P. Madsen

Hi, Holly.

We have seen extraordinary interest and growth in Summit County real estate, including lot sales. In the past 20 years, as Brokers in this area, my husband and I have seen Summit County home sites steadily increase in value. There is no shortage of lots; if you go to http://www.rerockies.com/MLSlandsearch.html you can see over 200 lots for sale (1/2 acre to 10 acres) in the Breckenridge area alone. (This is a free, no obligation search for MLS-listed lots.)

Currently, we have 16 half-acre home sites listed for sale in the Breckenridge area, most with outstanding mountain views -- and many with most or all of the approvals done.

A home site's approvals (i.e., topographical survey, septic design, septic permit and building plans) will add to a lot's values and to the price you will pay. We can find out -- for you -- if lots that you are considering have had such reports done, to be included in a possible sale to you.

Considering the high appreciation we have experienced in areas like Northstar Village (just outside of Breckenridge), buying land there right now -- and then building next year -- would be a prudent choice for you. You should be able to build within one spring-to-fall "summer" season.

I hope that you'll consider talking with my husband, Michael, about what is involved in building in our area. We have helped many, many of our clients in buying home sites, getting their approvals, and building their dream homes. References available! 877-626-3363 toll free. - Fri Aug 22 2008, 13:36

Over the past 30 years that I have been in real estate, I have never seen it fail: by the time the government and the media actually admit and/or report that a recession has happened, then it is already, or almost already, too late to buy "at the bottom" -- a.k.a. the peak of the buyer's market.

But it is always a good time to buy if you buy wisely. Don't buy with unrestrained emotionality; get appraisals; get full disclosure (the law requires it from licensed Brokers); always buy what is priced well for you.

Rent money goes out the window just as fleetingly as other senseless purchases, like eating out or buying a new car -- but your purchase of real estate today is better than money in the bank!

Real estate investors (namely, everyone who owns real estate) always love renters because renters are paying the investors' mortgages and are increasing the investors' net worth -- while the poor, hapless renters are continuing to hemorrhage their money away on rent -- regardless of the market. - Fri Jul 11 2008, 09:45

Hyatt, you can take your Colorado licensing courses **online** at http://www.vaned.com while you're still in NY and get a head start before you get here!

(A native New Yorker, in Colorado since '88.) - Wed Feb 27 2008, 18:03