Mountain Property Success Story: Combining Marketing Expertise and Engineering Know-How

When it comes to selling mountain properties, having a realtor with both a top-notch marketing program and a strong technical background can make all the difference. Here’s a recent success story that highlights why we stand out in the crowded real estate market.

The Challenge: Navigating a Complex Sale in Red Feather Lakes

Our clients purchased a beautiful mountain property in Red Feather Lakes in 2022 for $590,000. Their plan was to use it as a short-term rental and eventually retire there. However, by 2024, market conditions had shifted significantly, and their plans changed. They decided to sell the property, which consisted of two parcels: one with a house, detached garage, and a recreational building on a 3 acre parcel, and the other a vacant 3 acre building lot.

When evaluating the property prior to listing, we discovered a critical issue: the legal description in the original purchase contract only included the parcel with the buildings. The vacant lot had not been legally transferred to our clients at closing. Thanks to our thorough review process, we identified the problem early and worked with the previous sellers to ensure it was corrected, enabling a clean sale.

Overcoming Inspection Hurdles

Once we listed the property, and it went under contract, the inspection process presented challenges:

• Well Flow Test: The inspector’s test involved running water at 5 gallons per minute for 120 minutes. When the flow dropped below 3 gallons per minute, the inspector concluded and reported that there was an issue with the well and/or pumping equipment because the flow rate dropped. Drawing on our engineering expertise, we calculated that the well had simply run dry due to the continuous extreme testing conditions. This saved our clients from unnecessary and costly repairs.

• Septic Scope: During the septic inspection, the inspector’s scope hit a Y connection in the sewer line and couldn’t proceed. They immediately suggested cutting in cleanouts, a repair that potentially would have cost thousands of dollars. Instead, we called in Drain Doctors, a trusted drain service company we’ve worked with for years. They scoped the line from the tank back to the Y and confirmed that the sewer line was in excellent condition, avoiding unnecessary expenses.

The Result: A Successful Sale

Despite market challenges, we sold the property for $600,000 and offered a $21,000 credit for a roof replacement-another issue not addressed in their purchase.  This netted the sellers $579,000, which was a loss, but given the shift in the market and the issues missed in their original purchase the sellers were happy to move on.  The transaction closed smoothly, thanks to our ability to navigate the unique aspects of selling mountain properties.

Why We’re Different

Selling mountain properties is far more complex than selling homes in town. From well systems to septic lines and beyond, understanding the intricacies of these systems is crucial. With an engineering background and a thorough approach, we saved our clients thousands of dollars by resolving inspection issues efficiently and effectively. Combined with a robust marketing strategy, we deliver unmatched service for our clients.

If you’re considering selling or purchasing a mountain retreat, give us a call. Let us put our marketing expertise and engineering knowledge to work for you!