Over the past few years, renters have been used to one direction for housing costs—up. But in 2025, we’ve started to see something different: rent prices are softening in many markets and Grand County is no exception. At first glance, this might seem surprising given ongoing demand for housing, but there are clear reasons behind the shift. Let’s break it down. 1. New Construction = More Supply Developers are finally delivering new apartment complexes, townhomes, and single-family homes that were planned years ago. According to [insert local or national data], thousands of new units have entered the market, increasing competition among landlords. When supply goes up faster than demand, prices naturally cool. Visual idea: A bar chart showing rental unit supply growth year over year. 2. Short-Term Rentals Converting to Long-Term Rentals = More Supply The short-term rental (STR) market—Airbnb, VRBO, and similar platforms—saw massive growth during the 2010-2020s. But rising operating costs, tighter city regulations, and shifting traveler behavior are causing many owners to pivot. Properties that were once nightly rentals are being repositioned as long-term or seasonal rentals, adding to the housing pool for local residents. This creates additional downward pressure on rent. 3. The Homeowner Divide: Pre-2020 vs. Post-2020 Purchases This is the “hidden factor” that many overlook. Not all rental property owners are operating with the same costs. Pre-2020 Buyers : Purchased when home prices and interest rates were much lower. With smaller mortgages, lower property taxes, and less overhead, these landlords can profit while renting below current market averages. Post-2020 Buyers: Entered the market after prices surged and interest rates doubled. Their monthly costs are significantly higher, creating a much steeper “expense floor.” To break even, they need higher rents—but competing against pre-2020 owners makes this challenging. This dynamic means older homeowners can set the market at lower rental rates, while newer owners may struggle to compete. The Bottom Line for Renters and Owners For renters, this trend is good news: more choices, lower prices, and stronger negotiating power. For landlords, however, the picture is more nuanced. Owners who purchased before 2020 are in a strong position to stay profitable even as rents dip. Owners who bought more recently may need to think differently about their strategy—whether that’s adjusting rental pricing, exploring seasonal rentals, or even considering a sale. How Snow Capped Helps Homeowners Adapt At Snow Capped Properties, we see these dynamics play out every day. With over 25 years of property management experience and 100+ doors managed, we help homeowners: Price competitively using real market data and tenant demand analysis Choose the right rental model (seasonal, long-term, or hybrid) to maximize returns Minimize costs through efficient management and strong local vendor relationships Plan exit strategies if selling becomes the smarter financial move Whether you purchased your home prior to 2019 or after 2020, navigating today’s rental market requires strategy. Our role is to make sure you don’t just list your property, but position it for success. 👉 Curious what your property could rent for in today’s market? Contact Snow Capped Properties for a free rental analysis 970-725-6606

In 2025, we’re seeing a 10-year high in properties hitting the “For Sale” market across the mountain communities we serve. Many of these listings belong to long-time second-homeowners—people who once enjoyed their mountain getaway year-round, but whose life circumstances have changed. The most common story we hear? “The kids are grown, no one uses the place anymore, and now it just sits empty.” When this happens, homeowners often face a crossroads: Sell the property outright, or Work with us for long-term rental management to start generating income. But here’s something many sellers don’t know—if you decide to sell, you may be able to take advantage of a powerful tax strategy that can save you thousands (or more) in capital gains taxes: the 1031 Exchange. What Is a 1031 Exchange? A 1031 Exchange (named after Section 1031 of the IRS tax code) allows you to sell an investment property and reinvest the proceeds into another “like-kind” investment property—without paying capital gains taxes right away. Instead, those taxes are deferred, keeping more of your money working for you. Read more about 1031 Exchange with Doorloop HERE . Key Benefits of a 1031 Exchange Tax Deferral – Postpone paying capital gains taxes so you can reinvest your full equity. Portfolio Growth – Upgrade to a larger or better-performing property without losing money to taxes. Geographic Flexibility – Move your investment from one market to another (mountains to beach, city to suburbs, etc.). Estate Planning Advantages – Heirs can receive a stepped-up basis if you hold the property until your passing, potentially avoiding capital gains altogether. How Snow Capped Can Help We’re more than just property managers—we’re your local partner in real estate sales, acquisitions, and investment strategy. If you’re thinking about selling your mountain home, we can: Evaluate your property’s market value and determine the best timing to list. Connect you with trusted 1031 Exchange intermediaries to ensure IRS compliance. Help you identify and purchase your next investment property—whether it’s here in Grand County or somewhere entirely different. Offer ongoing rental management so your new property generates income from day one. Why Act Now? With 2025 inventory at a decade high, buyers have more options—and motivated sellers need a competitive strategy. By pairing a well-timed sale with a 1031 Exchange, you can unlock equity, minimize taxes, and reposition your portfolio for long-term success. Let’s Talk About Your Options Whether you want to sell, buy, rent out, or reposition your investment portfolio, Snow Capped has the expertise and local insight to help you succeed. 📞 Call us today to learn how we can help you navigate the 1031 Exchange process and make the most of your mountain home investment—while keeping more money in your pocket.