Hiking

Fall hiking can be even more enjoyable than summer hiking in some cases. Because the days aren’t as hot in the summer, you can go for an autumn hike at just about any time of day. And with the fall foliage in full effect, you’ll be able to see breathtaking scenery and sights that no other state can offer. Get your family together, and plan out a fun day hike or weekend retreat for one of Steamboat’s famous trails.

Camping

Whether you do it in a fully stocked RV, or you’re more of a salt of the Earth kind of person, camping can be a fun experience for the entire family. Not only are you getting in touch with nature, but you’re doing it in a way that’s fun for everyone. Explore your surroundings to really get to know the environment you live in. Get in touch with nature and bond with your family in a way that sitting in front of the TV never could by going on a fun autumn camping trip.

Fishing

One of the best ways to enjoy nature and sports at the same time is to go fishing. Whether you’re a rod and reel kind of fisher, or you enjoy the constant motion of fly fishing, fishing is a sport that everyone can enjoy. Get your favorite fishing tool, find your lucky stream, and take a trip with your family for a fun weekend getaway. Enjoy everything nature has to offer when you go fishing in Steamboat Springs.

If you’re looking to move to Steamboat Springs, or if you’re looking for a lucrative investment opportunity, then The Porches of Steamboat has the perfect luxury real estate for you. With whole and fractional real estate options, you’ll be able to find the perfect property for you. Learn more about our Steamboat Springs real estate, see what kind of amenities our luxury real estate can offer, or contact The Porches of Steamboat for more information and to set up your free tour today.

The post Activities To Do In The Fall In Steamboat Springs appeared first on The Porches.

Early History

Before European settlers came over to the Americas, Steamboat Springs and most of the Yampa Valley were the summer hunting grounds of the Ute Native Americans. The Yampatika Ute and Arapaho tribes also used the valley for the natural hot springs and minerals that resided in the area. Seeing the springs as a form of natural medicine, these Native American tribes considered the area to be a sacred place of healing, both physically and spiritually.

Early Settlementation

The name Steamboat Springs wasn’t officially used until the early 1800s when French trappers began using the valley to trap game. The natural hot springs would oftentimes whistle, mimicking the sound of a steamboat engine. After the trappers discovered the natural mineral springs, they gave them the nickname Steamboat Springs. This name, of course, eventually stuck and was used more than just as a simple nickname that trappers would use to get around.

It wasn’t until the late 1800s that settlers started to move into the area. In 1874, James Crawford built a cabin near present day Iron Spring, as well as a log shelter over the hot springs that were nearby. Crawford also lived in Boulder, Colorado, and after spending a few winters in the well known Colorado town, convinced several wealthy businessmen to join him in developing the mountain town of Steamboat Springs. By 1883, several families and businesses also made the move up to Steamboat, and by 1885 five other families, a printing press company, and a sawmill had moved into the area.

Official Township

Steamboat Springs eventually grew into a large establishment with many people and companies making the long move out to the mountain town. In 1900, the state of Colorado officially made Steamboat Springs a town, making James Crawford the first mayor of the city. By 1902 the town was flourishing, housing several hotels, banks, general stores, and the town’s first electric company, called Steamboat Springs Services Company. The town’s first railroad line was built in 1909, which allowed for more tourism and helped strengthen the local economy. Unfortunately, the railroad did silence the iconic steamboat noise that made the town famous to begin with.

While skiing had been a popular mode of transportation in Steamboat during the winter when the town was first established, it wasn’t quite as popular as it is today. It wasn’t until the early 1910s when the Norweigan born Carl Howelsen brought long distance ski jumping to the region that skiing was recognized as a sport. After that, Steamboat became a very popular destination for all things related to skiing. However, it wasn’t until the early 1960s that the first ski resort was established in Steamboat. To this day, Steamboat Springs is a popular skiing and mountain biking destination for people all over the world.

If you’re looking for luxury real estate in Steamboat Springs, then The Porches is the perfect place for you. Learn more about our whole and fractional owner real estates, view our online luxury real estate gallery, or contact The Porches of Steamboat to learn more and schedule a free tour today.

