Updates from Sally Shiekman

A recent Fortune magazine piece stopped me in my tracks this week. A veteran broker turned tech founder wrote candidly about what he calls the housing market's "nepo problem" — the quiet but accelerating reality that the buyers who win are increasingly the buyers with family money behind them. He framed it as a crisis. I understand why. But after three decades in this valley, I've seen a more nuanced story play out — one where family money, used wisely in the right market, can be one of the smartest investments a family ever makes together.

I've helped a lot of first-time buyers close here with a financial lift from parents or grandparents. And I'll tell you what I've watched happen almost every single time: it works. Not just for the buyer — for the whole family. The returns on real estate in the Roaring Fork Valley have historically been extraordinary. The equity builds. The asset appreciates. And when those buyers come back to me a second time — and they do come back — they've paid their families back, they're standing on their own, and they're ready to move up. What started as a family loan becomes a family legacy. That's not a nepo problem. That's generational wealth building in real time.

What the Fortune piece gets right is that Aspen is genuinely hard to justify on paper for a first-time buyer. The transaction costs alone — closing, title, inspection, appraisal — can reach six figures before a single mortgage payment is made. That's not a mortgage problem. That's a liquidity problem. And in a valley where teachers, ski instructors, and longtime locals are competing for a shrinking slice of attainable inventory in Carbondale, Basalt, and El Jebel, that gap is real and it's growing. Family money doesn't solve the systemic problem. But for the families who have it and choose to deploy it here, it can be the foothold that grows into a foothold for life.

That's the phrase I keep coming back to — a foothold for life. Aspen isn't just a place to live. It's the Aspen Music Festival and the Aspen Ideas Festival. It's skiing four mountains in a single week. It's the Roaring Fork River out your back window and a community that has drawn extraordinary people for generations. Real estate values here reflect all of that, and they always have. The families who committed early — who found a way to get in even when it felt like a stretch — have been rewarded in ways that compounded far beyond the initial leap of faith.

My job, in part, is helping buyers and their families understand that leap clearly — what it costs to get to the table, what the realistic return trajectory looks like, and how to structure a purchase that works for everyone involved. I've had those conversations around a lot of kitchen tables, and they rarely end in regret.

If you or someone you love is trying to find a way into this market for the first time, let's talk. The valley still has entry points worth finding — but you need someone who knows where to look.

Let me put my Mountains of Experience to work for you.
 

Aspen has always offered something rare: the ability to live at the intersection of innovation and intimacy. It is one of the few places in the world where founders, investors, artists, and global leaders can move from strategy calls and major deals to mountain trails, concerts, community events, and family time in the same day. That balance is part of what makes Aspen so magnetic. It is not just beautiful. It is deeply livable.

That appeal continues to show up at the highest levels of the market. In late 2025, Palantir CEO Alex Karp purchased the former St. Benedict’s Monastery property near Aspen for $120 million, a sale widely reported as a record residential transaction for Pitkin County. The property spans more than 3,700 acres and reflects exactly the kind of rarity that draws visionary buyers here: privacy, scale, history, natural beauty, and close proximity to one of the most culturally rich mountain communities in the country.

What is so compelling about Aspen for high-achieving owners is that it does not ask them to choose between ambition and quality of life. Here, you can be in the clouds and in the mountains at the same time. You can stay connected to global business, technology, and culture while still living in a place that feels grounded, personal, and inspiring. That duality has become one of Aspen’s greatest luxuries.

And Aspen keeps investing in the kind of experiences that reinforce that sense of connection. This year, the city is moving forward with plans for an expanded July 4th celebration including a two-day carnival in Rio Grande Park with a 65-foot Ferris wheel, rides, games, and food concessions. The event is intended to celebrate both the 250th anniversary of the United States and the 150th anniversary of Colorado, with the city also planning a July 3rd concert, the traditional world-renowned Fourth of July parade, and a drone show in lieu of fireworks.

That matters because buyers at this level are not simply purchasing square footage. They are investing in belonging. They want a place where modern life works seamlessly, but where tradition, community, and memory still matter. They want a market with long-term strength, but also a town that knows how to celebrate. Aspen delivers both.

In a world that is increasingly digital, Aspen remains refreshingly human. That may be exactly why it continues to attract owners who can live anywhere but choose to be here.

When you put the Sotheby’s International Realty 2026 Luxury Outlook next to Sotheby’s 2025 Aspen/Snowmass real estate market recap, the vision sharpens: luxury real estate isn’t following the same rules as the broader market—and our backyard keeps behaving like a category of one. The Luxury Outlook calls it “two markets,” and that distinction matters because affluent buyers are less constrained by geography, financing friction, or headline noise. (Elevated Living)

Here’s the local proof: Aspen basically repeated 2024 in transaction count—about 185 total sales—yet still produced over $2B in volume. Condo pricing remained elevated (near a $6M average), and price-per-square-foot continued to inch upward even as growth moderated. That matches what many of us felt in the trenches: fewer “panic bids,” more discipline, but still real demand for scarce, high-quality inventory. (Elevated Living)

