Important Factors in Home Search

Exploring Snowmass Village through an online home search is a treat. This charming resort town is straight out of a Norman Rockwell painting, and many buyers are on the lookout for a convenient ski-in, ski-out Snowmass Village house as their permanent vacation home. Imagine spending your days waking up in a luxurious property, skiing or exploring the wintry slopes, and then enjoying everything Snowmass Village has to offer. But before you settle in front of your computer to click through the town’s gorgeous properties, start by asking yourself what your dream home looks like. By beginning your online home search with the right price and property parameters, you can enjoy the journey — and the destination — even more.

Do you want a primary home, a second home, or a vacation rental?

Whether you love wintering near the horse ranches in Snowmass Village or look forward to the winter holiday vibes and fun shopping in town, there's nothing quite like living in this community. The only question left to ask is this: What kind of property do you want to live in? Let's explore your choices.

Primary residence

Enjoy a condo, single-residence home, or townhome as your primary residence. These options include access to a variety of chic and cozy amenities and can put you within easy travel distance of downtown Snowmass Village or your favorite slopes. The area is also home to many custom houses and unique architectural finds you won't see in any other market.

Vacation home

You can own property that is your private vacation resort when you're in town and then rent it out to other vacationers or occupants throughout the rest of the year. This is an excellent option for buyers who want to expand their portfolio with real estate investment and enjoy the privacy and flexibility of a more extended vacation in their own home.

Vacation rental

Instead of buying a property outright, you can rent for a timeline of your choosing. Snowmass Village realtors like Carol Dopkin can help you find a beautiful luxury home with the space, amenities, or details you're looking for.

What's your timeline?

Once you have a general idea of what you're looking for, start thinking about your timeline. Are you planning a vacation several months in advance? This allows you plenty of time to explore different options (but less time than you may think if you're coming during the busy season!).

Are you purchasing a home? Consider any deadlines or time constraints that can affect your process, such as school semester start and end dates, timelines for selling your current home, retirement date, and other factors. Your timeline may determine how many wishlist features and characteristics you can be particular about. However, working with a local realtor as soon as possible means you can more easily navigate through a tight timeline. Knowing your timeline also lets you evaluate local market conditions so you can buy strategically.

What's your budget?

When setting the parameters for a home search, price range is one of the most important factors. Before you set your heart on a property, start the mortgage preapproval process with a trusted lender. They can offer you a clear idea of your budget for elements like:

Down payment: The bigger the down payment you can afford, the more flexibility you have on the property's total price.
Monthly payments (mortgage, dues, maintenance, etc.): Depending on the type of property you're purchasing, your lender will weigh your debt-to-income ratio against the mortgage, insurance, taxes, and even association fees.
Total property costs: Purchasing a vacation home is a rewarding milestone. Your lender can help you determine your budget for comfortably affording your primary and vacation residence.

The sooner you get preapproved or start working with a lender, the sooner you can confidently plug numbers into your home search and zero in on properties you know are in your budget. Snowmass Village's Pitkin County residents have a typical mortgage rate of $4,533, so having a solid grasp of your finances is key.

What are your must-have home features?

Part of the joy of an online home search, especially in a luxurious area like Snowmass Village, is falling in love with all the different available properties. Maybe you love one property's sleek gas fireplace or another's cozy attic renovations. Perhaps you can picture yourself enjoying a morning cup of coffee in one home's kitchen and in the outdoor living space of another home.

Before you start searching in earnest, make a list of your must-have home features. For example:

Which neighborhood do you want to live in? Are there any luxury destinations that need to be within a close radius, like the town's famous hiking trails, ski resorts, golf courses, or shopping districts?
How much square footage do you need, and what bedroom and bathroom count makes sense for you?
Are you looking for a completely move-in-ready property, or will you take on some renovations for a smaller initial price?
What about the exterior? Do you want a premium outdoor living space or no outdoor maintenance requirements at all?

Remember, this list should focus on dealbreaker essentials. Now, let’s prioritize your real estate essentials!

What are your wishlist features and considerations?

Once you've whittled down the home search results based on price, size, and location, you can start picking homes based on preferences. But instead of just browsing through listings, write out some favored features and amenities, such as an open layout, fireplace, etc. Share this list with your realtor so they can fine-tune your results and keep it handy as you go on virtual tours. This list will help you discern between glamorous homes that might only look great in photos and properties you'll love long after moving in.

Start your online home search in Snowmass Village with Carol Dopkin

Today's online home search options are better than ever. You can get listings with crystal-clear pictures, videos, and in-depth descriptions. Having an experienced local realtor at your side makes it even better. Carol Dopkin is a Snowmass Village real estate agent with extensive experience helping in-town and out-of-state buyers find their dream homes. Reach out today to start a personalized home search, get recommended lenders who can help you get preapproved, and receive some local market insights.

_{*Header photo courtesy of Carol Dopkin}