BUYERS: avoid these MISTAKES

1. NOT doing your homework

2. NOT researching the market (START your search HERE)

3. NOT working the numbers

4. SUCCUMBING TO BUYER’S REMORSE (see below)

5. NOT being properly represented by a local expert: Yes, you need a Buyers Agent who is fiducially responsible to YOU.

Our local market is highly nuanced with many restrictions and low inventory. Buyers absolutely need a well-seasoned expert for guidance, advice, and connections to source off-market properties.

With 35 years in Aspen, Susan's clients rave about her deep knowledge of the complex Aspen/Snowmass market, highlighting her as both a valuable resource and a trusted guide. Susan’s professionalism and expertise is evident in the testimonials offered by her clients, HERE.

Investing in Aspen's exclusive real estate market requires luxury buyers and high-net-worth individuals to consider several key factors to align their purchase with lifestyle and investment goals:

LOCATION

In Aspen/Snowmass, location is especially crucial. Properties with ski-in/ski-out access or proximity to the downtown core are highly valued. Evaluate all the neighborhoods: from revamped Snowmass Village, to West Aspen with golf course and/or ski access, to prestigious Red Mountain with its grand estates, to Smuggler area’s views of Ajax, or East Aspen, favored for its opposite traffic flow.

DESIGN, QUALITY

High-end architecture, build quality, and interior design are especially prized. Many properties are in need of updating or remodeling. City and county restrictions must be fully understood. Susan’s background in design and personal experience building mulitiple homes in Aspen working through city and county codes are her wheel-house. Sustainable features, custom finishes, smart home technology, and energy-efficient systems are all important considerations in Aspen's luxury market.

AMENITIES, FEATURES

In our global economy, purchasing a home is about embracing a lifestyle since you can live anywhere, work anywhere and be anywhere. Essential amenities include outdoor dining and living spaces, snow melt, retractable glass walls, hottubs/pools, temperature controlled wine rooms, well centers/spas, gyms and theaters. Unique features like water features, ponds, equestrian facilities and ski or golf access greatly enhance a property's exclusivity and appeal.

INVESTMENT POTENTIAL

For over 75 years, Aspen area real estate has consistently demonstrated strong and often substantial returns for property investors, reflecting a long track record as a solid investment opportunity. However, the market is highly nuanced, influenced by limited supply, economic conditions, and seasonal demand. The ever-changing local restrictions add another layer of complexity. Understanding market trends, property appreciation rates in different neighborhoods, and future development plans is crucial for making informed investments that offer financial returns. Susan has her finger on the pulse of the local market, has lived in nearly every Aspen neighborhood, and has deep knowledge of the city/county developments that may impact future valuations. Many of her clients have succesffully used 1031 exchanges to defer capital gains and build wealth.

LEGAL and LOCAL MATTERS

Purchasing a luxury home involves complex legalities and significant financial investment. Comprehensive due diligence is essential, including verifying property titles, zoning regulations, and HOA rules. Engaging experienced real estate attorneys and financial advisors ensures a secure investment that aligns with broader financial strategies. Susan and Christies International have cultivated relationships with local attorneys who are outstanding in their field and highly regarded so that you have options for engagement.

***TLDR: To summarize: Buying a luxury home in Aspen involves more than price and aesthetics. Allow Susan to guide you by focusing on location, quality, amenities, market trends and legal/local regulations in order to make wise, informed purchases. Get on the ladder and start making memories with family/friends. Meet your lifestyle aspirations and realize proven, solid investments in one of the world's most prestigious real estate markets. After all, THERE IS ONLY ONE ASPEN…

Susan’s professionalism and expertise is evident in the testimonials offered by her clients, HERE.

Helpful tips to guide you through the home buying process:

1. Selecting your real estate professional is one of the most important choices you'll make and will save you time and money. Sales professionals can represent the seller, buyer or both parties, so understand the differences between real estate representation.

2. Locating the perfect home takes time. Susan will arrange showings of all the homes that meet your criteria, and act quickly when new properties come to market.

3. Obtaining a pre-qualification letter from your lender will save time, and give you an advantage when looking for a home. There are many financing options.

4. When its time to prepare an offer, Susan and her team will work with you throughout the process: navigating the offer, earnest money, title, contract and contingencies.

5. Working through Due Diligence requires many steps from inspections,survey, coordinating appraisal, lender, and more. Susan and her team will handle all the details and keep you apprised of the transaction from start to finish.

6. Home inspections determine the overall condition of a home, and will save you considerable time in the buying process, ensure a smart purchase decision and protect your investment.

7. It’s common for Aspen/Snowmass real estate transactions to be handled long distance. Our job is to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Tip: COLORADO SELLER FEES: Settlement fees on the closing statement such as surveys and title insurance, are generally paid by the Seller in Colorado. COLORADO BUYER FEES: Buyers are responsible for payment of transfer taxes in Colorado. Contact Susan for specifics

8. Buyer’s remorse: Three in four buyers have at least one regret about their home. Here’s what they say bothers them the most — along with steps you can take to make the right buying decision. Get their stories.