One of my favorite takeaways from the Luxury Outlook is the “first mover advantage”—a polite way of saying: the first seller to price like a grown-up usually wins. (Elevated Living) Aspen Sotheby’s statistics reinforce why: in Aspen, sellers held decent leverage, but discounts averaged around 6% with a wide spread—meaning pricing and positioning are now the difference between “clean close” and “long winter.” And yes, Aspen and The Roaring Fork Valley flag the same areas many of us are watching: $25M+ single-family inventory can get heavy fast if pricing drifts. (Elevated Living)

Zoom out, and the third-party data supports the broader tailwinds our regional statistics point to. International demand is rebounding: the National Association of REALTORS® reports international buyers purchased 78,100 U.S. homes from April 2024–March 2025, up 44% year-over-year. (National Association of REALTORS®) That matters here, because Aspen/Snowmass is a global lifestyle market—buyers comparison-shop stability, safety, and long-term scarcity.

And the definition of “luxury” keeps moving up—another reason our “normal” can feel surreal to outsiders. Realtor.com notes that in 2025 an “entry-level” luxury home (top 10% of listings) is around $1.3M nationally—nearly triple the national median list price. (Realtor) In other words: the luxury lane is widening everywhere, but the top of the top is where our market lives—especially with Snowmass’s Base Village cycle continuing to reshape buyer expectations and pricing benchmarks. (Business Insider)

My takeaway for clients (and for us): 2026 is likely to reward clarity. Price correctly, move decisively when the right opportunity appears, and remember that scarcity + lifestyle demand is still a powerful combination in Aspen Snowmass—especially when global buyers are back in motion. (National Association of REALTORS®)

If you’d like to discuss the Aspen/Snowmass real estate market, what your property’s value may be or what the currently available options are in your price range, please call me at 970-948-7530 or send an email to Sally@SallyShiekman.com to arrange a time. Let me put my mountains of experience to work for you!

Spring in the Roaring Fork Valley has a way of flipping a switch: daylight stretches, the sidewalks wake up, and buyers typically become more focused. If you’re thinking about selling in the spring or summer, the best outcomes usually come from the boring stuff done early—before photos, showings, and negotiation pressure. A quick “pre-list” tune-up can protect your price, reduce inspection drama, and help your home feel cared for (which buyers always notice, even when they pretend they don’t).

On the seller side, I tell clients to focus on the improvements that show up in three places: photos, walk-through feel, and the inspection report. Start with repairs that broadcast “this home is maintained”—that bear hole in the garage door, sticky sliders, loose railings, dripping hose bibs, wobbly faucets, tired caulk, and anything that makes noise when it shouldn’t. Next, paint: fresh, clean walls and crisp trim read as move-in ready, and they brighten rooms more than most people realize. Then go straight to curb appeal: edge the lawn, refresh mulch, prune, clear dead growth, and make the entry feel intentional (clean door hardware, a working porch light, tidy mat). If you’ve got warped or inefficient windows, that can be a quiet deal-killer—buyers may not say it out loud, but they’ll price in the hassle. If replacement isn’t in the cards, at least address drafts, failed seals, and obvious damage. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s eliminating the small signals that make buyers wonder what else they’ll find.

For buyers, spring and summer can move fast, so preparation is the advantage that doesn’t require luck. Before you start touring seriously, get a letter of borrowing capacity/pre-approval from your lender to include with an offer. It tells the seller you’re real and removes uncertainty. Keep your paperwork ready (proof of funds if applicable), understand your comfort zone on timing and contingencies, and be clear about your “non-negotiables” versus preferences. The strongest offers aren’t always the highest number—they’re the ones that feel clean, confident, and easy to get to closing. That’s where strategy matters: terms, timelines, deposits, inspection approach, and how you communicate value without overplaying your hand.

Whether you’re buying or selling, spring is a great time to do one thing: get an honest, local plan before the market forces decisions for you. I’m happy to stop by and give a free, practical evaluation—what I’d fix, what I’d leave alone, what will actually move the needle, and how to position your home (or your offer) for a smooth, successful transaction.

Call or text me at 970-948-7530 or email sally@sallyshiekman.com. Let me put my Mountains of Experience to work for you.

In markets like Aspen, Snowmass, and throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, it’s easy to assume the sky is the limit. We see record sales, global buyers, and properties that feel truly irreplaceable. So when a seller asks, “Why not try it higher?” The question is understandable. But after more than three decades in this market, I can say with confidence: overpricing is one of the most expensive mistakes a seller can make—especially at the high end.

The first issue is momentum. Well-priced properties create urgency. They generate early showings, strong conversations, and often competitive interest. When a home is priced too high, that momentum never materializes. Buyers who are active and serious—especially the most qualified ones—simply don’t engage. They’ve done their homework. They know the comps, the nuances of location, and the difference between aspirational pricing and market reality. If a property misses that initial window of excitement, it starts the race already behind.

There’s also a visibility problem. Properties that sit tend to get shown less. Brokers are human; we prioritize listings that feel aligned with market value because those are the homes our clients respond to. When a listing gains a reputation—“great house, but overpriced”—that perception spreads quickly and quietly. In a connected market like Aspen, where information travels fast, that stigma is hard to shake. Online, it’s even more unforgiving. Days on market become a headline, not a footnote, and buyers start asking what’s wrong instead of what’s special.

