A short guide to home buying for first-timers

Are you thinking of looking for your first home, but feeling a little lost? You might feel a little wary of the headlines about the 2017 sellers' market, financing options and more, but doing a little home buying homework can help to ease your fears. Start here:

Understand your credit

Start by ordering a free credit report from the three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Visit the Federal Trade Commission website for instructions on how to order your reports (you are entitled to a free one each year). Review the reports for any issues, and work to clear those from your record as soon as possible.

Establish a budget

Really dive into your monthly income and expenses to understand what you can afford; not just what you hope to afford. You want to buy a home that gives you the lifestyle you want, and that includes the ability to save and use money for non-home purposes. So, don't plan to tie up all your income in your mortgage. Begin by tracking your expenses for two or three months to get a handle on where your money is going. Then, set a realistic price range for your home search.

A Steamboat Springs lifestyle combines nature, recreation and culture

There's a reason more than 12,000 people call this beautiful Colorado mountain town home and why even more choose to have a Steamboat vacation home. We enjoy such a unique combination of beauty, outdoor recreation and culture that you can only find here. Here are just a few elements that make up the Steamboat Springs lifestyle:

Nature

Search "Steamboat Springs photos" and you will see what we mean, but nothing beats the experience of living and breathing that beauty in person every day. Towering mountain peaks, lush forests and valleys, rushing rivers: our little corner of the world pretty much sums up what it means to live in the Colorado mountains.

Here are a few reasons to sell a home in 2017

Throughout the state and country, properties have gained tremendous value over the past few years. This year, experts predict that home prices will level out or dip some, but there are still some compelling reasons to sell. Below are just a few reasons to sell a home in 2017:

Interest rates

Although rates have inched up a bit since the election in November, they still remain near record lows. However, experts predict that rates will rise again, as much a 0.9 percent, by year-end. That means many buyers will be motivated to find a home before that rate hike happens.

Enjoy these Steamboat Springs events; from winter into spring

It's hard to believe that a whole month of 2017 is already behind us. Around here, we are in snow and ski heaven and will be for the next few months. So, there is still time to visit and hit the slopes or the snowshoe trails throughout the valley. Whether you prefer to be inside or out, there is something to keep everyone entertained this season. Check out just a few of the upcoming Steamboat Springs events:

Vacation home investing in a resort area

Many of our clients in the Steamboat Springs area want to find properties they will use only part of the year. In a resort area, vacation home investing can be a great way to gain access to a beautiful spot while also making a little money on the deal.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are considering an investment in a vacation home:

Know the area

Most of our clients who buy vacation homes in Steamboat have been here before, often many times. They know and love the area, which is why they want to own here. For these buyers, the investment property also serves as their home base for their own vacations.

Get real about your budget before you buy a home

Ah, January. It's the time of year when many of us are reeling a bit from holiday bills and starting to think about tax season. As a result, it is a perfect time to review your finances. Plus, if you are thinking about house hunting this year, it pays to get real about your budget before you buy.

Below are a few steps that can help you get a handle on your budget before starting your house hunt:

Why you should buy a home early in 2017

We know, we know: You just made it through the holiday season and you just want to rest a bit. However, it might make sense to buy a home early in 2017 rather than waiting. Here's why:

Interest rates

The Federal Reserve has already raised interest rates slightly for the new year, but the base rate remains low overall. Experts expect further rate increases later this year, so making a move now will help you keep your payment lower.

Get a jump on spring cleaning to prepare your home for sale

If you are thinking about listing your home in 2017, there are things you can do now to prepare your home for sale. Organizing and cleaning now can make the process of listing and showing your home much easier when you are ready to take that leap.

These featured properties in Steamboat Springs will make you want to pack your bags today

If you haven't explored the rest of our website recently, we invite you to do so. We regularly feature special properties in Steamboat Springs, as well as neighborhoods, condos and more.

Featured videos

We often post videos of developments and special listings, and we currently have a few posted for your viewing pleasure. These videos give you just a taste of the truly incredible surroundings we enjoy in Steamboat Springs, as well as each property's unique features.

This video for the Wildhorse development shows off some of our best winter assets:

View additional property videos here.

Enjoying the holidays in Steamboat

You know those Christmas card scenes with the snow-capped mountains, horse-drawn sleigh and light shining from a log-cabin window? We happen to live in one of those cards. You truly cannot find a more picture-perfect mountain holiday than in Steamboat Springs.

There is nothing like a Colorado mountain town during the holiday season. The Old West charm combined with frosty peaks and warm hospitality really set the stage for an unforgettable experience, and we get that experience each and every year as locals. We do not take that for granted, and we revel in the beauty of the winter here.