I'm a luxury real estate advisor with Compass in Aspen, Colorado, working in partnership with Blake Appleby. I specialize in high-end properties throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, including Aspen, Snowmass Village, Woody Creek, Old Snowmass, Basalt, and Carbondale.
Before relocating to Aspen in 2021 with my wife Lindsay and our three young children, I spent over a decade as a commercial real estate broker in San Francisco, where I executed more than 250 transactions valued at over $2 billion. That background in complex, high-stakes deals translates directly to how I approach residential real estate, process-driven, detail-oriented, and focused on getting deals done cleanly.
I represent buyers, sellers, and developers across the valley, with particular expertise in spec home development, down-valley markets, rental property investment analysis, and comprehensive market reporting.
I've Done This Move Myself
I relocated from a major metro with young kids. I rented in Aspen for two years before buying in Basalt. I understand the questions about schools, the stress of finding the right neighborhood, and what it's like to navigate this market from the outside. That firsthand experience shapes how I advise clients making similar transitions.
I Know the Data Cold
I produce detailed monthly market reports tracking inventory levels, price trends, and days on market across every segment of the valley. I don't just know what sold last month, I know why it sold, what it should have sold for, and what that means for pricing strategy going forward.
I Understand the Full Valley, Not Just Aspen Proper
Most agents specialize in one area. I work everywhere from Aspen core to Carbondale, which means I can help clients understand the real tradeoffs between locations, proximity versus affordability, elevation versus climate, resort access versus year-round community.
I Have Deep Broker Relationships
In a market this small, relationships matter. Other agents want to work with me because I'm straightforward, responsive, and don't create unnecessary drama. That translates to better access for my clients, early looks at off-market properties, smoother negotiations, faster closings.
I'm in This for the Long Term
I'm not trying to maximize volume this quarter. I'm building a business here where my family lives, which means I care more about doing right by clients than pushing deals that don't make sense. If now isn't the right time to buy or sell, I'll tell you.
I work with developers and builders on multiple spec home projects throughout the valley. I understand construction timelines, budget management, finish selections, and how to position new construction against resale inventory. I advise on pricing strategy throughout the construction process and handle marketing, broker outreach, and buyer qualification. I currently represent several new construction properties in Carbondale's gated golf community, where I've closed four buyer-side transactions with $12.25M in volume over the past 18 months.
I live in Basalt and have deep knowledge of Carbondale, El Jebel, and the surrounding areas. These communities offer more square footage per dollar, larger lots, easier year-round living, and strong rental income potential. I help clients understand what they're gaining and giving up when they move down-valley, proximity to Aspen's cultural scene versus affordability, resort access versus practical daily living.
Down-valley markets also attract longtime Aspen homeowners looking to unlock equity and right-size into newer, lower-maintenance properties. Many of these buyers want to stay connected to the valley while reducing winter maintenance burdens and accessing milder climate conditions at lower elevations.
For ultra-luxury properties and high-profile clients, off-market sales avoid problematic days-on-market accumulation and provide privacy. Five of the six highest comparable sales in West Buttermilk sold off-market. I have access to Compass's Private Exclusive program and strong relationships with top agents across the valley, which means I can quietly shop properties or find buyers without broad public marketing.
I analyze rental income projections for buyers considering properties as investment vehicles. I work with property managers who provide realistic income and expense modeling, understand short-term rental regulations across different jurisdictions (Aspen, Snowmass, Pitkin County), and know which neighborhoods and property types generate the strongest returns.
Profile: Married professionals with young children (ages 2-12) relocating from major metros like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago. Often one partner works remotely full-time while the other travels periodically for work. They've typically rented in the valley for 6-18 months before buying.
What They Care About: Aspen School District access, proximity to parks and trails, walkability or bus access to avoid constant driving, work-from-home space, community for their kids.
What Makes It Hard: Navigating public versus private school options, limited inventory of turnkey family homes, cost of living adjustments, understanding neighborhood tradeoffs.
Why They Hire Me: I made this exact move with my family in 2021. I rented in Aspen before buying in Basalt. I have kids currently aged 5, 3, and 1, so I understand school decisions, neighborhood dynamics, and the practical realities of raising a family here. I provide process-driven guidance that works for busy professionals managing a major life transition.
Profile: Empty nesters or divorcees, typically ages 60-75, who've owned homes in Aspen for 20+ years. They're looking to unlock equity, reduce maintenance burdens, and move to newer, lower-maintenance properties in Basalt or Carbondale while staying connected to the valley.
What They Care About: Maximizing sale proceeds from their Aspen home, finding turnkey new construction or recently renovated properties, staying close to Aspen's cultural scene and their social network, reducing winter challenges (snow removal, harsh weather, property upkeep).
What Makes It Hard: Emotional attachment to longtime Aspen homes, overwhelm with downsizing logistics, skepticism about down-valley home values, concerns about feeling disconnected from Aspen.
