You’ve decided to dip your toes in the Aspen Snowmass real estate market. Once the thrill of moving to the beautiful Roaring Fork Valley, the anxiety can set in. How do I begin looking for houses? Where should I look? If I’m selling my house, how should I get it prepared for sale? What should I look for in a house? What should I look for in a buyer? Suddenly the questions are swirling and taking you with them. Do not worry. This is the benefit of having a real estate agent to guide you. But what should you look for in your agent? Here is a list of the top five qualities to look for in an Aspen Snowmass real estate agent.

 

Even when you are swept away by the real estate process, whether buying or selling, you still have a core list of wants and needs. You want to work with an agent who is going to listen more than they speak in the beginning. After all, this is a process that requires trust and intuition from both the client and the agent. Before they show you their best homes, the agent has to show effort in getting to know you and your interests as a prospective homeowner.

Share your vision with them, being clear on what is a hard yes and which points can be negotiated should the perfect house come along. In this way, you and the agent can begin a healthy dialogue that will lead to your ideal home.

The right realtor will ask questions, some you may never have considered, such as allergies to certain materials, distance to highways, whether you want a walkable location, if you mind being near schools, or if you are a foodie who hopes to be minutes away from the perfect meal. In the end, did they follow through on your requests? Did the listings match your wants and needs? Ensure they are eager to kindle communication and be adaptable.

 

This may seem like a given, but it can become obvious when an agent lacks an understanding of the nuances that come with the market. Aspen Snowmass is an in-demand area. Though hailed as a vacation spot for the rich and famous, it’s also a go-to for those seeking a residence in the snow-capped mountains. Perhaps you want to own a house to have for seasonal skiing or rent it out as a vacation home. There are permits, licensing, and crucial steps that must be considered. The little details of parking, Homeowners Associations, and other points should always be at the forefront of your agent’s mind, ensuring that no aspect is left unchecked.

 

Aspen Snowmass is a place of elegant luxury — an escape from the rush of urban life into a well-curated community. It stands to reason that luxury mountain homes would follow the same model. Nestled within this close-knit town is a wealth of opportunity for real estate. As a buyer, the right real estate agent will have their finger on the pulse of listings that have not even yet been made public. They will have a keen awareness of the inner culture within Aspen that will best fit your needs and the home in which you wish to invest. But what about the sellers? A prime agent will have insider information and be aware of the best clients that can fit your property and negotiate a manageable price for both parties.

This brings yet another dynamic to insider knowledge: knowing how best to negotiate. As mentioned above, knowledge of the real estate market is crucial. When it comes to negotiations surrounding a property, knowledge about local pricing requirements and the average home valuation will set you, buyer or seller, up for success. This insider knowledge does not just extend to statistics on the Aspen Snowmass real estate forecasts. It also connects to the area itself.

If you’re moving to Aspen Snowmass for the first time, your agent can also double as a local guide on the best spots to frequent, like Casa Tua, a restaurant offering a dining experience that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to the Dolomite Mountains in Italy. What if you want to experience the iconic ski town experience? After all, Aspen is known to be a little Switzerland in its ability to encapsulate alpine charm. For relaxed elegance, the right agent may recommend Aspen Snowmass as a go-to spot for those new to the area and eager to take part in the winter sports that make Aspen famous. Insider knowledge takes many forms, and a quality real estate agent can dabble with all of them.

Whether buying or selling, maneuvering real estate is a tricky process. It can be overwhelming, which is why having an agent that will be able to walk through it with you is invaluable. A real estate agent who is not only confident in their skills but also in the market does wonders when it comes to managing a sale.

Like every business relationship, a level of respect must be built to foster a productive experience. When looking for an Aspen Snowmass real estate agent, ask: “Do they have my best interest in mind?” “Are they displaying an adequate understanding of my vision?” “Do they follow through on their claims?” “Are they displaying integrity?” It becomes obvious when an agent cares more about making a big sale than helping you find a forever home. Caring about finding a home that fits your needs rather than showing the most popular houses will do wonders in building trust between the agent and you as the client.

There’s a reason why real estate is usually left to professionals. It can take some tricky problem-solving to get the deal you want. Problem-solving, as a practice in any profession, requires optimism and tenacity. When a seller becomes difficult or a buyer is being evasive, an agent that will be a fierce advocate for your needs will be a game-changer. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that circumstances can flip on a dime, and well-laid-out plans can fall through. Rather than panicking, the right agent will view each setback as a challenge and invest in you as the client, reaching the goal you hired them to reach. When you have a quality agent in your corner, no real estate conflict cannot be conquered.

So, where can you find an Aspen Snowmass real estate agent like this? Look no further than Lori Guilander at Douglas Elliman Real Estate. As Aspen Snowmass’s foremost real estate agent, she possesses every quality needed for the ideal sale. Whether looking for a home or selling a property, she has proven to be the perfect partner and guide for the process. Reach out today.