Buena Vista's Short Term Rental Moratorium & How to Prepare your Home for Sale

This week’s small win that made me laugh (and feel way more accomplished than it probably should have)…

I finished The Women by Kristin Hannah. When I told my husband, Kyle, his first response was, “Oh wow! Is that your first book of 2025?” 😅

Anyone else fully intend to be a reader…and then realize a year goes by and you’ve finished maybe one book? Just me? For the record, I have already started and finished Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger this January, so clearly 2026 is going to by my year.

Hit reply and tell me—what did you read last year that you absolutely couldn’t put down? And if you’re looking for a recommendation, I can’t suggest The Nightingale (also by Kristin Hannah) enough.

The Best of BV survey is open!

One quick favor, if I’ve ever helped you buy or sell a home, challenge an assessed value, pulled comps, or answered a “quick question” along the way The Best of BV survey is open, and I’d be honored to have your vote for Kathy Young in #6 Realty Agent or Company. Your support truly means more than you know—thank you for trusting me with such big decisions.

Cast Your Vote

A Heads-Up on Short-Term Rentals in Buena Vista

At last week’s Buena Vista Board of Trustees meeting, a moratorium on new short-term rental (STR) licenses was adopted and is in effect through September 30, 2026. This pause gives town officials time to evaluate how they want to approach STRs moving forward. If you’re hoping to acquire an STR license, here’s what you should know:

• The moratorium applies only to properties within the Town of Buena Vista; homes located outside town limits are subject to Chaffee County rules and regulations.

• This is a blanket policy that applies to all areas within the Town of Buena Vista, including areas that were previously exempt from STR caps, such as South Main.

• In general, short-term rental eligibility depends on several factors beyond this moratorium, including zoning, municipal regulations, HOA rules, and other governing guidelines.

• Regulations can vary significantly by location, making it important to understand the specific rules that apply before purchasing a property or planning to rent it short term.

Additional information regarding the moratorium can be found on the town website, here. If you have questions about how this change may affect your property or are considering a purchase with rental potential in mind, I’m always happy to talk through the details and help you make an informed decision.

Know an Agent Who Could Use This?

"Enhance Your Listings: Discover essential tips in 'Stage to Sell: Your Primary Bedroom Starter Guide' by Kathy Young, a complimentary resource for agents seeking to elevate their property presentations."

Chances are, you know an agent who’s working hard to get established in their market and looking for ways to stand out. (Nearly 75% of agents leave the industry within their first year.)

I’m currently working on a FREE Staging to Sell – Primary Bedroom Starter Guide, designed to help agents stage smarter, not harder. Inside, I’ll be sharing my proven primary bedroom staging tips along with curated, ready-to-shop links, so agents don’t have to spend hours researching (or hundreds of dollars guessing) what inventory actually works.

If an agent comes to mind - especially someone in their first few years -forward this their way. It’s a simple way to say “I see you, I support you,”and to let them know a practical, confidence-boosting staging resource is on the way.

Winter Is the Perfect Time to Prep Your Home for Sale

If selling is on your radar, winter is an ideal season to tackle interior projects that make a big impact once your home hits the market. Focusing on indoor updates now helps your home feel polished, cared for, and buyer-ready later.

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s included in my Winter Interior Checklist: 

Preparing Your Home for Sale:

• Declutter & Edit

• Deep Clean (Beyond the Surface)

• Freshen Walls & Finishes

• Address Small Repairs

• Organize Utility & Storage Spaces

Each step is designed to help buyers visualize the space, notice the condition (in a good way), and feel confident in your home.

Need a carpet cleaner, house cleaner, or contractor to help knock these out? I’m happy to share my trusted list of preferred providers—just reach out!

👉🏼 Access The Full Winter Interior Checklist Here

Mortgage Rates Are Dropping- Could This Be Your Moment?

U.S. mortgage rates have been trending lower recently, with the average 30-year fixed mortgage now hovering in the low-to-mid 6% range - near the lowest levels seen in over three years. With creative options, some buyers are locking in rates in the 5% range.

That said, what this means for you depends on your personal financial picture, timing, and goals. 

Your ideal rate and strategy may differ based on credit profile, loan type, down payment, and whether you’re buying or refinancing. 

If you’re considering making a move this year, feel free to reach out with any questions. I’m always happy to help you navigate your options so that you can make the best decision for you!

Client Win

Curious what listing your home in today’s market might look like? 

Reply to this email and let’s find a time to chat!

Thanks for spending a few minutes with me this month! I hope you found a little inspiration or maybe even learned something new about the current real estate market. Can’t wait to share more with you next time!