Creek
Adult: $1799
Teen (age 13-17): $739
Child (age 5-12): $529
Senior (age 65-69): $1399
Senior (age 70+): $649
Value Pass– Includes unlimited access to Keystone, Breckenridge and A-Basin, restricted access to Vail and Beaver Creek.
Young Adult (age 18-22): $749
B/K/A Full Pass– Unlimited access to Keystone, Breckenridge and A-Basin. (only available for purchase until 11/12/06)
Senior (age 65-69): $259
Ski 3 Pass- unlimited access to Keystone, Breckenridge, and A-Basin. (only available for purchase until 12/22/06)
Adult: $379
Child: $179
Weekday Pass- Includes unlimited Monday – Friday  access at Keystone, Breckenridge, A-Basin, and Heavenly, some restrictions apply Monday – Friday at Vail and Beaver Creek.
Seniors (age 70+): $429
Senior 70+ 10 day Pass- 10 day access to Keystone, Breckenridge, A-Basin, Heavenly, Vail, and Beaver Creek.  Some restrictions apply at Vail and Beaver Creek.
Senior (age 70+): $379
Colorado Pass– Includes unlimited access to Keystone, Breckenridge, and A-Basin + 10 days, restrictions apply, at Vail and Beaver Creek.
Adult: $399
Teen: $299
Child: $189
Buddy Pass–  Includes Keystone, Breckenridge and A-Basin
Adult: $369
Keystone/A-Basin 4-Pack: $99
Previous passholders can renew online at www.snow.com.  New passholders must purchase their passes in person.

Use PEAKS rewards, a free discount and loyalty program that gets you discounted lift tickets at the ticket window and even better savings if you purchase your lift tickets at least 7 days in advance.  Go to www.snow.com/info/peaks.signup.asp to sign up.

Breckenridge:
Full Pass– Includes unlimited access to Keystone, Breckenridge, A-Basin, Vail & Beaver Creek
Adult: $1799
Teen (age 13-17): $739
Child (age 5-12): $529
Senior (age 65-69): $1399
Senior (age 70+): $649
Value Pass– Includes unlimited access to Keystone, Breckenridge and A-Basin, restricted access to Vail and Beaver Creek.
Young Adult (age 18-22): $749
B/K/A Full Pass– Unlimited access to Keystone, Breckenridge and A-Basin. (only available for purchase until 11/12/06)
Senior (age 65-69): $259
Ski 3 Pass- unlimited access to Keystone, Breckenridge, and A-Basin. (only available for purchase until 12/22/06)
Adult: $379
Child: $179
Weekday Pass- Includes unlimited Monday – Friday  access at Keystone, Breckenridge, A-Basin, and Heavenly, some restrictions apply Monday – Friday at Vail and Beaver Creek.
Seniors (age 70+): $429
Senior 70+ 10 day Pass- 10 day access to Keystone, Breckenridge, A-Basin, Heavenly, Vail, and Beaver Creek.  Some restrictions apply at Vail and Beaver Creek.
Senior (age 70+): $379
Colorado Pass– Includes unlimited access to Keystone, Breckenridge, and A-Basin + 10 days, restrictions apply, at Vail and Beaver Creek.
Adult: $399
Teen: $299
Child: $189
Buddy Pass–  Includes Keystone, Breckenridge and A-Basin
Adult: $369
The Perfect 10- 10 days of skiing at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly. (One day must be used by January 31, 2007 or all tickets are void).
Adult: $439
Child: $319
Previous passholders can renew online at www.snow.com.  New passholders must purchase their passes in person.
Use PEAKS rewards, a free discount and loyalty program that gets you discounted lift tickets at the ticket window and even better savings if you purchase your lift tickets at least 7 days in advance.  Go to www.snow.com/info/peaks.signup.asp to sign up.

www.Breckenridge.snow.com

Copper Mountain:
Adult Season Pass: $269
Rocky Mountain Super Pass– Includes Copper Mountain and Winter Park:     Adult $369
Teen (age 14-18): $239
Child (age 6-13): $169
Senior (age 70+): $149
Copper Mountain 4 Pass: $84
Copper Mountain Transferable 4 Pass: $149
New or previous passholders can renew in person or online at www.PassWagon.com

