Meredith Hanson --Summit County Colorado Realtor

The Summit Association of Realtors handed out donations to three local groups today. These donations were made possible by a Realtor Banquet/Fundraiser and from the interest earned when earnest money is donated into special accounts.

The fundraiser donation of $8,000 went to Summit County schools to make more before and after school programs available to elementary and middle school children. Millie Hamner, the Superintendent of Shools pointed out that when kids are involved in planned activites, their involvement in "other" activities is reduced.

CARHOF raised $10,000 which was split between two local groups. $5,000 was donated to the Summit Housing Authority to replenish their downpayment assistance fund. The remaining $5,000 was donated to the Advocates of Victims of Assault to help with the cost of safe housing.

Every effort, regardless of how small, has the power to make a difference to people in our community. Make a decision today to give in some way and support your community. The Mountain Living Team is proud to be a part of a group of Realtors that cares so much about their 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.

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

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.

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