January opened with more questions than answers across the Roaring Fork Valley. Transaction volume slowed compared to December's momentum, but the data tells an interesting story beneath the surface.
Aspen's single-family market posted only 4 closings in January, but at a median of $22.75M — up 82% from a year ago. That's not a pricing surge, it's a composition story: the homes that traded were exceptional, and buyers paid accordingly. Inventory tightened modestly to 102 homes, and months supply fell to 14.6, suggesting the overhang is slowly clearing. The condo segment was quieter with 4 closings, though median price held firm at $3.84M and days on market improved to 155.
Snowmass Village painted a split picture. Single-family had a strong January with 4 closings at a $10.6M median, up 44% year-over-year, and faster sell times. The condo market softened, with median prices pulling back and days on market extending to 154.
Down-valley, Basalt single-family showed real strength — median price up 65% to $3.6M on doubled transaction volume. Carbondale's condo segment was a quiet standout, with 7 closings and tight inventory at just 1.8 months supply. Single-family there is moving slower and pricing softer, which is worth watching.
The theme for January: volume is down, but quality is transacting at strong prices. Sellers who are realistic are finding buyers. Those holding aspirational pricing are accumulating days. That dynamic isn't new, but it's becoming more pronounced.