The post History Of Steamboat Springs appeared first on The Porches.

Do you think of award-winning craftsmanship and interiors that will take your breath away? Do you envision custom ranch stone fireplaces and generous outdoor living spaces in the heart of Ski Town, USA?

This is no dream, my friend. This is The Porches of Steamboat.

The Porches of Steamboat pays homage to the wonderful western legacy of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, making it a must-see vacation home for ski enthusiasts, hot-cocoa sippers, and hikers alike. If you’re thinking about investing in a luxury vacation home at The Porches of Steamboat, we’ve compiled some reviews from current and past guests that have stayed with us to help you make your decision. Check out some of our reviews below, and if you have any questions about our thoughtfully-crafted vacation homes, contact us today.

“High quality, spacious, and functional accommodations good for the year round playground that which is Steamboat Springs. Front office staff were super friendly and helpful. The accessible amenities are super nice and within close reach of the buildings. Just a short trip from downtown Steamboat. This is a great place to consider if you have a large group of people.” – Peter S.

We love this review from Peter S. because it truly speaks to The Porches of Steamboat. Steamboat Springs is quite the playground, offering a variety of activities that the entire family will enjoy all-year round. Many vacation home owners come to Steamboat Springs to enjoy nature’s finest views and activities. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll love taking trips to Fish Creek Falls, the Yampa River Botanical Garden, and the Yampa River Core Trail. Ski lover? You’ll love spending time at the Steamboat Springs Ski Resort. Adrenaline junkie? Make sure you plan a trip to Steamboat Zipline Adventures!

As Peter mentions in his review, The Porches of Steamboat offers amazing, accessible amenities that will make your stay very enjoyable. One of our favorite amenities is The Barn, which is just a 100-step walk from all of our luxury vacation homes. The Barn serves as a centralized meeting place where all of our guests and their loved ones can gather. With 6,000 square feet of room to play, The Barn offers an outdoor BBQ deck and fire pit for poolside family cookouts when the weather allows it. We also have a pool table, checkers table, flat screen TVs, and a variety of kid’s games as well. Relax in the steam room after a long day of skiing the slopes, or splash around in our heated all-season swimming pool with the family.

“If you want to feel at home, then The Porches should be your only stop in Steamboat. The staff is exceptional and community offerings are second to none.” – Stephen B.

To add to our Steamboat Springs vacation experience, The Porches of Steamboat is passionate about providing exceptional customer service to each of our vacation home residents and guests. We offer a full-service concierge to take care of all of your vacation needs. Need help booking a fly fishing trip? Want someone to handle your ski rentals while you soak in the hot tub? Forgot to make dinner reservations at your favorite fish-fry in town? We can help! Our 5-star housekeeping and maintenance staff is always on-call to make your stay more enjoyable. We offer free private shuttle transportation, giving you full mobility to ski resorts, restaurants, and the downtown area. We can even arrange pre-arrival grocery service so you can start relaxing and unwinding the moment you step foot in your luxury vacation home.

“Summer rental for our group of 13. Spacious, very nice kitchen, comfortable beds, couches. Well appointed. Really nice finishes.” – Michael T.

While most vacationers love to visit Steamboat Springs during the winter months, it’s also a beautiful place to stay during the summer as well. Many of our vacation home guests love to partake in outdoor activities such as hiking, fly fishing, kayaking, canoeing, water skiing, paddleboarding, and more.

At The Porches of Steamboat, we offer a variety of luxury residences to suite any size party, and we’re glad that Michael and his 12 guests enjoyed their stay at our facility.

For those of you thinking about investing in one of our vacation homes, you’ll be pleased to know that we offer a variety of floorplans to choose from. The Ponderosa is one of our most popular vacation homes, with 5,019 square feet of beautiful craftsmanship. This five-bedroom vacation home features a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, as well as a Master Suite with a gas fireplace and a double split vanity in the master bathroom. For something a little smaller, we recommend the Bristlecone vacation home. This four-bedroom luxury home features an expansive lower level recreation room with a private mother-in-law quarters and ensuite bath.

The post Reviews Of Our Luxury Vacation Homes appeared first on The Porches.