Keystone:
Full Pass– Includes unlimited access to Keystone, Breckenridge, A-Basin, Vail & Beaver Creek
Adult: $1799
Teen (age 13-17): $739
Child (age 5-12): $529
Senior (age 65-69): $1399
Senior (age 70+): $649
Value Pass– Includes unlimited access to Keystone, Breckenridge and A-Basin, restricted access to Vail and Beaver Creek.
Young Adult (age 18-22): $749
B/K/A Full Pass– Unlimited access to Keystone, Breckenridge and A-Basin. (only available for purchase until 11/12/06)
Senior (age 65-69): $259
Ski 3 Pass- unlimited access to Keystone, Breckenridge, and A-Basin. (only available for purchase until 12/22/06)
Adult: $379
Child: $179
Weekday Pass- Includes unlimited Monday – Friday  access at Keystone, Breckenridge, A-Basin, and Heavenly, some restrictions apply Monday – Friday at Vail and Beaver Creek.
Seniors (age 70+): $429
Senior 70+ 10 day Pass- 10 day access to Keystone, Breckenridge, A-Basin, Heavenly, Vail, and Beaver Creek.  Some restrictions apply at Vail and Beaver Creek.
Senior (age 70+): $379
Colorado Pass– Includes unlimited access to Keystone, Breckenridge, and A-Basin + 10 days, restrictions apply, at Vail and Beaver Creek.
Adult: $399
Teen: $299
Child: $189
Buddy Pass–  Includes Keystone, Breckenridge and A-Basin
Adult: $369
The Perfect 10- 10 days of skiing at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly. (One day must be used by January 31, 2007 or all tickets are void).
Adult: $439
Child: $319
Keystone/A-Basin 4-Pack: $99
Previous passholders can renew online at www.snow.com.  New passholders must purchase their passes in person.

Use PEAKS rewards, a free discount and loyalty program that gets you discounted lift tickets at the ticket window and even better savings if you purchase your lift tickets at least 7 days in advance.  Go to www.snow.com/info/peaks.signup.asp to sign up.
www.Keystone.snow.com

Elevation: Vertical - 2,257 feet | Summit Elevation - 13,050 feet | Base Elevation - 10,780 feet | Longest Run - 1.5 miles | Number of Trails - 69 | Number of Lifts - 6 Total - 2 Triples, 3 Doubles, 1 Conveyor | Skiable Acres – 490 | Beginner Terrain – 15% | Intermediate Terrain – 45% | Advanced/Expert Terrain – 40% | Season – Late October to Early June | Hours – 8:30am – 4pm | Average Annual Snowfall – 367 inches | Average days of sun per year – 300 | Bonus - $10 lift tickets for the beginner hill and lift.  Buy one full-price adult ticket and receive a free child ticket (age 6-14) | Lessons – 4years and up for skiing, 8 years and up for snowboarding. Get there early & park right at the base of the slopes – no walking with your gear! Great place to ski/ride in nice weather.  Visibility can be limited in bad weather.

Breckenridge

Elevation: Vertical – 3,398 feet | Summit Elevation – 12,998 feet | Base Elevation – 9,600 feet | Longest Run - - Four O’Clock (3.5 miles) | Number of Trails - 149 | Number of Lifts - 27 Total (2 high-speed 6-passenger lifts, 6 high-speed quad lifts, 1 triple chairlift, 6 double lifts, 5 surface lifts, 7 carpet lifts) | Skiable Acres – 2,208 | Beginner Terrain – 15% | Intermediate Terrain – 33% | Advanced/Expert Terrain – 52% | Groomed Daily - roughly 600 acres | Terrain Parks - 25 acres | Snowmaking - 516 acres | Season – Mid November to Mid April | Hours – 8:30am – 4pm | Average Annual Snowfall – 300 inches | Average days of sun per year – 300 | Lessons – 3 years and up, daycare also available.

Copper Mountain

Elevation: Vertical – 2,601 feet | Summit Elevation – 12,313 feet | Base Elevation – 9,712 feet | Longest Run – 2.8 miles | Number of Trails - 125 | Number of Lifts - 22 Total (1 six-person high-speed lift, 4 high-speed quads, 5 triple chair lifts, 5 double chair lifts, 4 surface lifts, and 3 conveyor belts)| Skiable Acres – 2,450 | Beginner Terrain – 21% | Intermediate Terrain – 25% | Advanced/Expert Terrain – 54% | Snowmaking - 380 acres | Season – Mid November to Mid April | Hours – 8:30am – 4pm | Average Annual Snowfall – 284 inches | Average days of sun per year – 300 | Lessons - 3 years and up, daycare also available.

