Water

Many (most but not all) homes in the Estes Valley are on the city water system.  Homes outside of the city limits are often on a well.  As a buyer you should get a well test to see if the water is safe and has enough flow for your uses.  Often the well will pump to holding tanks that can provide some storage buffer for when you use it.  
 

Some neighborhoods have seasonal water.  These are typically older systems that may run in the summers only.  Homes that do not have a well have a cistern.  This is a storage tank that has to be filled when empty.  We have businesses that can fill these for you. 

Sewer Systems

Many homes in Estes are served by the Upper Thompson Sewer System.  A few in the downtown area are served by the City sewer system. Everyone else is either on a septic system with a leach field (that might need pumping for maintenance only) or a vault that needs to be pumped when it is full.  Vaults are common in properties that are close to a river. Septic companies can also install alarms that notify you when pumping needs to be scheduled.  Typically the seller of a property is reponsible for septic inspection and pumping and files paperwork with the county.  

Flood Zones

Many properties near the rivers or low areas are in flood zones.  If any part of the home touches this zone it will likely need flood insurance.  Homes in flood zones can also be capped on how much renovation can be done.  

Vacation (Short Term) rentals 

Vacation rentals (less than 30 days) are regulated by the City and the county.  There are caps on how many rentals are allowed in the Estes Valley and surrounding areas.  This has become very complex in the past 5 years or so.  There is a waiting list to get new permits and a lottery for people on the waiting list.  Hoa's can also restrict Vacation rentals.  

 

Many Rental permits transfer with the property-  This is the adviseable way to purchase a vacation rental here so you are not stuck with a property that cannot be a rental. There is also enforcement of the rental codes now and it is common for neighbors to complain about rentals if you do not have a permit. 

 

Rentals over 30 days are still ok and you do not need a permit to do that.  Some properties are zoned for vacation rentals. We have condos that were designed to be rentals like Mary's lake and Estes Park Condos.  Sometimes special "condotel" financing is required on these condos. 

 

We have many great property management companies that take care of bookings, cleaning, maintenance and marketing that goes in to running a rental. They will charge 30% to 50% of the revenue .  

 

If you are interested in a rental I keep a list of them that are for sale. 

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