Community, relationships and knowledge– that's what sets Coldwell Banker agent Carrie Wells apart.
Wells, who has been an agent for more than 30 years, holds positions on numerous boards to fully immerse herself in Aspen’s community. Her community-based holistic approach to realty always has her client’s best interest in mind. She prides herself on honesty and transparency. As 2020’s No. 1 Coldwell Banker Globally, it’s no wonder she has accumulated countless glowing reviews over her decades-long career.
“I really love the relationship-building aspect. Our clients become our friends, and our friends become our clients. There is no separation between that. I value and am grateful for these relationships,” Wells tells Aspen Magazine over a Zoom chat in late fall.
Because Aspen has such strict codes and regulations, Wells is well-versed in what is happening in Aspen’s luxury market and feeder markets on a national and global level. She combines her people skills with her mission to go above and beyond for all her clients, creating a name for herself built on hard work and authenticity. Wells is a trustworthy real estate agent for those looking to buy or sell in Aspen.
“To be a luxury broker, you need to have a high level of curated service,” says Wells. “You want to think about your client’s needs before they even realize what they are.”
The Mountain Forge: find Carrie's listing here.
Knowledge is one of the most critical aspects of real estate. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, you need a realtor you trust who has an in-depth understanding of Aspen’s ever-changing strict codes and regulations set up by community non-profits.
“What sets Aspen apart from other areas is that it has a long-standing relationship with non-profits, many of whom were started in the 1940s,” says Wells. “Other ski resorts have tried to emulate what Aspen has, but they cannot. Aspen’s sophistication and cultural amenities are among the many reasons people are drawn to the area.”
For those looking to sell, it’s also essential to know your neighborhood’s market history, the current state of Aspen’s market and its inventory.
“Understanding and gauging when the time is right to launch a listing is super important,” Wells states.
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Working alongside an elite agent like Wells gives you a better understanding of when to buy or sell your home. In the meantime, you can invest in your current property by increasing its value.
“Updated kitchens and bathrooms are always money well spent,” explains Wells. “We go through different design trends, but we are now seeing a lot of colorful and textural choices. Keep close to what is fashionable at the moment.”
As an agent, Wells has an up-close angle of architectural style. Keep an eye out for any indoor-outdoor elements when looking for a property. Over the past few years, Wells has seen a recent uptick in this trend as a luxurious design choice.
“I’ve always loved the indoor-outdoor elements of properties. Even though Aspen has four seasons and a cold winter, many properties have outdoor pools and extensive terraces that are used year-round. Look out for glass doors that open up and hide into walls, so you can connect indoors and outdoors seamlessly.
As we look forward to the upcoming year, many exciting things are happening to Aspen’s real estate. Unlike other luxury markets, Aspen’s stringent land-use codes have made it so that there is little inventory on the market.
Wells anticipates a continued lack of inventory for the next few years. Despite this decrease, there has been a significant peak in unique properties with record-breaking numbers.
“In 2022, Aspen has seen an increase in sales of properties priced above $30 million by 55% and over $40 million by 167% since 2021,” explains Wells.
“When you look at investments as a whole, property holds value,” she adds. “Real estate investments in Aspen grow and appreciate. Even if you think the market isn’t at its peak, you have to go for it because of Aspen’s limited supply and restrictive growth codes,” notes Wells. “It is an investment you can enjoy. Create memories with your friends as you treat your property as a blue-chip investment.”
Photography by: Michelle Cardamone; Steve Mundinger