Keystone

Elevation: Vertical – 3,128 feet | Summit Elevation – 12,200 feet | Base Elevation – 9,280 feet | Longest Run – Schoolmarm (3 miles) | Number of Trails – 116 | Number of Lifts - 21 Total (2 high-speed gondolas, 5 high-speed quad chair lifts, 1 high-speed six person lift, 1 quad chair lift, 1 triple chair lift, 4 double chair lifts, 2 surface lifts, 5 carpets) | Skiable Acres – 2,870 | Beginner Terrain – 12% | Intermediate Terrain – 29% | Advanced/Expert Terrain – 59% | Snowmaking - 956 acres | Season – Mid November to Mid April | Hours – 9am – 4pm, Night ski days until 9pm | Average Annual Snowfall – 230 inches | Average days of sun per year – 300 | Lessons – 3 years and up, daycare also available.

Location

We usually can’t move a home to a new location!  The favorite phrase of appraisers is “Location, location, location”.  The pricing of your home must reflect its location.  If it is close to I-70 it will usually be worth less than the same home in the trees or with views.

Condition

The upkeep and presentation of your property is crucial to obtain the highest value for your home in any given market and at any given time.  Condition also affects the time on the market, with properties in better condition selling faster than those that need work.

Price

Price is the number One factor in the sale of a home.  Price overcomes all objections and any deficiencies in the other four ingredients.

Terms

The more methods of financing your home the more options you give potential buyers.  If you can sell through VA or FHA loans, or owner carry, you increase the pool of buyers.  If you do an owner carry, you may be able to get more than fair market value, (depending on the market) but you also take on the risk of the loan.

Market

Interest rates, competition and the economy all make up the state of the market when you sell your home.  The price of the property must reflect the current status of the market.  Sales more than six months old may not be usable as comps if the market has changed, unless you make adjustments.  The market will tell you what your property is worth; if the property doesn’t sell after some time on the market, then you need to look at the other four ingredients and see what needs adjusting.  I may be that new carpet will do it, or it may need a price adjustment.

A sixth ingredient, which could also be considered the baking soda in the mix, is the Realtor and his/her marketing package.  Ask questions before you hire your Realtor and ask for references!

Even without such an inspection, the sellers can prepare the property for a buyer’s home inspection. This newsletter should be helpful in identifying identify common problems that typically appear on a buyer’s home inspection reports. Early correction of these problems can increase a home’s appeal. This can set the stage for a favorable buyer’s home inspection and helps expedite and simplify the sale. It is very important to pay attention to the details. Seller should also consider maintenance improvements, take safety precautions and making cosmetic improvements to the property.

Outside

• Trim trees and shrubs, which touch or overhang the house.
• Apply new caulking and weather-stripping as needed around the windows and doors.
• Clean gutters of debris, repair or replace cracked or broken gutters, downspouts, and install downspout extensions.
• Check proper drainage.
• Re-grade soil around the foundation, as needed, to keep the water away from the house.
• Decks: Re-secure any loose railing, re-stain decking.

Heating

• Replace dirty filters in the heating systems.
• Have the heating professionally serviced.
• Have chimneys professionally cleaned and install caps as needed.

Bathrooms and Kitchen

• Repair leaky faucets.
• Repair leaky sinks and tub drains.
• Replace bathroom grouting and caulking where necessary.

Interior

• Tighten loosened doorknobs.
• Replace damaged screens.
• Replace broken glass panes.
• Replace burned—out light bulbs.
• Secure loose railings.
• Patch holes and cracks in walls and ceilings.
• Repair peeling wallpaper.
• Ventilate closed basements and crawl spaces.

Electrical System

• Re-secure loose outlets and switches.
• Install GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters) electrical outlets in “wet” areas (kitchen countertops, bathrooms, garages, and outside)

Prevent safety and fire hazards

• Install smoke detectors (at least one on each level).
• Keep flammable products away from heaters, water heaters, and fireplaces.

Make cosmetic improvements

• Open windows and curtains. Create a bright, inviting, atmosphere.
• Keep the kitchen and bathrooms clean.

It is a good idea to assemble in advance various house records that can be used to answer questions from buyers and home inspectors like Appliance receipts, service records and warranties,Major component warranties (siding, roof shingles)and Heating, water and electric bills from the previous year.

Keep areas clear to give the buyer and the home inspector access to the garage, crawl space, attic, heating and electrical equipment.

The Home Warranty company we use is AON, a large company that in our opinion, is less likely to go bankrupt and leave all of us holding the bag (or broken dishwasher, as the case may be!)
The Warranty is paid for by Coldwell Banker and me and covers both Buyer and Seller if the property is our listing.

For example: 123 Main St is listed with Coldwell Banker Colorado Rockies Real Estate. We provide the Home Warranty, which covers the Seller during the listing period, and the Buyer, even if they are working with another company, for one year.

