Mesa Cortina - A Peaceful Mountain Community

The community of Mesa Cortina is located in Silverthorne below Buffalo Mountain at an elevation around 9200' to 9600'. While its address is Silverthorne it is outside of the town limits. It is comprised of the subdivisions of Mesa Cortina, Mesa Cortina West and Cortina. There are approximately 262 single family lots in Mesa Cortina with 52 still undeveloped. The lots are one third to half an acre.

The community of Mesa Cortina backs up to National Forest lands to the north and west and is often frequented by a variety of wildlife. It is not uncommon to see moose, fox and raccoon around the neighborhood. The Mesa Cortina Trail runs through the National Forest and, if you dare, will take you all the way to Vail. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trails helping to keep the sounds of nature prominent. Views are varied depending on your lot location. They range from views overlooking the town of Silverthorne to snow-capped mountains rising above Lake Dillon to the endless forests that make up the National Forest.

 Mesa Cortina's HOA costs each homeowner $100/year. HOA information is available online at www.MesaCortina.com.  

 Getting around Mesa Cortina and in and out of the area is relatively easy. The roads within Mesa Cortina are mostly gravel and are maintained by the county. The Summit Stage doesn't have any bus routes that run through the community but they do run in nearby Wildernest. 

 Mesa Cortina is a mixture of second home owners and full time residents. The community has its own water and sewer system so no wells or septic tanks are necessary. When building your home you can expect tap fees to run approximately $12,000. Other utilities available include electric service from Xcel Energy, Comcast for cable and internet, phone service from US West, and trash pick up from your choice of several providers.

 There are currently 8 single family homes in Mesa Cortina for sale. They range from $450,000 to $975,000. Looking back through June 2007 14 homes have sold in this neighborhood and one is currently under contract. The sold prices range from $350,000 to $949,900. 2 lots are currently on the market in Mesa Cortina at $260,000 and $285,000. There is one currently under contract and 2 have sold since June 2007. Those lots sold for $214,000 and $265,000. If you are looking to purchase property in Mesa Cortina, The Mountain Living Team currently has two homes and one lot listed for sale in the community. 

The lot is on a dead end street and backs to National Forest land. It is a half acre building site with fir, aspen, pine and spruce trees and a variety of wildflowers and undergrowth. It is the perfect setting for an amazing Summit County home. For more information and photos go to www.mountain-living.com/203elkthistle.html.

 One of the two homes for sale is a beautiful log home. From the deck you can see the mountains rising above Lake Dillon. Inside this amazing home, no detail has been overlooked. From the log accents to the covered deck to the huge workshop, everything has been thought of here. More information and pictures are available at www.mountain-living.com/111shootingstar.html.

 The second of the homes is a classic mountain A-frame. Nearly 100% original, it brings "simple" back to second homes. With huge windows to the front and back you can take full advantage of the National Forest this home backs up to. For more information and photos of one of the most affordable homes you'll find in Mesa Cortina go to www.mountain-living.com/267royalredbird.html.

If you are looking for a mountain community that offers National Forest, wildlife, privacy and quiet, Mesa Cortina is definately worth a look. 

A Chameleon Condo that Will Mirror You

The one thing in life that is constant is change.  You will change with time, your family will change, your job will change, your needs will change.  When those changes happen it is one less thing you need to worry about if your property will change with you.  Full of country charm, this Frisco condo is versatile enough to suit your needs even as they change.  It makes a great second home, is easy to rent for either long term or shert term rentals, and is in an great location for your primary residence. 

As your second home you'll get to enjoy the amazing lake, mountain and wetland views on every visit to Summit County.  Regardless of the activities you come to Summit County for, this condo is in a convenient Frisco location.  Five ski areas are within a 30 minute drive as are four golf courses.  You can pick up the paved rec path nearby, which is perfect for bicycling, roller blading or walking on.  Several shopping centers and restaurants are also within walking distance.  If you'd like to venture further, you can grab the local free bus to take you almost anywhere in the county.

