ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY

with Colorado’s many farm, ranch and recreational properties

By Darren Thornberry

Photos: Hayden Outdoors, KL Realty

Bear Gulch Ranch in Estes Park is a A year ago, working from home was, for the most part, a privilege enjoyed by few. Now “Moving just out of the city has been wonderful for our family. We spend more time outside enjoying our property and the custom luxury home with full home offi ce capabilities, fi shing pond, stream, two guest homes and 320 acres for recreation. This Hayden Outdoors listing is just a few miles from Rocky it’s ubiquitous in businesses large amazing views. We have the best Mountain National Park. and small. The pandemic forced employers to get creative if they were company for our morning coffee, (Photo courtesy: Haden Outdoors). to keep great employees. As a result, our horses! We were boarding them convenience to take a quick hike or working remotely, whether a mile before we had land, and now they’re go fi shing, steps away from their front from the offi ce or four states away, is here with us. It was a journey for door. Clients want to care for their one of our new normals. And families love it. Suddenly, where to live is a sure and Sally helped us get here!” horses on their own land rather than boarding or the ability to build a huge proposition that sparks imagination - Adam and Meg Roberts, Hayden Outdoors clients barn for all their toys!” and rekindles old geographical Brunk is seeing an infl ux of fl ames. The surge in interest in rural interested buyers from the city and mountainous properties in Colorado has Realtors fi elding because, with the fl exibility of working remotely, settling down more calls than ever for recreational land with a view. somewhere with a bit more privacy is, as she says, “very

“Many of my clients have been given the opportunity to enticing to consumers.” Hayden Outdoors is seeing more work from home,” says Sally Brunk, broker associate with demand for recreational property as well. In a recent survey of Hayden Outdoors. “The freedom to work from anywhere their buyers, 52% said they wanted to build a cabin or home in has been a huge benefi t and is allowing people to invest in the fi rst 12 months of buying land, and 55% said they needed property where they truly want to live. Because of this, they a home offi ce. are able to expand their search for property where they can If you’re considering a move to the country, understand work AND recreate. My clients are choosing a quality of life that if your best friend is a Realtor, but not well-versed in rural that speaks to their interests of being outdoors. They want the or mountain properties and sales, they need to step aside

recreational real estate is our business; it’s our daily focus and our passion. Many of us have lived and currently live the life we sell and all of us follow a strict policy of honesty, integrity and trust. Our clients expect a professional and nothing less than excellence.” Contrary to what one might think, 2020 was a massive year in Colorado real estate and this year is starting off with a boom. Herrity recalls that the end of the year was “crazy” with

Thirty-seven acres of pristine riverine property in the heart of Boulder County await at phenomenal business being done in 8249 N. 39th St., Longmont. This KL Realty listing boasts two homes with Left Hand all sectors of the real estate market.

Creek coursing through the grounds. The privacy is unsurpassed. (Photo courtesy: KL Realty). “It’s definitely a Seller’s market for a small acreage with a home, and I don’t in favor of an expert. John Herrity, Hayden Outdoors broker foresee that changing anytime soon,” and sales manager, was raised on a Midwest family farm and Brunk adds. Hayden Outdoors put more than $110 million in has a strong background in residential construction and rural real estate under contract in January alone. land valuation. His clients have confidence in knowing that Karen Libin, owner/broker at KL Realty is also seeing a big he possesses the skill set necessary to properly facilitate an uptick in the number of buyers wanting to live in rural areas. oftentimes complicated and complex rural transaction. “We “The ability to work from home has something to do with specialize in finding intrinsic value hidden on the recreational it,” she says, “but I think it has more to do with the desire to side of real estate, an area many others miss,” Herrity says. live with a yard and maintain a safer distance from people, “We combine that with consistent client communication coupled with not being so restricted under a lockdown. We and cutting-edge systems and processes. Farm, ranch and are seeing three broad sectors buying these properties: local urbanites from Boulder and Denver, and buyers from both the East and West coasts.” Further illustrating the crucial need for Realtors operating within their areas of expertise, Libin and her team are currently selling a property from which the County Planners have driven off multiple buyers who dared to call them directly with what seemed like reasonable questions but were fed negativelyimpacting misinformation by the staff. “It was only through our knowledge of the code and our solicitation of the Sellers’ input that we had the rulings reversed and now the property can proceed to sale without the Sellers having to come off their price,” she says. “The County Land Use employees are trained to put up roadblocks and will offer no advice as to how an applicant may achieve their goals within the code. Therefore, a Realtor with an in-depth knowledge of the code is important • Established in 1973 on any complex deal. Further, the ability to accurately price • Serving Colorado for over 40 years an unconventional property is a skill only a Realtor with the • High-quality custom landscaping, relevant experience can achieve.” masonry, concrete work, remodeling, So what kind of home and property have got you looking outdoor kitchens & more . . . Enhance longingly toward the hills? If you are ready to move to a the natural beauty of your property! recreational property, farm, ranch or mountain home, the Colorado market is poised to deliver on your dreams. Reach

Don King Landscaping, Erie, CO out to the experts featured here to get started.

Phone: (303) 828-3641 Email: donkinglandscaping@yahoo.com

www.donkinglandscaping.com

> For information on available properties, contact Hayden Outdoors at 970.674.1990, haydenoutdoors.com; or KL Realty at 303.444.3177, klrealty.net.

6 Bed + Office 7 Bath 6,622 Sq Ft

Exceptionally private. Gorgeously updated. Unbeatable views. The perfect place to live, work, and play.

Contact David Schlichter for more information.

David Schlichter Broker Associate | Compass Denver The Schlichter Team 720.440.2340 david@schlichterteam.com www.schlichterteam.com