Why They Hire Me: My in-laws are longtime Aspen residents, so I understand the valley's generational ties and what this transition means. I know the down-valley markets intimately and can articulate the lifestyle benefits, milder climate, modern homes, growing community of peers making similar moves. I provide thoughtful prep and staging guidance for aging homes and have a trusted network of attorneys, designers, and contractors to make the transition seamless.
Profile: Ages 45-70+, primary residences in California, Texas, Florida, or Arizona. They use Aspen properties 2-4 months per year, primarily summer with some winter use. Often have private advisors or family office involvement in purchase decisions.
What They Care About: Escaping heat in their primary residence cities, accessing Aspen's cultural scene and outdoor recreation, creating legacy properties for future generations, lock-and-leave functionality or professional property management.
What Makes It Hard: High expectations around value and presentation, scheduling property tours from out of town, finding turnkey properties that don't require significant post-purchase investment, coordinating decision-making across family members and advisors.
Why They Hire Me: I deliver white-glove service and premium presentation. I have a network of trusted local service providers (attorneys, architects, property managers, contractors) to make ownership seamless from afar. I understand peer-level broker relationships and maintain discretion. I'm skilled at facilitating multi-party decision-making across spouses, adult children, and financial advisors.
Profile: Affluent individuals or small investment groups, ages 35-65, looking to generate cash flow through short-term vacation rentals or long-term leases while maintaining personal use 2-8 weeks per year. Focus on Aspen and Snowmass Village for short-term rental demand, or Basalt and Carbondale for long-term rental yields.
What They Care About: Proven rental income history or strong comparable rental performance, minimizing capital expenditure before generating income, reliable property management, understanding regulatory environment for short-term rentals.
What Makes It Hard: Navigating short-term rental regulations and HOA restrictions, accurately projecting rental income versus expenses, finding properties that work for both personal use and rental returns, managing properties remotely.
Why They Hire Me: I analyze rental investment opportunities for clients regularly, work with property managers who provide realistic income projections, and understand STR regulations across Aspen, Snowmass, and Pitkin County. My commercial real estate background translates to financial modeling expertise for evaluating true ROI. I know which neighborhoods and property types perform best for rentals.
Profile: Local builders, out-of-town developers, or high-net-worth individuals looking to deploy capital into value-add opportunities through renovation, rebuild, or speculative development. Mix of valley residents and investors from major metros with Aspen market conviction.
What They Care About: Identifying properties with legitimate development potential before they're widely shopped, navigating entitlement and permitting processes, managing construction costs and timelines in a high-cost labor market, accurately forecasting end values.
What Makes It Hard: Finding below-market acquisition prices that support development pro forma, understanding complex land use regulations and FAR calculations, managing construction in a supply-constrained environment, timing the market correctly for spec sales.
Why They Hire Me: My commercial brokerage background includes evaluating investment returns and development feasibility across 250+ transactions and $2B+ in value. I have a deep network of local architects, contractors, and builders who can quickly assess project viability. I understand which neighborhoods and property types offer the best risk-adjusted development returns. I have access to off-market opportunities before they're broadly marketed.
Profile: Individual businesses, larger corporations, hospital systems, and school districts seeking workforce housing to attract and retain employees. Primary focus on bedroom count, cost per bed, and access to public transportation.
What They Care About: Maximizing bedroom count within budget constraints, proximity to RFTA bus lines for employee commuting, properties that can accommodate multiple employees or families, long-term value in a market with limited workforce housing supply.
What Makes It Hard: Limited inventory at price points that work for workforce housing economics, competition from market-rate buyers, managing and maintaining properties while running core business operations, navigating deed restrictions and local regulations.
Why They Hire Me: I understand which valley locations offer the best value for workforce housing needs, know RFTA routes and commute patterns, and can identify properties with multi-unit or ADU potential. I have relationships with property managers who specialize in workforce housing and understand local regulations around employee housing and rental caps. I'm skilled at identifying off-market opportunities that institutional buyers often miss.
I'm Direct
I don't sugarcoat market conditions or tell clients what they want to hear. If pricing is off, I'll say so. If a property has issues, I'll flag them. If now isn't the right time to transact, I'll be honest about that too.
I'm Responsive
I return calls and emails quickly. In competitive situations, responsiveness is often the difference between getting a property and losing it. I don't let deals fall apart because I was slow to respond.
I Handle the Details
Title objections, survey requirements, inspection negotiations, HOA document review, utility transfers, rent-back arrangements—I manage all of it. Clients shouldn't have to chase down paperwork or worry about process failures.
I Prepare Buyers in Advance
In a limited inventory market, preparation matters. I have buyers tour available properties even if they're not perfect fits, which establishes benchmarks and builds consensus between spouses before the right property appears. I help clients assemble teams (lenders, attorneys, inspectors) in advance so they can move quickly when needed.