A real estate agent is a licensed professional who can help you find the perfect vacation home for your needs and budget. They often work for a broker or realtor, and hiring a real estate agent to help you find your new home will make the buying process tremendously easier. A buying agent can help you search for properties and negotiate the buying contract.

There are many ways to find a real estate agent to work with. Many people turn to friends and family members for agent referrals because they want to work with someone they trust. As you start asking around for real estate agent referrals, don’t be afraid to ask questions like:

1. What did you like most about your real estate agent?
2. Do you know how long the agent has been in business?
3. Was your real estate agent good at staying in touch and keeping communication going?
4. Were there any bumps in the homebuying process that your real estate agent fixed?
5. What did you like least about your real estate agent?
6. Did your real estate agent send you updated listings often?

If you plan on reaching out to real estate agencies directly, you should consider asking the following questions:

How Many Clients Do You Have On A Regular Basis?
One great question to ask any real estate agents you speak with is, “How many clients do you have on a regular basis?” This is a good question to ask because some real estate agents take on dozens of clients at a time. This could mean that you won’t receive the personal attention you’re looking for. If your speaking with an agent who works with a high volume of clientele on a regular basis, consider asking them how they manage their priorities. If the real estate agent seems frazzled and unorganized, you may want to keep looking.

What Cities Or Towns Do You Have Experience In?
As you search for a vacation home, you’ll want to make sure you hire a real estate agent that has years of experience buying and selling in the destination you’re interested in. Some real estate agents are experts at certain neighborhoods and cities, and finding someone who knows all about the vacation town you’re interested in can make all the difference during the homebuying process. You’ll want to find a real estate agent that has extensive knowledge of the territory and local markets.

What Kind Of Communication Can I Expect From Working With You?
Before you hire a real estate agent, you’ll want to ask them what you can expect in terms of communication. It’s important to set these expectations right off of the bat so there’s no miscommunication down the line. Ask the real estate agent how often you should expect to hear from them, as well as what the best methods are for getting in touch. Do they prefer a phone call? An email? A simple text message? Find out!

How Long Have You Been In The Real Estate Business?
This is a very important question to ask each real estate agent you interview because it will give you an idea of that person’s professional experience. While it’s not necessarily true that experience equals success in the real estate industry, it’s important that the real estate agent you choose has experience buying and selling homes in the location you’re interested in.

Do You Have Any References I Can Call?
One of the best questions you can ask a real estate agent is if they have any references you can call. This is one of the best ways to get insight into the agent’s work ethic and communication. If the real estate agent gives you a list of references, this is usually a good sign. On the other hand, if an agent shys away from this question or refuses to give you references, you may want to keep looking around.

As you can see, there are many things to look for in a real estate agent. You’ll want to find an agent that has plenty of time to help you find a vacation home, as well as one with multiple references you can call.

The Porches Of Steamboat: Luxury Vacation Homes In The Heart Of Steamboat Springs

If you’re interested in purchasing a vacation home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, make sure you check out The Porches of Steamboat. The Porches offers residences in impeccably crafted homes that feature custom ranch fireplaces and generous outdoor living spaces. Other features include double car garages, professional kitchens, professional-grade windows, and air cleaning and humidifying systems.

The post What Took For In A Real Estate Agent appeared first on The Porches.

Let’s take a look at the four best places to buy a ski vacation home in Colorado below.

Vail
A short two-hour drive from Denver, Vail is a must-see ski town that snow bunnies like to check off of their bucket list. With more than 5,300 acres of terrain, Vail is one of the most popular destinations for thrill-seekers and winter sports enthusiasts. In fact, the local paper, Vail Daily, said that close to 400,000 people purchased a Vail Resort pass in 2014, generating over $200 million in revenue.

With winter skiing and snowboarding being the top activities during the winter, residents can also go snowshoeing, snow tubing, and snowmobiling for even more adventure. The city is also home to a number of fun events and concerts like the Vail Jazz Festival, the GoPro Mountain Games, and the Taste of Vail.

Vail is a wonderful Colorado destination to consider buying a vacation home in because it is easy to get around the city without a car. Vail is home to the nation’s largest free transportation system, which encompasses both the east and west sides of Vail, and is open for operation 365 days a year.

