Summertime – and the livings’ easy!
It’s officially summer in the high country – and I’m here for it! The last few weeks have been filled with music, mountain bike rides, sunsets and hiking. Summer in the mountains is something special – so if you’re looking to escape to the mountains – reach out as I manage two great short term rentals (Cozy Cabin by the Creek & a Mountain Cabin in Fraser). And if you’d like give mountain living a real try, check out this unfurnished 3 bedroom, 2 bath rental in Rendezvous, Fraser – close to all the action!
On a personal note, I attended a few graduation parties (congratulations all the 2026 grads!) headed to Glenwood Springs with some girlfriends and our mountain build is moving and grooving – we poured our basement floor & garage floor & framing of the basement is happening!
I attended a Granby Ranch Elevated event – where I learned about the development opportunities going on in the community and resort, mingled with fellow agents and listened to the Wednesday Summer Concert. If you’re interested, reply to this email and let’s chat!
Summer music is swinging into full gear and there’s music almost every night – from Cooper Creek Fridays & Saturday Sessions, to Hideaway Park High Note Thursdays – to Fraser Towns’ Picnic in the Park starting Tuesday June 23.
Thinking about buying or selling in Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Fraser, Winter Park, Tabernash or Granby – Would love to chat!
Summer Market – Hot or Cooling!?
It’s summer, but the market in the Front Range and Grand County doesn’t feel frenzied as it was a few years ago. Not a bad thing – it’s actually a healthier market!
Biggest factor shaping buyer behavior – higher interest rates! As of mid-June, 30-year mortgage rates are hovering around 6.5%, and most forecasts expect rates to stay in the low-to-mid 6% range over the next few months unless inflation cools more meaningfully. Inflation recently moved higher again, largely tied to energy costs, while the job market remains steady enough that the Federal Reserve is not in a hurry to cut rates.
What this means for buyers & Sellers?
Buyers are negotiating more, especially on homes that are overpriced or need updates & seller concessions could be your best friend & help buy down your rate. Sellers need to focus on presentation, pricing correctly and paying attention to your current market (not what your neighbor sold for a year and a half a go!) Good homes priced correctly are still moving – but buyers are being pickier and have more power to negotiate.
Front Range Snapshot (Markets I focus on):
Arvada: Median prices are around $632K, down about 4% year over year, but homes are still selling quickly — about 12 days on market. This points to a market that has cooled on price but remains very active.
Lakewood: Median prices are around $575K, down about 2% year over year, with sales volume up from last year. Lakewood remains attractive because of its location, access to Denver, foothills lifestyle, and variety of home types.
Wheat Ridge: Median prices are around $625K, nearly flat from last year. This is one of the steadier pockets, with homes still selling in roughly 11 days.
Mountain Market (Grand County)
Grand County is a smaller market, more nuanced and a smaller sample size – so reach out if you’re interested in diving into a particular area or asset type!
Grand County overall: Median sale prices are around $745K, down year over year, with homes taking longer to sell — closer to 59 days.
Fraser: Median pricing is around $869K, with homes taking longer than last year. Realtor.com also classifies Fraser as a buyer’s market right now.
Winter Park: Median prices are around $839K, down about 8% year over year, but sales activity is up from last year.
Tabernash: This is a very small market, so one or two sales can swing the numbers. Recent data shows higher prices year over year, but with very limited sales volume.
Remember real estate is local – National headlines can be helpful, but they don’t tell the full story in Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Fraser, Winter Park, or Tabernash.
A condo in Winter Park has different market forces than a ranch home in Lakewood. A couple looking to grow their family in Arvada has different motivations than a second-home buyer in Grand County.
I encourage clients to look specifically at the neighborhood they’re interested in – and have a trusted real estate professional (like me!) help you do so!
The national market provides a high level. Your local market provides opportunity.
What Economists & Housing Experts are Saying
Since early in the year, Redfin’s economists have described 2026 as a “housing reset” – more inventory & modest appreciation, unlike the years prior when appreciation soared in certain areas.
Realtor.com’s economists continue to forecast a more balanced market, with inventory improving and buyers gaining more negotiating power than they’ve had in recent years.
Most economists surveyed by Reuters expect the Fed to remain cautious due to elevated inflation and a healthy job market. Mortgage rates may stay higher than buyers hoped.
Recent housing reports show affordability remains the biggest challenge nationally, but increased inventory is helping create a healthier balance between buyers and sellers.
Need help with your rental?
Investing in the mountains doesn’t have to be a headache if you have local boots on the ground. I’m helping several owners with their rentals in Fraser & Tabernash and would love to chat if you are thinking of investing or need help with your own rental. And if you’re looking for a rental yourself, I’m helping an owner with an unfurnished, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom with a 1-car garage and lots of storage in Rendezvous that is available now!
Thinking about investing or need help with your own rental?
Check out my Short Term Rental Guide that tells you how to set up a STR in Fraser & if you need help managing your rental, let’s chat!