If you’ve had the pleasure of visiting Breckenridge, Keystone, Dillon, or any of the idyllic towns here in Summit County, you know there’s just no feeling quite like stepping out into a cool, crisp mountain morning. 

Now, imagine that feeling only instead of a rented property, it’s your own little piece of paradise you’re stepping out of. Owning your own place in the mountains might seem like a pipe dream, but you’d be surprised at the options for condos for sale in Breckenridge, Dillon, Silverthorne, and all around the area. 

At Paffrath & Thomas, we’ve served home buyers in Breckenridge, Summit County, and Park County for more than 40 years. We understand the draw of owning your own place in the mountains, and we know how to find the perfect place for your exact needs. 

Below we’ve put together some tips on what to look for when searching for condos for sale in Breckenridge and around the area. You can also browse our available properties, or give us a call at our office and tell us more about what you’re looking for.  

Location, location, location

When starting your condo search, it’s good to know what you want from your life in the mountains. There’s not just one ubiquitous “mountain property”, it’s as varied in amenities and distances to town (or neighbors) as the suburbs can be! 

Here’s a few questions to ask yourself while looking for condos for sale in Breckenridge:

• How much mountain access do you want?
  • Do you want ski-in/ski-out access?
• Do you want to be close to town or more secluded?
• Will you need a garage or assigned parking?
• How much space do you need (i.e. how many bedrooms)?
• Do you need or want to rent your condo? (Click here for our blog on short-term rental restrictions in Summit County)
• What amenities do you need (i.e. hot tubs, pools, fitness centers)?

Amenities

That last question is a doozy, so we figured it needs a bit more talking through. When thinking about buying a condo around the area, it’s not the same as looking for a place to rent. Even if it’s your vacation home, you’ll still possibly be there for a few weeks at a time.  

Lots of condo complexes in Summit County offer great amenity packages. When trying to find the right condo, it is important to consider what amenities may be important to you. A lot of people love their hot tubs, others may prefer to spend their time at their vacation home in the summer, so they would like an on-site pool. 

No matter what time of year you use your condo, you may want somewhere to work out on your  vacation. Access to a fitness center, sauna, and steam room would then be a top priority. 

Finding the right condo that fits all your needs and amenity desires can be difficult, and if you’re planning on renting out your property you may need to consider what your renters might want as well.

These luxury amenity packages also frequently come with higher monthly Homeowner Association dues. We can help you find the perfect balance and get you into a condo that has everything you need but nothing that you don’t. 

Room for everyone

An empty nester couple and a family of 5 have very different housing needs. That means their search for condos for sale in Breckenridge are different. 

The good news is, condos come in all shapes and sizes around Summit County, so there’s sure to be one that’s perfect for you. 

Flexibility

When you own your own property in the area, you’re not beholden to price hikes during peak seasons or waiting for a time-share opportunity. You can come and go as you please from your home.

A condo provides even more flexibility and doesn’t come with the added hassle of lawn maintenance or sidewalk shoveling during the winter months. Your home stays as you leave it, and is the same when you return. 

Rental opportunities

Condos aren’t just fantastic places to live when visiting the mountains, they’re great ways to add a little extra money to your monthly income as well. Renting out your condo after purchasing can help offset your mortgage payment, making your investment even more attractive!

If you’re considering renting, you need to keep potential renters in mind as well when looking for condos for sale in Breckenridge and the surrounding area. For instance, if you’re not a skiing enthusiast and prefer the mountains in the summer months, it still might be beneficial to purchase a ski-in/ski-out condo for rental purposes. Then, you can enjoy your property in the summer, and its rental income during the winter!

Condo drawbacks

While buying a condo in Summit County has a lot of benefits, there are some drawbacks as well. 

Privacy

Condos typically exist in pods, sometimes with many put together. It can be tough to have the seclusion you desire with a condo, and you might have to deal with neighbors you don’t love (either permanent or temporary from rentals). 

Outdoor space

This is a double-edged sword. Not having outdoor space is great since you don’t have to maintain it, but you also don’t get to enjoy your own little piece of mountain wilderness. And if you have animals, you know outdoor space to take care of business is a premium. 

HOA Dues

As we briefly mentioned above, condos will also have a Homeowner’s Association that will take care of things like trash and upkeep of the condo grounds. These can vary greatly depending on the project and are something worth considering when looking at your options. That’s where having an experienced Breckenridge Realtor® at your side comes in handy. 

Helping you find your mountain home

If you’re dreaming of sipping coffee on your back porch as the sun rises over the mountains in the east, Paffrath & Thomas is here to help. 

You can check out our listings online, or contact us on our site or by phone. And always feel free to stop by our office for a look at our properties, and enjoy a cup of hot coffee with us. Make it part of your wonderful day in Breckenridge. 

You’ll soon find out why so many people come for the winter, and stay for the summer. We’ll be here, as your Breckenridge Realtors, neighbors, and friends—ready to help you come home.

Explore with us, make memories with us, live your purpose with us. Allow our Paffrath & Thomas family to guide your family home.