If you are looking for a rental property, this two bedroom, two bath condo is a great candidate.  There are three separate entrances and two lock-off options.  These options can convert this condo to two units, a 1 bedroom, 1 bath condo and a 1 bedroom, 1 bath hotel-like room.  Even if your thought is buying a second home, periodic rentals can help pay the bills for your vacation retreat.  There are a variety of property management companies available that can make being a landlord a painless experience - even from thousands of miles away.

If you are a full time resident of Summit County, or plan to be, you probably already realize the appeal of Frisco.  Frisco is a good, central location that is highly desireable.  It appeals to locals, second homeowners and vacationers alike.  Views are not always easy to come by in Frisco, especially in this price range.  Even if you have views now, development may alter your views in the future.  There are protected wetlands between this condo and Lake Dillon.  Your odds are good that your views will not be impeded by future development here.  The lock off could be rented out separately providing you with an additional source of income.

The flexibility of this Frisco condo is a great asset when it comes time to resell.  You're not limiting your options to a small group of buyers but rather offering different options to a larger group of prospective buyers. 

Interested?  Get more information about this versatile Frisco condo at www.mountain-living.com/204meadowcreek.html or contact me.

3 Bedroom Town Home in Frisco, Colorado

This Home in Dillon, Colorado was Built for Entertaining

Those that love to entertain family and friends can do so in comfort and style in this beautiful home in Dillon, Colorado.  The main floor features a huge living room with vaulted ceilings and a dramatic, southwest style fireplace.  A wall of windows allow expansive views of the Continental Divide from nearly every room in the house.  A huge deck off the living room enhances the breathtaking views while adding to the casual entertaining experience.  Fire up the grill and you have the perfect spot for a summer barbeque or get-together.  The dining room and a bonus room, perfect for a small bar area, are gently separated from the rest of the living space as is the kitchen.  Hardwood floors and Saltio tile flow seamlessly throughout the main floor.  Hand carved spiral columns add beautiful accents to the entry and living area.  A hand peeled log railing lead you upstairs to a large loft overlooking the living room and a spacious Master suite.  The Master suite is similar to the living room with a slightly smaller scale vaulted ceiling and wall of windows taking in the same awesome views.  A gas fireplace is quietly tucked away in the corner of the room, a subtle reminder to take advantage of those cold winter nights with a cozy and romantic fire for you and your sweetheart.  A 5 piece master bath and walk in closet complete the Master suite.  Downstairs you'll find 2 more bedrooms, a shared bathroom, family room with walk out patio and a wine cellar. 

Attention to details really complete the feel of this beautiful home in Dillon.  Just some of the amazing touches include the hand carved, spiral columns, hand painted sinks in the bathrooms, hand peeled log railings, custom doors and high ceilings.

A touch of Southwestern stylings combine beautifully with the mountain charm in this Summit County home.  This unique home is Dillon is one you don't want to miss.  Priced at only $950,000 it is a bargain at only $231 a square foot.  For more information go online to www.mountain-living.com/243HighMeadow.html or call 970-668-4435

Sample Copper Mountain Real Estate

If you are looking for a fun, casual way to see a variety of Copper Mountain real estate the Copper Condo Sampler is for you.  The first Friday of the month we host a walking tour of several properties available for sale at Copper Mountain.  This is an excellent way to get a glimpse of several different complexes to help you determine where you want your Copper Mountain property to be.  The tour will only last approximately an hour and a half but you will leave with an abundance of information about Copper Mountain. 

The Copper Condo Sampler is a great way to get a taste of Copper Mountain real estate.  For more information or to RSVP for the next Copper Condo Sampler visit our website:  www.mountain-living.com/ccs.html

Can everyone afford a second home in Summit County?

If you enjoy swishing down the slopes of your favorite Rocky Mountain ski resort or hiking one of the nearby fourteeners and are looking for a way to spend more of your time doing those types of activities without spending too much of your money, I may have the answer you have been looking for.

You have probably spent some of your time checking out property in the areas you love most and have been taken aback by the prices.  Owning property in your favorite area will allow the money you put towards renting condos on every visit back into your pocket in the form of appreciation.  But how can you become a second home owner in Summit County?

One way that has been growing in popularity recently is partial ownership.  Rather than purchasing an entire condo you purchase only a fraction of it.  Different than a timeshare where your purchase is for the time, you are actually an owner of the property.  Currently, the Mountain Living Team has a 1/5^th share of a 2 bedroom condo in Silverthorne available for $49,900.    This particular property is different still in the fact that you would be purchasing 1/5^th of the partnership that owns the condo.  Above and beyond the initial $49,900 purchase price there is a $125/mo fee that includes the property taxes, utilities and HOA dues. 

Partial ownership is not the only option when trying to figure out how to afford your Summit County vacation home.  Another option is to use it for short term rentals when you are not using it.  An added benefit of owning Summit County property is that tourists are almost always in town.  This adds the option of short term vacation rentals as a way to pay a portion of the expenses of owning the property.  Management of your rental property can be as hands on as personally speaking to and approving every person that wants to rent your property to completely hands off and letting a company handle all of the details.  They simply send you a statement showing your rental income/expenses and either a bill or check for the balance.  There are a variety of properties available for sale that easily accommodate the needs of short term renters.  Currently the Mountain Living Team has several options available.  From a $469,900 Copper Mountain condo that will rent exceptionally well during ski season to a cozy Frisco condo under $400,000 that makes a good year ‘round rental property.

If you like the idea of owning a second home in Summit County but don't know how to make it a reality, contact the Mountain Living Team.  We can help you find a way to become a homeowner in Summit County, Colorado.

Your Summit County Quarterly Market Snapshot

A Market Snapshot direct to you.

Get a brief overview in your inbox every quarter that gives you a look at the Summit County real estate market.  With a simple click of the mouse additional, in depth information can be sent directly to you via email, or snail mail if you prefer.  These reports include statistics, a market analysis and predictions for the near future of Summit County real estate.

Quality, informed real estate decisions begin with quality real estate information.

The national housing market can be identical to, the complete opposite of, or anywhere in between the conditions of the real estate market in Summit County, Denver, or other markets around the nation.  The only way to know what is happening in a specific area is to find out from experts in that area.  Let The Mountain Living Team be your source for Summit County real estate information.  If you are considering buying or selling a Summit County property the Market Snapshot is just one more tool The Mountain Living Team can provide you with that will keep you in tune with the current market trends and conditions.  It is our goal to not only assist you with your Summit County real estate transactions but to provide you with the information necessary to make sound decisions regarding those real estate transactions.

Sign up for the Summit County Market Snapshot.

It's quick and easy to sign up.  Click here to send The Mountain Living Team an email that will subscribe you to our Market Snapshot.  If you would like to cancel your Market Snapshot at any time, it is just as quick and easy to do.  There's an unsubscribe link at the bottom of every email.  Don't worry about becoming the victim of spam.  The Mountain Living Team will never sell your personal information and will not spam you. 

The 2008 1st Quarter Market Snapshot is available now.

The sooner you sign up, the sooner you can begin receiving quarterly updates about the Summit County real estate market. 

Attention Summit County Locals & Wannabes

The Mountain Living Team has recently listed two condos in Frisco that are perfect for locals.  Both have everything a local wants; garages, in unit laundry facilities and excellent, centralized locations.

The first is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath Cobblestone Condo only one block off Main Street in Frisco.  It has an oversized 1 car garage, wood burning fireplace and a laundry room in the unit with a full size washer and dryer.  Both bedrooms are huge.  The master has a king size bed and its own bathroom.  There's another full bathroom for the second bedroom and any additional guests you may have. Views of Mt. Royal, Mt. Victoria and Peak One can be seen from both the living room and master bedroom.  More information and photos.

The second Frisco condo is a 1 bedroom, 1.5 bath Lagoon Town home.  It has a 2 car tandem garage with a huge storage area in the back of the garage.  At 810 square feet this is a spacious one bedroom.  The living area is open from the moment you step in the door.  Entertaining is easy with a nice size kitchen, a separate dining area, large deck and a wood burning fireplace in the living room.  The master bedroom and entry has new laminate flooring with tile in the bathrooms.  The master bathroom has a separate shower and tub.  The tub is an elegant, jetted tub perfect to relax in after a day on the slopes.  For added convenience there is also a stackable washer and dryer in the unit.  More information and photos.