I Price Properties Correctly
For sellers, I provide competitive market analysis that considers recent sales, active listings, days on market trends, and property-specific factors like location, condition, age, and features. I recommend pricing that attracts serious buyers without leaving money on the table.
I Use Data, Not Emotion
I produce monthly market reports tracking inventory, sales volume, median prices, and days on market across every segment of the valley. I use that data to inform strategy, not gut feeling or wishful thinking.
I Preserve Relationships
In a small market, today's transaction isn't the last one. I negotiate firmly but professionally. I don't create unnecessary drama or burn bridges. That long-term approach benefits my clients because other agents want to work with me.
The Aspen Valley real estate market is normalizing after the intense 2021-2022 period. Inventory levels remain elevated compared to the pandemic years but still below long-term historical averages. Buyers are taking more time and conducting more thorough due diligence. Sellers are adjusting from aspirational pricing as homes that linger on the market face increasing pressure.
The ultra-luxury segment ($25M+) continues to perform, driven by buyers who prioritize turnkey access over value. The mid-luxury segment ($5M-$15M) is more price-sensitive, with buyers distinguishing between fairly priced properties and those testing the market. Click HERE to view my latest Aspen market report.
Aspen's seasonal population swings create distinct opportunities. Click HERE to view my full analysis of when it's the best time to by in Aspen.
Winter Inventory Surge (December-February): Sellers list ahead of ski season to capture holiday visitors and seasonal residents. Serious showing activity typically starts mid-January after holiday rush. Less room to negotiate as most homes are freshly listed.
Summer Inventory Surge (June-August): Greatest volume hits the market in late June before July 4th. Properties present beautifully with lush landscaping and activated outdoor spaces. Serious buyers tour after July 4th weekend. Peak competition period.
Shoulder Seasons (October-November, April-May): Motivated sellers who missed peak season windows face months of waiting before the next surge. Creates negotiating leverage for strategic buyers willing to be flexible on specifications to secure better terms.
Aspen: Median single-family home sale in 2024 is $13.25M. Aspen School District access, walkability to downtown restaurants and cultural venues, and proximity to Aspen Mountain command significant premiums. Properties range from historic West End Victorian homes near the Core to modern estates in neighborhoods like Red Mountain, East Aspen, and West Aspen. Tradeoffs include limited parking, year-round tourist activity, and winter snow removal. The highest-end properties often sell off-market to maintain privacy and avoid days-on-market concerns.
Snowmass Village: Median single-family home sale is $8.25M. The primary draw is ski-in/ski-out access to Snowmass Mountain and resort amenities including restaurants, shops, and après-ski activities. More family-oriented than Aspen core, with a quieter atmosphere and easier parking. Properties range from slope-side condos to large single-family homes with mountain views. Limited dining and cultural options outside ski season. Strong rental income potential for well-located properties.
Basalt: Year-round community 20 minutes from Aspen. Single-family homes typically range $2M-$6M, offering significantly more square footage per dollar than Aspen. Strong public schools (part of Roaring Fork School District), growing dining and retail scene, and easy access to Aspen via Highway 82 or Rio Grande Trail. Popular with full-time families who work in Aspen but want more house and yard for their money. Basalt offers genuine community feel beyond tourism cycles, with local events, youth sports, and neighborhood connections. Climate is milder than Aspen with lower elevation and less snow accumulation.
Carbondale: Artistic, laid-back community 30 minutes from Aspen. Single-family homes typically range $1.5M-$4M, making it the most affordable option in the valley while maintaining quality of life. Strong year-round community with local restaurants, farmers market, and arts scene. Outdoor recreation access includes hiking, mountain biking, and proximity to multiple ski areas. Popular with families seeking affordability, artists, and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize lifestyle over proximity to Aspen's social scene. Also home to newer developments including gated golf communities with club amenities, where new construction ranges $2.65M-$4.95M. Climate is mildest in the valley with lowest elevation—nearly 2,000 feet lower than Aspen—resulting in extended outdoor seasons and minimal winter severity.
I produce comprehensive monthly market reports analyzing:
These reports are distributed via my website, LinkedIn, and Google Business Profile. Contact me to be added to the distribution list.
I write regularly about Aspen real estate strategy, market trends, and relocation advice:
Compass Technology Platform: National agent network, marketing resources, Private Exclusive off-market program, comprehensive property data and analytics
Market Analysis Tools: Aspen Board of Realtors statistics, proprietary tracking of inventory trends, days on market analysis, seasonal pattern modeling
Professional Network:
Hudson Smythe
Luxury Real Estate Advisor
Compass
Phone: 415.278.1996
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://hudsonsmythe.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hudsonsmythe/
Partner: Blake Appleby | 970.379.1143 | [email protected]
Serving buyers, sellers, and developers throughout the Roaring Fork Valley including Aspen, Snowmass Village, Woody Creek, Old Snowmass, Basalt, Carbondale, and surrounding areas. Specializing in luxury residential sales, spec home development, rental property investment analysis, and comprehensive market reporting.