Crested Butte
Situated in the beautiful Rocky Mountains is Crested Butte, CO. This southwest Colorado town was once a coal mining town with a small population of 1,487. This one-of-a-kind Colorado ski town offers real authenticity and charm, as there are no traffic lights, no chain stores, and no high-rise buildings in this beautiful city. Perfect for the avid skier, snowboarder, mountain biker, or hiker, Crested Butte is a wonderful place to buy a vacation home if you’re looking for adventure.
The Crested Butte Mountain Resort has runs for every kind of skier. With green, blue, and black ski runs, the resort has earned an impressive reputation of having some of the best ski terrain in the entire state.

Crested Butte’s downtown offers plenty of dining and entertainment options for guests and residents. Whether you’re craving a hearty hamburger, Mexican food, or sushi, the town offers an array of quality restaurants you’re sure to love. You’ll also be happy to know that there is live music in Crested Butte almost every night of the week. Visitors can also browse speciality shops and art galleries.

Dillon
If you’re interested in buying a luxury vacation home in a small mountain community, you’ll love Dillon, Colorado. Situated in the heart of Summit County, the town sits along the gorgeous shores of the Dillon Reservoir. During the winter months, a white blanket of snow covers the city, creating a winter playground that the entire family can enjoy.

Dillon is only a few minutes from Breckenridge, Keystone, Copper Mountain, and Arapahoe Basin, making it a skiers paradise. If skiing down slopes isn’t your cup of tea, you can ice skate, snowshoe, ice fish, or ride a sleigh.

During the warm summer months, residents flock to the local Dillon Farmers Market. You can check out some fresh Colorado produce, as well as handmade crafts and jewelry. The farmers market also offers fun activities for children and weekly yoga in the park. If you’re a fan of sipping on a cold brew in the summer, you’ll love visiting the many micro-breweries that Dillon has to offer. Try some award-winning craft beer at the Dillon Dam Brewery or Pug Ryan’s the next time you visit Dillon.

Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs sits in northern Colorado’s Yampa Valley, just 160 miles northwest of Denver. Surrounded by beautiful natural forests and wilderness areas, the city has more than 150 natural springs, lakes, rivers, and trail systems for the outdoor enthusiast to enjoy. One of the best ways to explore Steamboat Springs is by foot or by taking advantage of the free bus system.

The Steamboat Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in all of Colorado. This ski resort sits in the Mount Werner Park Range and is one of the largest ski resorts around. With 165 main trailed on 2,964 acres of land, this is the perfect place to bring beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers.

If you’re a fan of art, you must visit the Steamboat Art Museum in downtown Steamboat Springs. The museum was established in 2005, with the main goal of collecting and showcasing artwork to the public. Here, you’ll get to view paintings, photographs, watercolors, and quilts. If you or anyone in your family is interested in music lessons, the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra has music education programs for kids and adults.

The Porches of Steamboat: Luxury Vacation Homes In Steamboat Springs

If you’re looking to invest in a luxury vacation home in Steamboat Springs, look no further than The Porches of Steamboat. We offer some of the most beautifully designed vacation homes in Colorado, equipped with stone fireplaces, top-notch kitchen appliances, and luxury finishes. We have a full-service concierge with a five-star housekeeping and maintenance staff that will do everything they can to ensure you enjoy your visit. Check out our residences online, or contact us today with questions about our Colorado vacation homes.

The post The 4 Best Places To Buy A Ski Vacation Home In Colorado appeared first on The Porches.

If you’re considering investing in a vacation home, there are many things you’ll want to keep in mind. In this article, we’re going to look at some of the top tips for buying a vacation home, so you’re prepared when you find the home of your dreams in the mountains.

Tip #1: The First Thing To Consider Is Location
The location of your vacation home is perhaps one of the most important things to think about before you start looking for properties. While this may sound very obvious, you’d be surprised how many people jump the gun and purchase a vacation home without truly researching the area or neighborhood.

