What a strange and wonderful time of year. We’re peeling off winter layers one minute and shoveling the driveway the next. Spring in Grand County keeps us on our toes—but in real estate, we’re seeing some encouraging patterns emerge after a dynamic first quarter.
Early Indicators of a Busy Year Ahead
The start of 2025 brought a noticeable uptick in buyer inquiries, particularly for primary homes and long-term investment properties. While inventory remains a bit lean, the appetite for ownership in our mountain communities hasn’t let up. A slight drop in mortgage rates in Q1 seemed to nudge some would-be buyers off the fence, especially locals and Front Range folks.
Commercial Confidence is Growing
Commercial real estate is experiencing a notable uptick. Closings on hospitality properties, restaurant spaces, and mixed-use parcels have been recorded across the county. Notably, Kremmling and Granby are emerging as hotspots for business investments, indicating a diversifying local economy.
A standout development is the planned SpringHill Suites by Marriott in Fraser. This 103-room hotel, a collaboration between WalshDupart and Koelbel & Co., is set to rise at the intersection of Highway 40 and Rendezvous Road. The project aims to cater to the growing accommodation demands, positioning Fraser as a key destination for tourism and business.
Construction Sites are Waking Up
It’s hard to miss the cranes, concrete trucks, and crews moving dirt as we head into build season. In Winter Park, the ROAM and Sojourn developments continue to evolve, and we’re tracking new momentum at Lakota. Fraser is seeing infill projects gain traction, including smaller multi-family builds aimed at filling the workforce housing gap.
In unincorporated Grand County (aka Tabernash), Red Hawk Ranch, which has been a promised development for over 25 years just obtained their final plat approval for phase 1. This COULD mean that the Fraser Valley Parkway becomes a reality sooner than later.
Granby is once again a hub of vertical growth. Granby Ranch is alive with new phases of single-family homes and townhomes. Grand Elk continues its steady expansion, and Nuche Village—just south of town—is officially underway. This project will include a mix of for-sale and rental homes priced with locals in mind, which is a welcome change in a market where affordability remains a real challenge.
Grand Lake prime real estate "season" is upon us. This coming weekend is when we see lots of boats headed in that direction (usually accompanied by snow flurries). It is still early spring in the Rockies!
Healthcare Expansion Enhances Community Appeal
Another significant development in Fraser is the upcoming Middle Park Health Fraser Campus. Scheduled to open in June, this 30,000-square-foot facility will offer 24/7 emergency services, advanced imaging, and laboratory services. Located at Telemark Drive and Highway 40, the campus will feature a helicopter pad, two inpatient beds and comprehensive care for residents and visitors alike.
A Strong Foundation for the Season Ahead
Tourism stayed solid through mud season, thanks in part to late-season snow and Winter Park Resort’s extended calendar. As we roll toward summer, all signs point to another competitive, fast-paced buying season.
If you’re considering entering the market—whether buying, selling, or investing—now’s the time to check in. A lot can shift between now and July, and being prepared is half the battle in a market like ours.
In the meantime, we’ll be swapping ski boots for hiking shoes and watching the rivers swell. It’s that in-between season where anything can happen—and usually does.
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