5 Insider Tips for Buying a Ski Home This Winter, According to Luxury Realtors
Written by
Gabrielle Olya
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Amen Oyiboke
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Ski season may be winding down, but you still have a few weeks left to hit the slopes — and possibly buy your dream ski home, too. Buying a ski home can be a worthwhile investment if you’re a skiing enthusiast who wants easy access to your favorite winter sports locales.
But it’s important to do your research and keep an eye out for the unique amenities that make buying a ski home worth it.
GOBankingRates spoke with Brian O’Neill of Telluride Properties and Bill Fandel of Compass Telluride, two of the top luxury real estate experts in Colorado, to get their insider tips for buying a ski home this winter.
Test Out the Home’s Ski Access
Ideally, your ski home will provide you with direct access to the slopes.
“Direct ski access is one of the most important factors for homebuyers in mountain towns,” O’Neill said. “If you’re choosing to invest in a ski home, you want to know that you can get on and off the trails as efficiently as possible.
“I always recommend my clients physically ski the access themselves when touring homes so they’re comfortable navigating the terrain and finding the entrance on their own once they buy.”
Choose a Home With Family-Friendly Amenities
If you have kids or grandkids, there are certain amenities you should look for when buying a ski home.
“When shopping for a ski home, you’re buying a gathering place or ‘magnet’ for your family,” O’Neill said. “You want this to be a place your kids enjoy going as often as possible. Choose a location around plentiful sledding hills for younger kids, or one closer to the downtown and more challenging ski runs for teenagers and older.”
Ask for Photos of the Home During Warmer Months
You might love the look of a home when it’s surrounded by snow, but you want to be equally enamored with your home once the snow has melted.
“No matter when you’re touring a home, it’s vital to have a comprehensive view of the property at all times of the year,” O’Neill said. “Leaves on trees can significantly change the views from and light within your home, so we always come prepared with photos of the house in greener months. We want our buyers to have an honest view of the year-round experience.”
The Best Time To Buy Is February Through Early April
Although winter is winding down, now is still the best time to buy a ski home.
“A lot of people think they should book appointments during Christmastime when they’re in town or on vacation with their family, but we recommend scheduling tours from mid-February through early April,” Fandel said. “In the early winter, people are busy with holiday plans and the days are shorter and darker. You’ll have a better experience if you pick a day in the late winter or early spring when days are longer and there’s more snow and more sunshine, making it easier to see your fabulous views and find your house’s ski access.”
Consider Homes With Extra Amenities for Comfort
Your ski home should be your winter haven, so look for homes that have extra amenities that will make your time there even more enjoyable.
“Outside of family-friendly amenities and direct ski access, I continue to see features like grand fireplaces, outdoor hot tubs with sweeping mountain views, dedicated mud rooms with boot racks and cubbies, and on-site saunas make ski homes stand out for luxury buyers across the Telluride market,” Fandel said.
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