If the main reason you’re investing in a vacation home is to gather family members and loved ones during the holidays, you should look for an area that is geographically convenient for everyone. You’ll also want to make sure the city you buy in has a plethora of activities for a variety of age groups, to ensure everyone will have something to do.

If you have a location in mind for your vacation home but you’d like to try it out before investing completely, you should consider renting a home in the area first. This will help you decipher whether or not you want a ski or beach location, and it’s an easy way to try out a few different destinations.

Tip #2: Be Realistic About How Often You’ll Visit Your Vacation Home
Before you invest your hard-earned money into a luxury vacation home, it’s important to be realistic about how often you’ll visit it. If you have young children, you’ll likely visit your vacation home multiple times a year during school breaks and long holiday weekends. If you’re planning on retiring soon, you can count on spending a lot of time in your new vacation home. If you think you’ll only visit your vacation home once or twice a year, it may be wise to look at a rental agreement, rather than a complete purchase.

Tip #3: Brush Up On Tax Implications
Whether you buy a vacation home in Colorado or Florida, it’s important that you take the time to brush up on tax implications in your chosen destination. If you only plan on renting out the vacation home, you’ll have to pay income taxes on the rental income you receive. This is something you can usually find out from a local real estate agent. He or she will be able to catch you up to date on the tax details in the area, and they may be able to offer you tips on ways to save.

Tip #4: Consider Alternative Ownership Options
Not all vacation home ownership options are alike. It may be worth your while to look at various forms of ownership, such as timeshares and fractional ownership. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you fully understand the type of financial commitment each option offers.

The Porches Of Steamboat: Luxury Vacation Homes For Sale In Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is a wonderful place to buy a vacation home, so if you’re looking for a place in the mountains, visit The Porches of Steamboat today. Our family-friendly vacation homes sit in the heart of ski-town, USA, and we offer whole and fractional ownership options to meet your financial needs. Learn more today!

The post Top Tips For Buying A Vacation Home appeared first on The Porches.

Decide On A Vacation Home Destination

The destination of your vacation home is critical. If you buy a vacation home in the middle of Nevada, there may not be much to do. Your kids may complain that they are bored, wishing they were back home playing video games and hanging out with their friends. If you look at a location like Steamboat Springs, Colorado, however, you’ll be pleased to know that there are endless activities that the entire family can enjoy. As you start thinking about your future vacation home, try to imagine it in a place that you and your children will love, and start looking there.

Start Looking Early

A vacation home is no small investment, which is why we recommend that you start your search early, so you can avoid some stress. Once you nail down your ideal destination, it may be helpful to work with a local real estate agent who knows the area. They’ll be able to show you popular neighborhoods and hot spots, so you can make an educated decision about where you’d like your new vacation home to be. If you live close to your vacation home destination, consider taking a weekend drive to scope out the neighborhoods.

Consider The Amenities

Another thing you’ll want to consider when buying a vacation home are the amenities that are included. The more amenities a vacation home has, the more likely it will attract prospective tenants. If you would like your vacation home to include a fitness center, laundry room, business center, swimming pool, or community space, make sure to do your research.

At The Porches of Steamboat in Steamboat Springs, we offer an incredible array of amenities for our vacation home owners. The Barn, which is designed to be the social center of our community, is one of the most elegantly appointment clubhouses you’ll enjoy. At The Barn, you’ll find a big room for family gatherings with an expansive fireplace, a kid’s game room with Wii, Xbox, and board games. You’ll also find a heated all-season swimming pool and hot tubs, along with our state-of-the art fitness center and steam room.

The Porches of Steamboat: Luxury Vacation Homes For Sale in Steamboat Springs

If you’re looking for a luxury vacation home in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, look no further than The Porches of Steamboat. Situated in a 20-acre private neighborhood in the heart of Ski Town, USA, Steamboat Springs has been ranked as one of America’s most family-friendly resort towns. Learn more about our residences online or contact us today with any questions.

The post Buying A Vacation Home In Steamboat Springs? Here’s What You Should Know appeared first on The Porches.

In this article, we’ll look at some exciting sights to see and things to do during your Colorado vacation. If you’re in the market for a luxury vacation home in Steamboat Springs, be sure to learn more about the ownership opportunities at The Porches of Steamboat.