The excellent locations of both of these condos make getting around the county a breeze.  There are Summit Stage bus stops close to both condos, Lake Dillon is nearby as are miles of bike paths.  There are 6 ski resorts within approximately a half an hour drive of either condo.  Hiking trails will take you all over the thousands of acres of National Forest Land that's nearby.  Also close by is the Frisco Nordic Center which offers cross country or snowshoe trails and more.  If you love Summit County, Frisco is a great central location that offers quick and easy accessibility to practically anywhere in the county.  More information about Frisco, Colorado.

These condos in Frisco would also make great rental properties for second home owners or investors.  This was just a quick peek at a couple of the condos available for sale in Frisco, Colorado.  If these don't fit your needs contact us and we would be happy to show you what is currently available that will meet your needs.

Help for Those Facing Foreclosure

Are you like millions of people across the country that are currently stressing about their mortgage payments?  Maybe you are unable to make the payments and are in default with the fear of foreclosure looming.  Maybe something unexpected has happened in your life and while you are still current on your mortgage you are wondering how long you can keep it up.  Maybe you are in one of those unfortunate situations we have heard so much about lately and have an adjustable rate mortgage that will be adjusting in the future to a payment amount you can't afford.  No matter what your situation, there's help available.

The first step is to call the national counseling hotline President Bush publicized.  888-995-4673 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week offering a HUD-approved counselor to listen to your situation, get all the facts, and recommend a course of action for you.  They can help you the most if you are prepared.  Have income and expense numbers in hand before calling.

Of course, this is not your only option.  If you are considering selling your property to get out of your current situation stop considering it and take action.  Talk to a real estate professional.  If you have not received a letter from your lender saying they have begun foreclosure proceedings you may still have an opportunity to come away with some equity intact.  If not and you end up selling your property for less than you owe, a short sale, and the lender forgives the remaining balance, in the past you would have had to pay income tax on that amount.  When President Bush signed the mortgage debt forgiveness law in December borrowers who receive debt forgiveness as part of a loan workout over the next three years won't have to pay federal tax on the forgiven amount. 

Having trouble paying your bills is always a stressful situation to be in.  Don't give up, there is hope.  There are still a few nuggets of good news out there.  If you are having trouble finding the silver lining, give me a call.  I am always willing to help. 

Cute Mountain Getaway in Frisco, Colorado

Summer in Summit County, Colorado includes bicycling, hiking, sailing and golf; outdoor activities that take advantage of the beautiful summertime weather.  Summit County winters also take advantage of the weather but for all types of skiing, snowshoeing, sleigh rides and ice skating.  There is plenty to do in Breckenridge, Keystone, Frisco, Dillon, Copper Mountain and Silverthorne.  If you enjoy Summit County no matter what time of year it is and no matter what part of the county it is in, this Meadow Creek Villa Condo is the perfect mountain getaway for you.  Centrally located this Frisco condo allows you easy access to every part of the county with close proximity to Main Street in Frisco, Lake Dillon, bike trails and the Summit Stage bus stop.  View a map.

Two floors above the one car garage is this cute 2 bedroom condo.  Over 1000 square feet allows ample space to relax and be comfortable. The living room is a nice size with a stone-faced, gas fireplace.  The kitchen has a country feel with plenty of cabinets and counter space.  The dining room has multiple windows that frame awesome mountain, lake and protected wetland views.  The deck also takes advantage of these same views.  Both bedrooms are huge with walk in closets, one with its own bath.  The bedrooms also have separate entrances to the outside and can be utilized as lock-off units if you prefer.

Resonable HOA dues of $375/mo allow you hot tub use, pay most of your utilities and handle the snow removal.  Property taxes are $1,134/yr.  Use our mortgage calculator to figure out how affordable this 2 bedroom Summit County condo can be at just $415,000.

See more of this cute, Frisco condo at www.mountain-living.com/202meadowcreek.html