Buying Property with Stacey K. Kelly
As a Colorado Realtor since 2005, I have heard all of the reasons why NOT to buy real estate. The excuses range from “too expensive” to “my 11-year-old daughter doesn't like it”. All were valid reasons for those clients at the time, but most regretted the decision. Buying real estate in the Aspen and Roaring Fork Valley is a long-term relationship. Many clients start with a ski condo, then find out they need more space, then need an oasis from their busy life elsewhere, then need to do best by their family and legacy. Aspen real estate gives back more than just a return on financial investment. Clients buy Aspen real estate for the return on life investment. Once the decision is made to buy real estate, then the Where, What, and With Whom are the key questions that need answers before moving forward.
Where To Buy
People not familiar with the Aspen Snowmass call me and say, “Hi Stacey, I am looking for a mountain home. I want to have great skiing, fun summer activities, and possibly some water nearby. I also want it to be easy to get to and have opportunities to enjoy some culture in a community.” They laugh when I say, “Yes”. Aspen, Snowmass and the Roaring Fork Valley truly has all of the above. The world-class skiing on 4 unique mountains offers skiing for every ability with minimal lift lines. Winter is the time when most are introduced to this area, but they stay for the summers that are filled with beautiful weather, bike rides, fly fishing, hiking trails, and golf with gorgeous scenery at every tee. There are literally events happening every day in the summer including The Ideas Festival, Jazz Aspen Music Festival, Ragnar Relays, and Theatre Aspen.
I have had the fortune of growing up in Jackson Hole and Utah, living in the Vail Valley and North Lake Tahoe, and visiting 75% of the mountain resorts in the area. I have investigated all of these communities and keep coming back to the Roaring Fork Valley as the best fit for me and my family. Winning the lottery tomorrow may change my tax bracket, but not my zip code!
What To Buy
Buying and selling real estate is 30% about doors, foundations, and Iinvestment returns. The other 70% is about the heart. Buyers can analyze, diagram, and reason any property to make what their heart's desire the "smartest decision I ever made." Seeing property is the best way to make the decision even easier.
Just like the four mountain of Aspen Skiing Company, the Aspen Snowmass real estate market has something for everyone. A pied-a-terre walking distance to coffee shops and hiking trails to a sprawling ranch with private fishing ponds can both be found in 30 miles of each other.
Click on the link below to search MLS listings in the Aspen Glenwood MLS.
Who To Trust With Real Estate
Buying and selling real estate is 30% about doors, foundations, and Iinvestment returns. The other 70% is about the heart. Buyers can analyze, diagram, and reason any property to make what their heart's desire the "smartest decision I ever made." Seeing property is the best way to make the decision even easier.
Just like the four mountain of Aspen Skiing Company, the Aspen Snowmass real estate market has something for everyone. A pied-a-terre walking distance to coffee shops and hiking trails to a sprawling ranch with private fishing ponds can both be found in 30 miles of each other.
Click on the link below to search MLS listings in the Aspen Glenwood MLS.
How Buying a Home in Aspen Works
A clear, proven path from first conversation to the keys in your hand.
- 01
Connect & define your goals
We start by understanding your lifestyle, must-haves, budget, and timeline so every property we show you is worth your time.
- 02
Get financially prepared
Whether you're paying cash or financing, we help you line up proof of funds or pre-approval so you can move quickly and negotiate from strength.
- 03
Search — including off-market
We curate on-market and private, pre-market listings that fit your criteria and arrange private showings and video tours.
- 04
Tour & evaluate
We tour properties together, in person or remotely, and give you honest, data-backed guidance on value, condition, and fit.
- 05
Offer & negotiate
We craft a competitive offer and negotiate price, terms, and contingencies to protect your interests.
- 06
Due diligence & inspections
We coordinate inspections, title review, HOA and short-term-rental research, and appraisal so there are no surprises.
- 07
Closing & beyond
We manage the details through a smooth closing and remain a resource afterward for property management, rentals, and future needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying in Aspen
How does buying a home in Aspen or Snowmass work if I live out of state or abroad?
Many Aspen and Snowmass buyers purchase from out of state or internationally, and the process is built to work remotely. We handle private showings, video tours, and digital document signing, and coordinate local inspectors, lenders, title, and closing on your behalf so you can buy with confidence from anywhere.
Do I pay my buyer's agent to represent me?
In most Aspen-area transactions, buyer representation is arranged so that working with a dedicated buyer's agent costs you nothing out of pocket, while giving you an advocate who negotiates on your behalf. We'll review exactly how representation and compensation work for your specific purchase before you commit to anything.
Can I see off-market or pocket listings in Aspen and Snowmass?
Yes. A meaningful share of high-end Aspen and Snowmass sales happen quietly, before or without ever reaching the MLS. Through our local relationships we can surface off-market and pre-market opportunities that match your criteria and aren't visible on public search sites.
What closing costs and transfer taxes should I expect in the Aspen area?
Buyer costs typically include title insurance, lender fees (if financing), recording fees, and prorated property taxes, and certain areas around Aspen carry a real estate transfer assessment. Because these vary by property and location, we provide a clear, itemized estimate for any home you're seriously considering.
What should I know about short-term rentals and HOAs before buying?
Short-term-rental rules vary significantly across Aspen, Snowmass Village, and Pitkin County, and many condominiums and communities have their own HOA rules, fees, and rental restrictions. If rental income or flexibility matters to you, we'll confirm the current regulations and HOA terms for each property before you make an offer.
Should I pay cash or finance a luxury or second home here?
Both are common in the Aspen market. Cash can strengthen your offer and speed up closing, while financing can preserve liquidity for the right buyer. We can introduce you to lenders experienced with luxury and second-home loans so you can compare and decide what fits your goals.
How long does a typical Aspen luxury transaction take from offer to closing?
Many Aspen and Snowmass closings happen within roughly 30 to 45 days once you're under contract, though timing depends on financing, inspections, and the terms you negotiate. Cash purchases can close faster. We'll set a realistic timeline for your specific transaction.
What's the difference between Aspen, Snowmass Village, Woody Creek, and the down-valley communities?
Each area offers a distinct lifestyle and price point — from Aspen's walkable core and West End, to Snowmass Village's ski-in/ski-out convenience, to the privacy of Woody Creek and Old Snowmass, to the value and space of down-valley towns like Basalt and Carbondale. We'll help you weigh location, lifestyle, and long-term value to find the right fit.
What Clients Say
I have used Stacey and her team when I purchased the property and when I sold it. They were incredibly helpful going on both occasions. Stacey was in tune with the finest of details from making sure all the light bulbs were working to actually sweeping up dust balls before the final walk through. If I ever decide to purchase again in the Aspen/Snowmass area I would not hesitate to call Stacey.
Stacey Kelly is a rockstar Realtor®! She helped us every step of the way when we moved from Michigan to Colorado. She knows the Roaring Fork Valley inside and out . She thought of everything, executed perfectly, and helped us land in exactly the right home. To top it off, she is fun to work with--great attitude and gets things done. I can't say enough good things about her.
Stacey handles difficult transactions with the utmost professionalism. She is a problem solver who strives to achieve the best results for her clients. Highly recommended.
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Buy Your Aspen Home with Stacey
Tell us what you're looking for and receive a curated selection of Aspen and Snowmass properties — including off-market opportunities — matched to your criteria.