Archives June 2026

Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday in Summit County, Colorado

Experience the Best Fourth of July Events in Breckenridge, Frisco & Silverthorne

There may be no better place to celebrate Independence Day than right here in Summit County.

This Fourth of July is especially meaningful as our nation celebrates America’s 250th birthday, while Colorado commemorates its 150th anniversary of statehood. Across Summit County, mountain towns will come alive with patriotic celebrations, family traditions, live music, outdoor adventures, and unforgettable community events.

Whether you already own a mountain home, are visiting for the holiday weekend, or have been dreaming about buying property in Breckenridge, Keystone, Frisco, Dillon, Silverthorne, or Copper Mountain, this is one of the best times of year to experience everything that makes mountain living so special.


Breckenridge Fourth of July Celebration

Breckenridge has long been known for hosting one of Colorado’s most iconic Independence Day celebrations, and this year promises to be even more memorable.

The festivities begin with the annual Independence Day 10K before Breckenridge Main Street fills with spectators for the beloved Fourth of July Parade. Throughout the day you’ll find the legendary Firecracker 50 mountain bike race, a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, live entertainment, art exhibits, family activities, and local vendors throughout town.

The biggest addition to this year’s celebration is the spectacular “Stories in the Sky” Drone Show, beginning at 9:00 p.m. Rather than traditional fireworks, hundreds of illuminated drones will tell the story of America’s 250 years and celebrate Colorado’s rich history in a breathtaking display above the mountains.

https://breckcreate.org/events/drone-show-colorado-stories-in-the-sky

If you’ve never experienced Breckenridge during the Fourth of July, it belongs on your bucket list.


Frisco’s Classic Small-Town Fourth of July

Few places capture the charm of small-town America quite like Frisco.

The celebration begins with the Kids’ Fishing Derby and Team Summit Pancake Breakfast before the annual Main Street Parade rolls through downtown. As the afternoon continues, locals and visitors gather for free live music, great food, shopping, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy Frisco’s welcoming community atmosphere.

Live music from Frisco Funk Collective followed by The Motet will take place starting at 4 pm at the Big Stage at 1st Ave and Main Street. Will I see you there? Let’s Boogie!

https://www.townoffrisco.com/event/festival-events/frisco-fabulous-4th-of-july/

With stunning mountain scenery surrounding historic Frisco Main Street, it’s easy to see why so many visitors fall in love with this charming mountain town. Centrally located in the heart of Summit County, Frisco offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and year-round adventure. For many families, it doesn’t take long before a weekend getaway turns into the dream of owning a second home here.


Silverthorne’s America 250 Celebration

Silverthorne offers a unique way to celebrate Independence Day with free outdoor performances at Rainbow Park.

Enjoy the Town’s First Friday event from 6 pm – 9 pm featuring a live performance by Shwayze.

On Saturday Enjoy music from the National Repertory Orchestra from 10 am – 12 pm.

https://www.silverthorne.org/discover-silverthorne/public-art/special-events

The concert features patriotic classics, Broadway favorites, and family-friendly entertainment. Children can also participate in the Instrument Petting Zoo, making this a wonderful event for families looking to create lasting memories together.


Why So Many People Fall in Love with Summit County

The Fourth of July reminds me that people don’t buy homes here simply because of the skiing, hiking, biking, or incredible mountain views.

They buy into a lifestyle.

It’s watching neighbors line Main Street waving American flags.

It’s children collecting candy during the parade.

It’s families gathering after a day on the trails to enjoy dinner together.

It’s creating traditions that will be passed down for generations.

As a local Realtor, I’ve had the privilege of helping many families purchase homes throughout Summit County, and one thing I hear over and over is this:

“We wish we had done it sooner.”

For many homeowners, owning property here isn’t just an investment—it’s investing in experiences, family memories, and time spent together in one of Colorado’s most beautiful mountain communities.


Thinking About Buying or Selling Summit County Real Estate?

Summer is one of the busiest seasons in the Summit County real estate market, making it an excellent time to explore your options.

Whether you’re looking for:

  • Breckenridge homes for sale
  • Keystone condos
  • Copper Mountain ski properties
  • Frisco vacation homes
  • Silverthorne mountain homes
  • Dillon waterfront condos
  • Investment properties with short-term rental potential
  • Luxury mountain retreats

having a local expert who understands each neighborhood, HOA, rental regulations, financing challenges, and current market trends can make all the difference.

Likewise, if you’re considering selling, understanding today’s inventory levels, pricing strategies, and buyer demand is essential to maximizing your home’s value.


