Real Estate in the Rockies

Can Short-Term Rentals and Affordability in Mountain Towns Coexist? | Ep 7

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Short-term rentals have become one of the most emotional and controversial conversations happening across Colorado mountain towns.

But what happens when the conversation moves beyond politics and focuses on people, community, balance, and long-term planning?

In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with Lisa and Summer, the founders of Rainbow Rentals, a Salida-based short-term rental management company focused on thoughtful hospitality, community integration, and helping guests truly “Live Like a Local.”

Together, they explore:

short-term rental policies
workforce housing
tourism economics
mountain town affordability
community planning
second home ownership
flexible property use
proactive vs reactive policy
and the future of Colorado mountain communities

Lisa and Summer bring a nuanced perspective to a conversation that often becomes polarized. As both community members and property managers, they discuss the real challenges mountain towns face while also exploring how thoughtful short-term rental management can support local economies, homeowners, and tourism in responsible ways.

This episode also dives into:

how changing regulations impact homeowners
why flexibility matters for mountain town investors
the hidden realities of managing short-term rentals
balancing tourism with community preservation
and how mountain towns can avoid becoming “empty shells” of themselves

Most importantly, this conversation highlights the importance of proactive planning and creating policies that support both residents and the long-term sustainability of Colorado mountain towns.

In This Episode

Why mountain towns need proactive housing strategies
The difference between reactive and intentional policy
How short-term rentals impact local economies
Why flexibility matters for second homeowners
The hidden work behind property management
What guests really want from mountain town travel
Why “Live Like a Local” matters
How tourism supports small business ecosystems
The tension between affordability and preservation
Creative housing solutions for local residents

Memorable Quotes

“We need to decide what we want to be in 20 years.”

“Growth becomes less controversial when people understand the plan.”

“We’re trying to showcase the special sauce of Salida.”

“It’s not about penalizing outsiders. It’s about proactively helping residents.”

Guest Info

Rainbow Rentals
Website: rainbowrental.net
Instagram: @staywithrainbowrentals

Real Estate in the Rockies is the podcast exploring Colorado mountain real estate, housing, land use, development, zoning, community growth, and mountain living in Salida, Buena Vista, Chaffee County, and communities across the Rockies.

Hosted by Colorado real estate attorney Ashley Kappel and local realtor Jessica Chariton, the show brings together developers, community leaders, housing experts, investors, and local voices to break down the conversations shaping mountain towns today.

Whether you’re buying property in Colorado, navigating real estate development, exploring affordable housing challenges, or simply interested in the future of mountain communities, Real Estate in the Rockies delivers real conversations and local insight from the people living and working in these communities every day.

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns.

The Truth About Growth in Colorado Mountain Towns | Ep 6

Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Colorado mountain towns are changing rapidly, and the conversations around growth, housing, affordability, and community identity are becoming more complicated than ever.

In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with top Colorado Realtor and business leader Treasure Davis for a thoughtful and candid conversation about what’s happening across Colorado mountain communities and why so many residents feel tension around growth and change.

Treasure Davis is ranked in the top 1% of Realtors nationally and is the founder of the Treasure Davis Team at eXp Realty, Zillow’s #1 Team in Colorado Springs. Her team has sold more than 3,500 homes and built a reputation around leadership, customer service, and community impact.

But this episode goes far beyond real estate transactions.

Together, Ashley, Jessica, and Treasure explore:

Balancing Growth and Affordability in Colorado’s Real Estate Market
Colorado mountain town growth
housing affordability
workforce housing
tourism and second homes
property rights
customer service
leadership transparency
community planning
mental health and housing stability
and what it means to build thriving communities in Colorado

This conversation is nuanced, honest, and deeply relevant for anyone who lives in, works in, invests in, or loves Colorado mountain towns.

In This Episode

Why Colorado mountain towns need long-term strategic planning
The tension between preserving community identity and welcoming growth
Why poor planning creates conflict around development
What’s driving affordability challenges in Colorado
Why customer service is declining across industries
How Realtors can better serve communities
The role mental health plays in housing stability
Why collaboration matters more than competition
What creates long-term success in real estate and business
Why honest conversations matter in growing communities

Memorable Quotes

“Growth is good in the context of proper planning without agendas behind it.”

“It was never about you anyway.”

“Customer service is becoming the exception, not the rule.”

“Home is a place where people feel deeply loved.”

Connect with Treasure Davis

Website: http://www.coloradorealtors.com
Instagram: @treasuredavisrealtor

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns.

Disaster Preparedness in Colorado Mountain Towns: What Every Resident Needs to Know | Ep 5

Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 -0600

Wildfire season in Colorado mountain towns is no longer a distant possibility, it is something communities must actively prepare for. In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with Chaffee County Public Health Director Andrea Carlstrom to discuss wildfire preparedness, evacuation planning, emergency communication systems, air quality concerns, and what residents can do right now to protect their homes, families, pets, and communities.

Andrea shares lessons learned from the Decker Fire, explains how emergency response systems work behind the scenes, and offers practical advice for creating evacuation plans, building a go kit, protecting older adults and vulnerable neighbors, and navigating disaster recovery after the immediate emergency is over.

This conversation is essential listening for anyone living in Colorado mountain communities, rural areas, or wildfire-prone regions.

In This Episode:

Why wildfire preparedness matters now more than ever
What Chaffee County is doing behind the scenes to prepare
How the emergency response network actually works
What to include in a wildfire go kit
Why evacuation plans need backup plans
The importance of Everbridge emergency alerts
How wildfire smoke impacts mountain communities
Mistakes people make during evacuations
How neighbors can support vulnerable residents
What disaster recovery looks like after reentry
Why community resilience matters in mountain towns

Key Takeaway:

“The time to plan and prepare is not during a disaster.” — Andrea Carlstrom

Andrea Carlstrom has served as the Director of Chaffee County Public Health for more than a decade, overseeing programs focused on public health, emergency preparedness, behavioral health, chronic disease prevention, aging well initiatives, and community resilience. Throughout her career, she has worked across multiple healthcare settings including behavioral health, pharmacy, and hospital administration. Andrea has played a key leadership role in emergency preparedness and disaster response efforts throughout Chaffee County, including wildfire response, public health coordination, and community resilience planning.

Website: http://www.chaffeecounty.org

Link to Everbridge Emergency App: https://chaffeecounty.org/departments/sheriff/communications/everbridge.php

FEMA Checklist for Disaster Preparedness

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/areyouready/appendix_b.pdf

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns.

What It Takes to Develop Property in Colorado Mountain Communities | Ep 4

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0600

What does it really take to develop property in a Colorado mountain town, and why do some projects succeed while others never get off the ground?

In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with longtime Salida resident, realtor, and developer Walt Harder to unpack the realities of real estate development in mountain communities.

With over 20 years of experience in both real estate and development, Walt shares what most people do not see behind the scenes, from navigating land use and zoning to identifying opportunities and managing risk.

This conversation goes beyond surface-level real estate talk and dives into how development actually works in places like Salida and across Colorado.

In this episode, you will learn:

What real estate development looks like in mountain towns like Salida
Why development projects are more complex than most people realize
How zoning, land use, and local regulations impact what can be built
What makes a property a strong development opportunity
Why off-market properties can be some of the best opportunities
The biggest risks and challenges developers face in Colorado

Ashley helps break down the legal and land use considerations involved in development. Jessica brings insight into how development connects to the local real estate market and community demand.

Walt brings decades of hands-on experience, offering a real-world perspective on what it takes to successfully navigate development in mountain communities.

Walt Harder is the owner and managing broker of Harder Real Estate and Development, LLC, and has been a Salida resident for over 20 years. Since moving to Salida in 2000, Walt has built a career that spans residential, commercial, industrial, and retail development across Colorado and beyond. With a deep understanding of both real estate and land development, he brings a unique perspective to identifying opportunities and navigating complex projects. Walt is also the owner of Timber Creek Ranch, reflecting his passion for land, space, and the Colorado lifestyle.

Links:
Website: http://hred.co
Facebook: Walt Harder, Harder Real Estate and Development

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns.

Why Assisted Living and Memory Care Matter in Mountain Communities | Ep 3

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0600

What happens when a community does not have enough senior housing, assisted living, or memory care options?

In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with local leaders Marilyn Bouldin and Andi Bruno to discuss the growing need for senior housing in Salida and across Colorado mountain towns.

As populations age and housing options remain limited, communities are facing difficult questions about how to support residents who want to stay but may not have the care options they need.

This conversation explores how real estate, healthcare, and community planning intersect, and why this issue impacts more than just seniors.

In this episode, you will learn:

Why senior housing and assisted living are critical in mountain communities
The challenges of creating memory care and aging support locally
What happens when residents are forced to leave their community for care
How nonprofit efforts like Places to Age are working toward solutions
Why this issue affects families, housing, and the broader community

Ashley helps connect the legal and planning considerations around housing and care facilities. Jessica brings insight into how housing limitations impact availability and demand in the local market.

Marilyn and Andi provide firsthand perspective on the needs within the community and the efforts underway to address them.

Marilyn Bouldin
Marilyn Bouldin is a retired registered nurse and former Director of Chaffee County Public Health. She has served on the board of Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center and is a cofounder of Chaffee County Women Who Care. Marilyn currently serves as Vice Chair of the board for Places to Age, a nonprofit focused on bringing assisted living and memory care to the community.

Links:
Website: http://www.placestoage.org
Facebook: Places to Age

Andi Bruno
Andi Bruno is a Colorado native and retired business owner with a background in Silicon Valley startups. She founded her own business in 2003 and successfully exited in 2014. Since returning to Colorado, she has been actively involved in community efforts and previously served as Chair of Places to Age, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding senior housing and care options in Chaffee County.

Links:
Website: http://www.placestoage.org

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns.

The Real Cost of Affordable Housing in the Rockies | Ep 2

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:00:00 -0600

Can affordable housing actually work in a Colorado mountain town, or is it financially impossible without major tradeoffs?

In this episode of Real Estate in the Rockies, Ashley Kappel and Jessica Chariton sit down with Paul Andrews, developer of The Crossing in Buena Vista, a community designed to be 50% affordable housing.

Paul brings decades of high-level real estate and financial experience to this conversation and shares what it really took to bring this project to life. From infrastructure costs and financing to deed restrictions and community pushback, this episode breaks down the real challenges behind building housing that people can actually afford.

This is not theory. It is a real-world look at what it takes to solve one of the biggest issues facing mountain communities.

In this episode, you will learn:

What a 50% affordable housing model looks like in Buena Vista
Why infrastructure and financing are the biggest barriers to affordability
How grants, partnerships, and timing made this project possible
What deed restrictions are and how they preserve long-term affordability
Why smaller homes and creative design are key to lowering costs
The risks involved, including putting personal finances on the line
Whether this model can realistically be replicated in other mountain towns

Ashley brings a legal lens to zoning, deed restrictions, and policy considerations. Jessica connects the conversation to real market conditions and what buyers are experiencing on the ground.

Paul shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a community from the ground up, including the vision, the risk, and why this work matters for the future of Buena Vista and beyond.

Paul Andrews is the developer behind The Crossing in Buena Vista, a community designed to provide a mix of affordable and market-rate housing in a mountain town setting. Originally from England, Paul has an extensive background in finance and real estate, including leadership roles as CFO at Madison Marquette, Vail Resorts Development Company, and EverWest Real Estate Investors.

Over his career, he has completed more than $2 billion in real estate financings and helped grow EverWest into a $5 billion institutional real estate platform. After retiring in 2022, Paul shifted his full focus to The Crossing and other Colorado mountain real estate projects, bringing his experience, capital, and long-term vision to addressing housing challenges in communities like Buena Vista.

Links:
Website: http://www.thecrossingbv.com
Instagram: @thecrossingbv
Facebook: The Crossing BV
LinkedIn: The Crossing BV

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns.

Colorado Mountain Real Estate Explained, What Locals Need to Know | Ep 1

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 22:00:00 -0600

What is really happening in Colorado mountain town real estate, and why does it matter even if you are not buying or selling?

Welcome to Real Estate in the Rockies, a podcast focused on Colorado mountain communities like Salida, where real estate is not just about transactions, it is about how towns grow, who can afford to live there, and what the future looks like.

In this first episode, Ashley Kappel, an attorney, and Jessica Chariton, a local real estate expert, introduce the show and explain why real estate is one of the biggest forces shaping life in mountain towns. From housing affordability and development to land use, zoning, and legal considerations, these are the issues impacting residents every day.

This podcast is designed to help locals, homeowners, and anyone connected to mountain communities better understand what is happening and why it matters.

In this episode, you will learn:

Why Colorado mountain real estate impacts everyone, not just buyers and sellers
How housing affordability and development affect communities like Salida
What makes mountain town real estate unique compared to other markets
Why zoning, land use, and legal issues play a critical role
What to expect from future episodes of Real Estate in the Rockies

Ashley brings a legal perspective to break down complex real estate and land use topics in a clear and practical way. Jessica brings local market expertise and real-world insight from working directly in Colorado real estate.

Together, they guide you through the issues shaping mountain communities and what you should be paying attention to moving forward.

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns.

Colorado Mountain Real Estate Explained: Land, Law, and Community | Podcast Trailer

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0600

What does it really take to buy, build, or own property in a Colorado mountain town?

Welcome to Real Estate in the Rockies, a Colorado real estate podcast that explores the unique challenges and opportunities shaping mountain communities today. From water rights and wildfire risk to zoning regulations, housing shortages, and land use decisions, real estate in the Rockies is anything but simple.

Hosted by real estate attorney Ashley Kappel and local realtor Jessica Charitan, this podcast brings together legal insight and real-world experience to help listeners better understand the forces shaping the Colorado real estate market.

Each episode breaks down key topics including:

Zoning laws and land use regulations
Water rights and environmental considerations
Insurance challenges in high-risk areas
Market trends and housing availability
Buying, selling, and investing in mountain communities

You’ll also hear from industry professionals such as developers, builders, lenders, planners, and local leaders who are influencing the future of these regions.

This podcast is designed for anyone interested in real estate, housing, and the long-term sustainability of mountain towns.

Follow Real Estate in the Rockies to stay informed on the evolving Colorado real estate landscape.

Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for new episodes every week.

Connect with Jessica: https://jessicachariton.homesmartpreferredrealty.com/

Connect with Ashley: https://www.collegiatepeakslawandmediation.com/

Please share this podcast with anyone who is interested in Real Estate development, Community Conversations about living in Colorado Mountain Towns.