Climb Your First Fourteener

As you probably already know, Colorado is filled to the brim with incredible mountain trails and views. If you truly want to experience all that the Rocky Mountains have to offer, plan a trip to one of Colorado’s many fourteeners (mountaintops that are 14,000 feet above the ground). Some popular fourteeners to consider are:

Mount Elbert

Mount Elbert sits 14,433 feet in the air and is Colorado’s highest summit, as well as the second highest in the contiguous United States. You can find this summit in the Sawatch Range of the Colorado Rockies. This mountain looks like a large round dome and offers a variety of trails for the novice to the professional hiker. There are five main routes to get to the summit, and the paths are relatively easy to follow. The two easiest trails are the South Mt. Elbert Trail and the North Mt. Elbert Trail. Most climbers recommend taking trips June through September, but winter is also a great time to hike if you’re up for a challenge.

Capitol Peak

Another fourteener to consider is Capitol Peak. You can find this summit in the Elk Mountains, and it’s easy to spot due to its majestic shape. Primarily recommended for experienced climbers, this trail can be used for hikers, rock climbers, and backpackers, and is best to do from July through September. You can enter this trail through the Capitol Creek Trailhead or the Snowmass Creek Trailhead.

Visit Cliff Palace And Balcony House

If you love history, you’ll want to take a tour of Cliff Palace and the Balcony House. These are incredible ancient cliff dwellings that our Pueblo ancestors inhabited in the 12th and 13th centuries. Located in Mesa Verde National Park and open all year round, both sites are considered to be National monuments.

The Durango & Silverton Railroad Museum

If you’re traveling to Colorado with small children, take a day trip to visit the Durango and Silverton Railroad Museum. To give you a little bit of a backstory, this rail line started in 1882, and ran between the mining town of Silverton, Colorado to the railroad town of Durango, Colorado. This train was primarily used to transport gold and silver. One fun fact about the train is that it still runs on coal. If you decide to take a ride on the Durango and Silverton train, be prepared to travel 45-miles for a four and a half hour ride.

Luxury Vacation Homes For Sale in Steamboat Springs

As you can see, there are many amazing things to do during your Colorado vacation. If you’re thinking about buying a vacation home in Colorado, make sure to check out the residences at The Porches of Steamboat. Our spectacularly crafted homes feature hand-hewn beams and hand-distressed floors, which blend seamlessly with our fine cabinetry, granite countertop, and other luxury finishes. Other features include double car garages, air conditioning, and comfortable inviting porches. If you have any questions about our Steamboat Springs vacation homes, contact us today. We look forward to hearing from you!

The post Things To Do During Your Colorado Vacation appeared first on The Porches.

When you own a vacation home, you always have a comfortable and relaxing place to retreat to. While it may seem like very few people have second homes, this is actually not the case. According to a 2014 National Association of Realtor’s Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey, vacation home sales accounted for nearly 13 percent of all transactions in 2013. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the U.S. Census Bureau data also confirms that there are eight million vacation homes and 43.7 million investment units in the United States.

As you start your search for the perfect vacation home, there are a few questions you’ll want to ask yourself. Let’s take a look at some of these questions below.

Where Are You Looking to Buy?

Whether you’re looking for a vacation home near the mountains or by the beach, it’s important to choose a destination that you know you will love. According to the NAR, more than 80 percent of vacation homebuyers choose locations within driving distance of where they live, with roughly half of all owners opting for properties within 50 miles of their primary residence. If you plan on visiting your vacation home frequently, the proximity to your primary home can be extremely important.

How Often Do You Plan On Using the Property?

Did you know that most American workers average between three to six weeks of vacation time each year? If you’re thinking about buying a vacation home, you’ll want to ask yourself how often you plan on visiting the property. If you plan on visiting your vacation home once a year, you may want to consider fractional ownership and whole ownership.

At The Porches of Steamboat, we’re proud to offer fractional ownership options to people looking for a vacation home in Steamboat Springs. When you invest in fractional ownership of one of our luxury homes, you automatically become a member of our Private Residence Club, where you can enjoy unparalleled amenities and peace of mind without having to wholly own your own high-quality vacation home. Your Private Residence Club ownership guarantees you a minimum of six weeks of vacation time each year at our community.

