The mountains of Colorado welcome vacationers looking for peace, solitude and natural beauty. If you find yourself returning to a mountain community in Colorado, you may wish to consider buying a mountain retreat in Colorado. Here are four tips to keep in mind before you buy.
1. Water and Utilities Access
The remoteness of the location may be what is drawing you to your particular cabin, but before you buy, make sure you have access to utilities. Remote cabins will often run on solar power, but you need to know what it will cost to hook up to the local public utilities if you wish. Also, make sure you understand wells and septic systems and have permission to drill if you need a new well.
2. Home Maintenance When You’re Away
When you are not enjoying your home, who will handle the maintenance? Many mountain communities where people are buying homes or condos for vacation retreats have property management companies. Plan to spend about two percent of the value of the home every year to keep it maintained.
3. Seasonal Accessibility
When buying a mountain retreat in Colorado, you need to consider when you will be visiting. If you plan to enjoy the home in the winter months, make sure it is located somewhere that will be accessible, even in deep snow. You will want to consider the cost of snow removal or access via snowmobiles. For summer access, think about the cost of road maintenance for damage caused by winter weather.
4. Proximity of Amenities
Before buying a mountain cabin in Colorado, consider how close the amenities you will need are, such as grocery stores and dining options. This factor is particularly important if you will be renting your place to other vacationers when you are not using it. Typically, folks on vacation want to have access to the grocery store and other amenities without a long drive.
Whether you are looking to buy a property near a ski town like Breckenridge, Vail or Winter Park or want a secluded mountain retreat to enjoy in the warmer months of the year, buying a mountain retreat in Colorado can be a great way to enjoy the beauty of the mountains whenever you wish. Make sure you do your homework before you purchase and find an agent who knows the area well. Then, you will be able to invest in a property that will be a true asset to you and your family for many years to come.
