The Aspen Acres Fire is not a distant event for Wade and me. We both live in Custer County. We breathe the same air, travel the same roads and face many of the same challenges as our neighbors. We know this recovery is personal.
Some families have lost homes. Others may be displaced while they wait for re-entry, repairs, insurance decisions, rebuilding or clarity about what comes next.
As the immediate emergency moves into recovery, one need becomes increasingly important: housing.
Some residents may need a place to rent.
At the same time, property owners in Custer County, Fremont County and surrounding Southern Colorado communities may have vacant homes, second homes, underused properties or homes they had planned to sell but would now consider renting.
A vacant or underused property can become housing for a displaced family.
I have more than 20 years of property management experience, and I am insured for property management services. Wade and I are here to help people understand the options available to them.
For those asking, “Where can I live next?” and property owners asking, “What should I do with my property?”, there may be several practical paths forward.
Rent. Sell. Manage. Wapiti Can Help.
Housing Is Part of Wildfire Recovery
During a wildfire, life safety comes first. Evacuations, emergency shelter, accurate information and protecting people and animals are the immediate priorities.
But recovery does not end when the fire line moves away.
For many families, the next major challenge is finding somewhere to live.
You may need:
- A temporary rental while waiting to return home
- A longer-term rental while repairs are completed
- Housing during rebuilding
- A place to stay while an insurance claim is resolved
- A new home to purchase
- Help understanding which housing options may be realistic
Every household is facing a different situation.
At the same time, local property owners may be looking at their homes differently.
A second home that sits empty for much of the year could potentially become a rental. A vacant house could provide housing for a family. An owner who had planned to sell may decide to rent instead. A landlord may want to continue owning a property without handling the day-to-day management.
A vacant or underused property can become housing for a displaced family.
That is where practical local solutions can begin.
Do You Need a Home to Rent?
If you have been displaced or your housing situation has changed, finding a rental may be an important part of moving forward.
We can help identify potential rental opportunities as properties become available and speak with property owners who may be considering placing a home into the rental market.
Rental availability cannot be guaranteed, especially when a major disaster creates sudden demand. But making your housing need known is an important first step.
If you need a rental, contact us.
If you own a property that could become a rental, contact us.
Connecting people who need housing with available properties is one practical way our community can help recovery move forward.
Do You Have a Property You Might Rent?
The Aspen Acres Fire may cause some property owners to reconsider how they use a vacant home, second home or property they had planned to sell.
You may have:
- A vacant house
- A second home that is not currently being used
- A property you planned to sell
- An inherited home
- A property that may work as a long-term rental
- A rental property you no longer want to manage yourself
Turning a property into a rental is a significant decision. It involves much more than finding someone who needs a place to live.
Owners should consider:
- Whether the property is suitable and ready for rental
- Appropriate rental terms
- Tenant screening
- Lease documentation
- Security deposits
- Maintenance responsibilities
- Property inspections
- Tenant communication
- Insurance coverage
- Federal, state and local requirements
- The ongoing responsibilities of being a landlord
An urgent housing need does not remove the need for responsible management.
It makes experienced property management even more important.
More Than 20 Years of Property Management Experience
I have more than 20 years of property management experience.
As the Owner and Managing Broker of Wapiti Ranch Realty & Auction LLC, I bring local real estate knowledge and hands-on property management experience to owners who are considering renting their property.
I am also insured for property management services.
That experience can be especially useful for:
- Owners who live outside the area
- Second-home owners
- First-time landlords
- Owners who do not want to manage tenants directly
- Property owners who need help with day-to-day rental responsibilities
- Owners deciding whether to rent or sell
Property management is about more than placing a tenant.
It is about helping manage the relationship between the property, the owner and the resident over time.
Property Management Is More Than Finding a Tenant
A successful rental arrangement requires ongoing attention.
Depending on the property and the management agreement, property management may include coordinating the rental process, communicating with tenants, addressing property concerns and helping the owner manage the continuing responsibilities of rental ownership.
For someone who owns a second home, lives outside Southern Colorado or simply does not want to become a hands-on landlord, professional property management may make renting more practical.
The goal is not simply to fill a house.
The goal is to create a responsible arrangement that works for both the property owner and the resident.
Renting May Not Be the Right Answer for Every Property
The need for housing is real, but that does not mean every vacant or available property should become a rental.
For some owners, selling may still be the better decision.
You may need to ask:
- Do I need access to the equity in the property?
- Do I want to continue owning it?
- Is the home well suited for rental use?
- Am I prepared for the financial responsibilities of continued ownership?
- Do I want to be a landlord?
- Would professional management make ownership more practical?
- What is the current market for my type of property?
- Would selling better support my long-term goals?
There is no single answer that fits every owner or every property.
The important thing is to understand the options before making a decision.
Rent. Sell. Manage.
Different situations call for different solutions.
Rent
Need a place to live?
We can help identify potential rental opportunities as they become available.
Have a property that may work as a rental?
We can help you explore whether renting makes sense.
Sell
For some owners, selling remains the right decision.
If you are considering selling a home, land, ranch or other property, Wade and I can help you understand the local market and evaluate your next step.
Manage
If you want to keep your property and rent it without taking on all the day-to-day responsibilities yourself, professional property management may be the answer.
I bring more than 20 years of property management experience and am insured for property management services.
Local Problems Need Local Solutions
The Aspen Acres Fire has created difficult and deeply personal circumstances for many people.
We cannot replace what has been lost. No single housing solution will work for everyone.
But recovery often begins by identifying what people need and what resources already exist within the community.
One family may need a home.
One property owner may have a vacant house.
One seller may decide renting makes more sense right now.
One landlord may need experienced management.
One homeowner may decide it is time to sell.
These are different situations, but each can begin with a conversation.
A vacant or underused property can become housing for a displaced family.
Rent. Sell. Manage. Wapiti Can Help.
If you need a rental, have a property you may consider renting, need professional property management or are considering selling, Wade and I are available to discuss your options.
WAPITI RANCH REALTY & AUCTION LLC
217 Main Street
Westcliffe, Colorado 81252
719-783-9052
https://www.wapitiranchrealty.com/
Helpful Independent Resources
Custer County Official Information
For current Custer County emergency information, county services, local notices and recovery resources:
InciWeb
For official incident information and updates related to the Aspen Acres Fire:
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/copsf-aspen-acres-fire
Colorado Housing Connects
Colorado Housing Connects provides housing information and navigation for renters, landlords and homeowners.
https://coloradohousingconnects.org/
Colorado Attorney General
The Colorado Attorney General provides consumer information and resources for renters, landlords and homeowners.
Rental availability is not guaranteed. Property management, rental and real estate services are subject to property suitability, applicable agreements and federal, state and local laws. Property owners considering converting a home to rental use should speak with their insurance provider about appropriate coverage. External resources are provided for general informational purposes and do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of eligibility or assistance.