The coverage for the Seller consists of: internal plumbing system, water heater, internal electrical system, dishwasher, garbage disposal, built-in microwave oven, trash compactor, range/oven/cooktop, and exhaust fans. If the Seller wants additional coverage for the heating system, it is available for a $75 fee.

The Buyer gets all the coverage listed above, plus the heat system and ductwork, and the septic system if there is one, for one year from the closing date. The Buyer also has options to cover additional items in the home for a fee, or he/she may extend the warranty for an additional year or more.

Of course, there are specific insurance company rules about what they will and won’t cover. You will be given a brochure giving you all the details about it as we work with you. The deductible is $35 per service call, and you must call the insurance company so they can arrange for repair or replacement of the item, as needed.

1. Location - (The property may be located near a busy road; lack of privacy - the property may be too close to other homes or lack a nice yard; the property may be located on low terrain or lack of proper drainage; over-improved - the property may be located in an area where the average home price is much lower.)
2. Condition - (Carpeting, wallpaper, kitchen, baths, etc. may be “too dated” or “too busy” and need replacement or “neutralizing”. The property may be too cluttered with furniture and other items, which do not present the property in its most attractive condition. The property may be very “untidy” and needs a good cleaning. The property may lack “curb appeal” with lack of landscaping . . . or, the property may look like a “jungle” and with overgrown landscaping, and need pruning, trimming, etc.)
3. Price - (The property may be priced too high for the neighborhood, OR too high for current market conditions.)
4. Terms - (The Seller will not move or allow occupancy for 6 months or longer, limiting prospective Buyers who may need to purchase in 30 or 45 days. The Seller may have unreasonable showing demands, i.e. 1) listing agent must be present at all showings, or 2) Seller will not allow a lockbox for easy access by Realtors. If the current market interest rates are at a high level which makes it difficult for a Buyer to qualify for a loan, the Seller may need to assist with Buyer closing costs, points, or worst case, hold Seller financing).
5. Agent - (Seller needs the best full-time professional real estate agent, who understands how to “effectively market” the Sellers property to a Sale and Closing.)

Which one does the SELLER NOT Control? Location.

What can the SELLER DO to compensate for Location? Make “adjustments or changes” to any one of the other 4 reasons.

Outdoors

1. Keep the lawn and shrubs trimmed and neat.  Keep the driveway and sidewalks plowed and free of snow and ice.
2. Keep the garage doors down at all times.
3. For a touch of color, have flowers growing in pots or flowerbeds in the summer time.
4. Keep the driveway swept and free of oil stains and drips; tidy up walkways.  Check decks for rotten or loose boards.  Consider powerwashing and restaining.
5. Clean off your outdoor furniture; remove any rust (or throw away the rusted item).
6. Clear out the garage of everything but cars.  Have a garage sale, it will help clear clutter from the house too!
7. Straighten gutters, fences,  decks, hot tub covers, deck railings and anything else that needs it.
8. Fix doorbells, tighten loose doorknobs, repaint the front door and oil squeaking hinges.
9. Repair broken windows and decide what to do about windows with broken seals.  They always come up on inspection and are very noticeable if you have a view.
10. Clean all the cobwebs from around the front door, Make sure all outdoor lighting (especially front porch) is clean and shiny, replace if necessary. It is especially important that the entrance to your home make a good first impression on prospective buyers; this sets the tone for the whole showing.
11. Keep any outdoor pet areas cleaned up and free of odors and debris.
12. Before you start indoors walk across the street in front of your house and look back (as a buyer will see it).  Does it present an appealing appearance?   Do this with a critical eye, as the buyer certainly will!

