Breckenridge began as a mining town in the early 1800s. Though it still remains a relatively small city with a population of only 2,000, today Breckenridge is known nationwide for its ski resorts and summer activities.
As one of Colorado’s foremost up-and-coming cities for the young and successful, Breckenridge is a desirable community. As you search for homes for sale in Breckenridge, learn how to be a competitive buyer.
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| Population 2,408 | Median Age 29.4 yrs | Household Size: 2.16 |
| Avg Commute: 10.1 min | Avg Income $43,938 | Avg Home Value: $580,100 |
| July High: 70.7°F | January Low: 0.5°F | |
Breckenridge Homes For Sale
Breckenridge, Colo., is a wintry wonderland for much of the year, offering winter sports and recreation to tourists and to residents alike. The city’s close proximity to Boulder and to Denver is also an advantage for those who appreciate the small-town feel of the area but who do not want to be far away from major metropolitan centers. If you are looking at homes for sale in Breckenridge, one of the most important things you can learn is how to be a competitive buyer.
Get an Agent
You might have imagined you would have a competitive edge by choosing not to hire a local real estate agent. Yet, in almost all cases, a real estate agent can negotiate a lower purchasing price than you. As a professional, he or she is skilled at giving you the best deal possible. Unless you have had formal real estate training, hire an agent in Breckenridge.
Secure a Home Mortgage Loan
One of the best ways to be competitive in an offer for one of the homes for sale in Breckenridge is to have already secured a mortgage from a local lender. You may also want to consider contacting a local mortgage broker for his or her interest rates and loan specifications. He or she may be able to offer a better deal on a loan than a bank. Securing a loan before you make an offer on a home ensures the buyer you will be able to pay for the home’s mortgage, thus making your offer more viable than one coming from a buyer who has not yet secured a loan.
Search in Off-Peak Times
Most potential buyers do not want to house hunt during the middle of the summer or the middle of the winter, particularly near holidays. If you can wait until the months of July to August or of December to January, you may find you have less competition from other buyers. Homes need to be sold throughout the year, but as a buyer, you can strategically choose your buying time to coincide with the buying times of the least number of competitors.
Up-and-Coming Neighborhoods
One of the best ways to attain the highest value for your dollar and to make a wise investment in a home is to purchase a house in an up-and-coming neighborhood rather than in an established one. These homes will typically have lower purchase prices and just as much, if not more, room for growth. Also, if you are concerned about resale potential, remember, it is usually best to buy a smaller home in a nicer neighborhood rather than a larger home in a not-so-nice neighborhood.
A Competitive Offer
Once you have sorted through the homes for sale in Breckenridge and are ready to make an offer, you must carefully plan your negotiation strategy. Your real estate agent can help you determine the amount of your initial offer. One practical tip is to round up to an uneven number. For example, if you are considering making an offer at $450,000, consider rounding to $451,000. Most people avoid making uneven offer amounts, and this may make your offer appear visually larger and may give it a slight edge over other offers.
As you look at homes for sale in Breckenridge, use these practical tools to be a competitive buyer.
By Stephanie Allen
A REALTOR® is a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS®