Sapphire Point in the snow

Summit County Market Insider | January 2026

Explore the January edition of the Summit County Market Insider, your go-to source for the latest trends in mountain and real estate lifestyle. From real estate market shifts to lifestyle developments, the Summit County Market Insider keeps you informed and ahead of the curve.

In this issue, we feature two timely articles offering valuable insights into the real estate and mountain lifestyle landscape.

First, a Mansion Global article, “Increasing your home’s value might start next door” highlights how investing time into community beautification can pay off.

Next, a piece from Forbes titled “5 Kitchen Design Trends Going Away in 2026” explores home trends that have becoome outdated.

These stories highlight key trends in mountain real estate as well as consumer behavior, offering valuable insights for homeowners, investors, and mountain enthusiasts alike. Stay tuned for more expert insights from your trusted Market Insider in Summit County.

Market Insider Feature | Mansion Global 12.15.25

Increasing Your Home’s Value Might Start Next Door

Homeowners often invest in upgrading their home and yards for their own pleasure and then upgrade even more when it’s time to sell—but sometimes the best value add starts all the way down the block. 

Nearly all real estate agents (97%) believe curb appeal is important to attract buyers, according to the National Association of Realtors. But what happens when your neighbors aren’t as conscientious as you are when it comes to maintaining your property? It’s that fear that has helped fuel homeowners associations, which are notorious for their strict yard and upkeep rules.

“A homeowners association (HOA) that keeps landscaping consistent creates a sense of quality before buyers even step inside,” said Alex Platt, a real estate agent with Compass in Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Florida. “But in non-HOA neighborhoods, you might see beautifully finished new construction next to older teardowns, and that mix can directly impact value.”

Market Insider Feature | Forbes 1.7.26

5 Kitchen Design Trends Going Away In 2026

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home. It needs to be functional, aesthetic, and able to serve multiple purposes. These spaces can also be incredibly expensive to renovate, so most homeowners want to do it once—and do it right. With trend cycles moving faster than ever these days, the risk is that a kitchen may already feel dated by the time it’s finally finished. So how do you choose the right aesthetic? It’s often more about avoiding the wrong one.