Indoors

1. Clean everything until it sparkles! Shampoo rugs and wax floors. Wash walls or repaint if needed. Wash windows and clean blinds.  Consider discarding heavy draperies and outdated curtains.  It is better to have just blinds on the windows, kept open, and let the sunshine in!
2. Weed clutter out of closets and cupboards. Neatly arranged closets and cupboards give the impression of ample storage, jam packed and overflowing ones give the impression of not enough room.  Take unused coats and clothing to the thrift store.
3. Create space by storing some of the furniture you’ve found useful (bureaus, bookcases, storage chests, oversized chairs) but which makes a crowded impression.
4. Place the remaining furniture so that traffic can flow easily from room to room.
5. Scale down your personal art work (portraits, landscapes), posters, signs, and family photos, especially in teenagers’ rooms. Create a feeling of spaciousness. Often, buyers are distracted looking at family photographs.
6. Keep shades and draperies open, even when you are not there, to admit as much light as possible, but screen out unappealing views.  Consider investing in top-down, bottom-up shades if you have rooftops or parking lots between you and your view.
7. Let your kitchen look warm and welcoming, not a hectic workplace. Keep your sink shining and free of dirty dishes at all times.
8. Organize cupboards and if they are wood, wipe them down with Scotts Liquid Gold.
9. Clean all appliances including any you don’t intend to leave with the house.
10. Keep counter tops clear and free from clutter including appliances like toasters, blenders, can openers etc.
11. Completely degrease your oven.   Replace the drip pans if necessary.  Make sure the kitchen smells fresh and fragrant (with cinnamon or vanilla warming in the clean oven, if you have time).
12. Remove debris (dust, flies, moths, etc.) from all light fixtures and put the highest wattage light bulbs you can safely use in them.
13. Keep bathrooms scrubbed, tidy and equipped with fresh soap and neatly hung matching towels. Remove all clutter (toothbrushes, shampoo, etc) from countertops.
14. Get rid of all stains in sinks and bathtubs and install new washers on dripping faucets.
15. Feature (with lighting or furniture arrangement) your home’s best characteristics (a fireplace, a picture window, a balcony, ceiling beams, a kitchen eating area, etc.)
16. If you’ve repainted (preferably in safe neutral tones; white, cream or light beige), add splashes of color (with your throw pillows, crockery, pictures, etc), but keep the knick-knacks under control.
17. Place plants or fresh flowers in strategic spots in any room if space (and your being there) permits.
18. Light the whole house, especially dark corners and hallways.  Buyers today want light and bright, and many places built in the 70’s are not!
19. Hang mirrors where they will reflect outdoor light–as well as make a room look larger.
20. Clean out ALL your closets and organize them.  Give away or store unused or out of season clothes. Get rid of extra hangers. Straighten up your shoes (consider some inexpensive shoe racks from a discount store like K-Mart or Wal-Mart.)
21. Consider hiring a professional house cleaner to clean for you if you are an absentee owner.  We can help stage the property for you, and Mountain Comfort furniture will add accessories and rearrange furniture if needed, at a reasonable price.
22. Check where ceilings meet wall and clean all cobwebs, this is commonly overlooked area when cleaning along with tops of tall furniture items such as hutches, entertainment centers, etc. 36.
23. If you have a pet make sure there are no odors. You may not notice odors since you live with you pet every day, have a neutral third part give your home a “sniff” test for objectionable odors that may turn buyers off.
24. Also, when buyers come to visit, keep your pet under control, or better yet, take it for a walk.
25. Make sure there is a sign telling people to watch for the cats, if you have them. Keep litter boxes clean and out of sight.
26. Add some mountain touches to the décor if you don’t already have them.  People like those touches and it makes them feel as if it could be their mountain home.

It all depends.  How much is it rented and when, and how much will you use it yourself?    Additionally, the company that manages it takes a percentage of the rentals, ranging from 35% to 50% plus some expenses.  The more business you can help to create for them the more money you will make.  We have average and projected figures from several management companies we will be happy to supply to you.

Do I need a clubhouse if I want to put the property on a rental program?

You do not need a fully equipped clubhouse, but most people ask for hot tubs at least.  Having access to a hot tub and/or clubhouse will improve your rental income by 20% to 50%, depending on which management company you talk to and if the hot tub is communal or private.  If rental income is important to you I would not buy a property without access to a hot tub.

What are the tax consequences if I use my home as a rental?

The IRS has specific rules regarding what expenses are deductible and how many days a year you can rent your property without having to declare the income. (It is not many!) Please check with your financial advisor as your situation is unique to you and will be different from mine and your friends and neighbors.

Management companies and what they charge

In our area, management companies charge anywhere from 35% to 50% for short term rental services.  For that fee they will advertise and book the property, clean and stock it and track the inventory.  There are often extra charges for various things, so check with the companies to find out what extras they charge for.  If you use the condo yourself they will usually charge you for cleaning it.  You may be able to help book it by putting it on the internet and referring the customers to the management company.  Many people today don’t use a management company.  They book it themselves using the internet and arrange for a cleaning company to clean it.  That may be difficult to do if you are very far away, but if you are relatively close and have a good network to draw from for rentals, you may be able to do it.  There is an excellent book on the subject named “Road Map to your Vacation Property Dream” by Christopher Cain.  There are quotes from his book on my website and a link to his website.  If you are buying through us and let us know you are planning to rent, we will give you a copy of it.

Long term rentals (6 months or more)  are less expensive, but then you lose the opportunity to use the unit yourself.  Management companies typically charge 15-20% to manage a long term rental. The wear and tear on the property may be significantly higher.