Do You See Yourself Retiring There?

Some people who invest in vacation properties do so because they see themselves retiring there. If you absolutely know where you’d like to retire, and you have the financial means to afford a vacation property, buying a vacation property may be an excellent choice for you.

Is the Property Easy to Maintain?

As you may already know, some properties are easier to maintain than others. If you’re looking for a vacation home that offers five-star housekeeping and maintenance staff in Steamboat Springs, look no further than The Porches of Steamboat. In addition to our housekeeping and maintenance services, we also offer our residents private shuttle transportation to simplify their lives. Whether you need a lift to the ski resort, popular restaurants downtown, or any other local destination, we’ve got you covered!

What Amenities Are You Looking For in a Vacation Home?

When it comes to your vacation home, you only want the best. As you start your homebuying adventure, there are certain amenities that you should always keep an eye out for. While many people can stage a home to make it look great, always remember that once their belongings are taken away, only the house will remain. Some important amenities to keep in mind include:

Kitchen Appliances

Did you know that one of the most expensive rooms in a home is the kitchen? If you love spending time in the kitchen preparing meals for family and friends, you’ll want to make the kitchen appliances of your vacation home are in good working condition. At The Proches, you can rest assured all of your appliances will be working efficiently.

Private Gyms & Spas

If you love to work out, you may be looking for a vacation home that offers a private gym. Like most homebuyers, luxury shoppers are always looking for homes with great amenities and features that suit their unique needs and lifestyle. After all, it’s much easier to get an hour workout in when the gym is just down the street!

At The Porches of Steamboat, we’re proud to offer a variety of high-end amenities to our homeowners. We offer a state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with Nautilus workout equipment, as well as a heated all-season swimming pool and steam room. If you’re interested in learning more about our amenities, click here. As always, if you have any questions about our luxury vacation homes, contact us today!

The post 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Buy A Vacation Home appeared first on The Porches.

At The Porches of Steamboat, we understand how challenging it can be to find a second home, especially in Steamboat Springs. That’s why we’re proud to offer luxury vacation homes with old-world craftsmanship in our 20-acre private neighborhood. Nestled in the heart of Ski Town, USA, our homes can range from 3,200 to more than 5,000 square feet and they come with the latest and greatest amenities. If you’re interested in learning more about our residences, contact us today!

Tax Benefit #1: Mortgage Interest

Did you know that when you own a second home, the interest on your mortgage is deductible? That’s right! The same rules that come with writing off the mortgage interest on your first home also apply to your second. If you’re married and filing jointly, you can deduct up to one million dollars. If you’re single, you have the option of deducting up to $500,000.

Tax Benefit #2: Property Taxes

Did you know that when you purchase a vacation home, you can deduct your second home’s property taxes? This number is based on the assessed value of the home, and unlike the mortgage interest tax deduction, there’s no limit on the amount of real estate taxes that can be deducted.

Tax Benefit #3: Rent Out Your Home

Another benefit of owning a second home is that you can rent it out to others. If you rent your home for 14 days or less over the course of a year, your rental income is tax-free (not to mention there’s no limit on what you can charge per day or per week!). This is a great option if you have friends or family members that are looking for a quick weekend getaway. If you’re thinking about renting out your vacation home, remember that if you rent it out for more than 14 days, you must report all of your rental income.

The Porches of Steamboat

As you can see, there are many tax benefits to owning a second home. If you’re looking for a vacation home in the mountains, you’ll love the homes and amenities that The Porches of Steamboat has to offer. We offer both whole ownership and fractional ownership options at our vacation paradise, not to mention we offer unparalleled amenities including a five-star housekeeping and maintenance staff. Other features of our residences include double car garages, air conditioning, air cleaning and humidifying systems, and comfortable and inviting porches. Browse our gallery to see some of our homes, or contact our professionals in Steamboat Springs to learn more!

The post Top 3 Tax Benefits Of Owning A Second Home appeared first on The Porches.