Let’s Talk About Your Mountain Home Goals

Whether you’re hoping to purchase your first mountain getaway, invest in a vacation rental, or prepare to sell your Summit County property, I’d love to help you create a strategy that fits your goals.

Real estate is rarely about just buying or selling a house.

It’s about building the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming about.

If you’re curious about the current Summit County market or simply want to discuss your options over a cup of coffee, I’d be happy to help.

Until then, have a safe and memorable Fourth of July, enjoy everything our incredible mountain communities have to offer, and Happy 250th Birthday, America!


Looking for more local real estate insights?

Explore more Summit County market updates, neighborhood guides, and homes for sale at Kelly.LifeInTheSummit.com.

Don’t Let Regret Drive Your Real Estate Decisions

I recently came across a quote often attributed to Warren Buffett that feels especially relevant in today’s real estate market:

“The best buying and selling decisions are made with analysis, not attachment. Emotions belong in your life—not in your negotiations.”

Whether you’re buying or selling, that’s wise advice. Sellers can become emotionally attached to what they believe their property is worth. Buyers can fall in love with a home before objectively evaluating whether it aligns with their goals and finances. As Buffett suggests, good decisions require perspective and discipline—not emotion.

Lately, I’ve had several Summit County homeowners tell me they regret not selling during the peak market of 2022 and 2023.

If you’ve had that thought, I’d encourage you to let it go.

The reason you didn’t sell back then is simple: it wasn’t the right time for you. Maybe you weren’t ready to move. Maybe you hadn’t found your next property. Maybe your family situation wasn’t aligned. Whatever the reason, you made the best decision you could with the information and circumstances you had at the time.

Looking backward rarely helps us make better decisions moving forward.

The question isn’t whether you should have sold three years ago. The question is whether selling makes sense today.

According to Land Title, Summit County’s dollar volume is currently tracking approximately 9% below the same period last year. That’s an important statistic, but numbers alone don’t tell the whole story.

For many owners, a Summit County property represents much more than an investment.

During buyer consultations, I often discuss which neighborhoods and property types have historically produced the strongest appreciation and resale value. Every so often, a buyer will stop me mid-sentence and say:

“Kelly, this isn’t really about the investment. That’s secondary. We’re buying a place where our family can spend time together.”

And honestly, I understand exactly what they mean.

For many families, their mountain property isn’t simply an asset on a balance sheet. It’s where grandchildren learn to ski. It’s where holidays are celebrated, traditions are created, and lifelong memories are made. It’s where family and friends gather for powder days, summer hikes, mountain bike rides, and evenings around the campfire.

If that’s what your property represents, don’t underestimate its value.

Ten years from now, you may not remember exactly what interest rates were or what the market was doing. But you’ll remember the experiences, relationships, and memories that took place there.

That’s why it’s important not to let regret drive your decision-making. Selling simply because you’re frustrated that you missed a previous market peak can be just as emotional as buying because you’re afraid of missing the next one.

Instead, focus on what matters most: your goals, your family, your finances, and your timeline.

It’s also worth recognizing why today’s market looks different than it did a few years ago.

Has Summit County fallen out of favor? Absolutely not.

Have second homes suddenly become undesirable? Not from what I’m seeing.

The fundamentals that have made Summit County special for decades remain firmly in place. We still enjoy world-class skiing, endless outdoor recreation, a vibrant mountain community, and a limited supply of developable land.

What’s changed are the economics.

Higher interest rates have reduced affordability for many buyers, while short-term rental regulations have altered the equation for some investors. More than anything else, those two factors have slowed transaction activity compared to the extraordinary market conditions we experienced during and immediately following the pandemic.

That doesn’t mean demand has disappeared. It simply means the buyer pool has changed.

As our community continues to evolve, conversations about short-term rentals, growth, and housing policy will undoubtedly continue. Some people welcome those changes, while others view them differently. Regardless of where you stand, understanding the factors influencing today’s market is far more productive than dwelling on opportunities that have already passed.

So if you’re contemplating a sale—or considering a purchase—don’t let hindsight dictate your next move.

Don’t sell because you’re frustrated you missed yesterday’s market.

Don’t buy because you’re afraid of missing tomorrow’s.

Make decisions based on where you are today and where you want to be tomorrow.

The market will do what the market does. Your job is to make the decision that’s right for your family and your future.

As Buffett reminds us, analysis should guide our decisions—not attachment. But when it comes to owning a piece of Summit County, it’s also worth remembering that some of life’s greatest returns aren’t measured in dollars at all.