Rocky Mountains Castle In The Sky

By Joseph Palmisano

There’s more than snow to be found in the Rockies. Luxury knows no boundaries and Liz Leeds of Slifer, Smith & Frampton Real Estate knows where the luxury is. Liz is a former international flight attendant who’s traveled the world and experienced the best of the best. With all her jet-setting and traveling from one exotic locale to another, Liz decided to plant her feet in the West in the Rockies. Liz has over 20 years of experience working in Colorado’s luxury housing market, specifically Vail and Aspen. We sat down with her to get her take on why buying in Colorado should be on your short list.

Q: Why Colorado?

A: It’s BEAUTIFUL! We offer so much more than just fun winter activities. We have four seasons and each one is spectacular. Colorado is best known for the Rocky Mountains, and the natural scenery that’s found in them.

Q: What’s your real estate specialty?

A: I specialize in selling highend luxury real estate in Vail and Aspen.

Q: What draws your clients to Vail and Aspen?

A: Many of my clients come for the winters (they’re not harsh) to ski, snowboard and enjoy the magic that that season has to offer but, many stay for the summers to golf, bike, hike, raft and enjoy the calmness of the mountains.

Q: How is it to live in Vail and Aspen?

A: There is nothing that compares to it. Our weather is idyllic. We don’t have humidity and bugs are virtually nonexistent. We have an extensive cultural scene with ballet, plays, world-class cuisine and of course the best skiing in the world.

Q: What is the market like in

Vail and Aspen right now?

A: Inventory is low, and the current market reminds me of the 1999/2000 market where what’s happening in the stock and bond markets are very disconnected from the real economy.

Q: Since the Federal Reserve has been raising interest rates, how has that affected the way your clients make a purchase?

A: When working with highnet-worth individuals their access to cash and loans is somewhat different than the average consumer. Many of my clients pay cash while others utilize their financial holdings to make a purchase.

Q: How have home prices fared?

A: In Eagle County, where Vail is located, the market has experienced an 18% surge in average sales prices compared to the previous year. Our limited supply and strong demand for housing should keep prices robust.

Q: How should buyers prepare when looking at homes in Vail or Aspen?

A: First they need to contact me. They need a real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of not only the areas they’re looking in but also the market itself. Working with the right agent is key. Next, as with any market, buyers should have a budget, know what they are looking for in a home as well as what are their non-negotiables. They also need to be prepared to make an offer on whatever property they find because it may be futile for them to wait for prices to decline.

Q: Why should people contact Liz Leeds?

A: I’ve been selling real estate in Vail and Aspen for close to 20 years. I specialize in the high-end, luxury real estate market working in a confidential and discreet manner. Building trust with my clients is my number one goal and keeping their lives and transactions private is of the utmost importance. I love to teach my clients how to live their best lives by creating family memories and enjoying a lifestyle outside of their hectic lives. It is easy. I live it and I teach it!

Q: How can we contact you?

A: You can call me at: 970.331.1806.

Email: LLeeds@slifer.net and at LizLeeds.com or Realm-global.com.

I’m a founding member of REALM, a membership of the most accomplished real estate professionals in the world. I can connect you whether buying or selling anywhere in the world.