Ironically, overpricing often leads to a lower final sale price. When the inevitable price reductions come, they don’t feel strategic—they feel reactive. Buyers wait. They assume more reductions are coming. Instead of negotiating from a position of strength, sellers find themselves negotiating from fatigue. A thoughtfully priced home, on the other hand, invites serious offers early, when leverage is highest and emotions are still positive.

Aspen is a unique market, but it’s not immune to market psychology. Luxury buyers are sophisticated, patient, and well-advised. They respond to confidence, clarity, and credibility—not wishful thinking. Pricing correctly from the start isn’t about leaving money on the table; it’s about protecting value, preserving momentum, and positioning a property to succeed in a very discerning marketplace.

My role is to tell the truth, even when it’s not the easiest conversation. Because in the long run, the right price—set with experience, data, and an understanding of buyer behavior—is what gets a property sold, and sold well.

Let me put my Mountains of Experience to work for you.
 — Sally Shiekman
 

You may have seen recent headlines about Compass acquiring Anywhere Real Estate, the holding company that owns Sotheby’s International Realty. From an industry standpoint, this is a strategic, forward-looking move — one that strengthens the platform supporting the Sotheby’s International Realty brand while preserving what works at the local level.

Here’s the important part: Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty remains independently owned and locally led. Our firm operates under a franchise agreement that allows us to leverage the Sotheby’s International Realty brand, its global reach, and its marketing and technology platforms. That structure remains firmly in place. This transaction simply moves the Sotheby’s International Realty brand from one holding company (Anywhere) to another (Compass Holdings). Day-to-day operations, leadership, and local decision-making remain unchanged.

What does change — and this is the good news — is what becomes possible over time. Compass has built a reputation for investing heavily in technology, agent support, and sophisticated marketing infrastructure. As those resources integrate at the holding-company level, franchises like ours stand to benefit from enhanced tools, expanded launch strategies, and smarter ways to bring exceptional properties to market — all without sacrificing independence or local control.

For a market as nuanced and relationship-driven as Aspen and Snowmass, that balance matters. Global reach paired with local expertise is not a trade-off — it’s a competitive advantage.

I’m also sincerely honored to share that as of the beginning of 2026, I became a Partner at Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty. Partner is a meaningful word here. It reflects collaboration, shared ownership, and long-term commitment to the firm and the community it serves. After more than three decades in this market, being asked to step into this role is deeply flattering, gratifying and energizing.

This moment represents alignment — between global strength and local leadership, innovation and experience, momentum and trust. I’m excited about where this positions our firm, and even more excited about what it means for the clients who rely on us.

Let me put my Mountains of Experience to work for you.

As many of you know, The Gant celebrated its 50th anniversary last year—an impressive milestone for one of Aspen’s most established condominium resorts. Since then, ownership and management have been taking a thoughtful look at the property's long-term needs. Their goal is simple: protect its value, modernize where appropriate, and make sure it remains one of Aspen’s most reliable, well-run resort communities for decades to come.

What’s Being Considered

Right now, the plan under review focuses mainly on exterior improvements. These aren’t cosmetic touch-ups—they’re the kinds of upgrades that preserve the property’s integrity and reduce future risk. The proposal includes:

• Updated landscaping to reduce wildfire exposure
• New siding, railings, and exterior hardening
• Improvements to walkways, doors, and lighting
• Enhancements to the pools and other shared amenities

For a property of The Gant’s age and size, these are meaningful updates. They reflect a long-term commitment to safety, durability, and owner experience.

Where Things Stand

The Campus Improvement Plan is not yet approved. It is still being refined and will go to ownership for a vote—likely in late January or early February of 2026.
If it is approved, the projected construction window would be:

• Start: April 2027
• Reopen: June 2028

It’s important to note that a temporary property closure is expected, as well as an owner assessment to help fund the renovations.

Review the Planned Development Amendment (click on image at right)

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

Any potential closure or assessment will naturally affect transactions, rentals, and timing. Here’s how I’m thinking about it:

• Sellers: This information should be included in your disclosure and pricing strategy. Buyers appreciate clarity, and being upfront keeps everything clean and above board.
• Buyers: This can be viewed as a medium-term inconvenience but a long-term benefit. A fully updated property with modernized systems usually strengthens both enjoyment and value.
• Owners who rent: Rental calendars will need special attention as we learn more.

We’ll have more exact information as the plan moves through its review process, and I will keep you updated every step of the way.

My Perspective

The Gant has always had an excellent track record of care and long-term planning. These proposed upgrades reflect that same approach. While closures and assessments are never fun, they’re sometimes the right path to protect a property’s future—and I appreciate how transparent management has been throughout this process.

This is the latest information from The Gant. I’ll continue to share details as soon as they become available. In the meantime, if you own a unit at The Gant, or if you’re considering buying or selling one, I’m happy to walk through the implications with you.

Let me put my Mountains of Experience to work for you.
 — Sally Shiekman
 970-948-7530 • sally@sallyshiekman.com • sallyshiekman.com