Our Story
Our Story
Over 60 years of hard-won success serving communities across Colorado.
 | 1962Rod Slifer, ski instructor/Realtor, starts his one-man operation out of the lobby of the Lodge at Vail, selling properties for Vail Associates. |
 | 1968Rod Slifer opens his own brokerage, Slifer & Company, on Bridge Street. As Vail grows, so do Slifer & Company and Vail Associates Real Estate. |
 | 1983Jim Flaum, a real estate veteran and former Navy pilot, becomes vice president and managing broker of Vail Associates Real Estate. |
 | 1986Harry Frampton and Mark Smith form East West Partners, the major force of the development of Beaver Creek Resort. |
 | 1988Harry Frampton and Mark Smith open Frampton Smith Real Estate, concentrating on the newly-formed Beaver Creek market. |
 | 1994The two top dueling powers of Vail Valley real estate merge, forming Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate. |
 | 2004Opened offices in Summit County, the first located at 117 S. Main Street and Keystone Resort offices. Two more offices would be opened on Main St. in Frisco and 211 S. Main St in Breckenridge in 2013. |
 | 2019SSF grows again with the acquisition of Palladium Properties, a boutique and independent luxury property brokerage firm based in Aspen and the Roaring Fork Valley. Palladium Properties founder, Krista Klees, joins Slifer Smith & Frampton as Executive Vice President and Managing Broker overseeing operations throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. |
 | 2020Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate awarded development sales listing for the $600 million Snowmass Base Village, expanding its presence in the Roaring Fork Valley. |
 | 2020SSF is a proud founding member of Forbes Global Properties, a luxury real estate marketing platform showcasing the world’s finest homes and the stories behind them. Forbes Global Properties leverages the audience and worldwide reach of Forbes, one of the most trusted media companies for the last 100 years, to engage, inform, and delight buyers and sellers of luxury properties. |
 | 2021Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate restructures leadership and Chris Lankhorst is promoted to Market President of Summit County. He is one of four Market Presidents: one in the Roaring Fork Valley, one in Summit County, one in the Vail Valley and one in the Front Range. This management change brings SSF even closer to the customers and the communities it serves. |
 | 2024With our sights set on northern Colorado, we open a new office in Steamboat Springs with a veteran team of local experts, to serve the Yampa Valley as the area looks toward a bright future. |
Testimonials
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I bought two properties in Breckenridge with Jim's help. In 2014 I bought a small studio apartment and this year a vacation home. He and his team are first rate. His expertise and integrity are important to me because I am not from the area and need as much advice as I can get. I highly recommend him. Jim and his associates were key to us finding what we wanted and understanding what a fair price would be. We looked for several years before finally finding the right one for us.
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- Very Satisfied Buyer
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Jim is very knowledgeable about Breckenridge properties. His insights in market trend, rental history, and local property availability are very helpful for us to make our selection.
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- Min Wang
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Finding Michele Hart was like stumbling across a pot of gold... she has been an invaluable resource in our quest to find the perfect Breckenridge properties for our ever-changing needs. Years ago, when we first ventured into the world of second-home ownership, Michele listened closely and found exactly what we needed and helped us move quickly in a market that was gobbling up desirable properties. This year, when our needs changed, she had a clear vision of the perfect property for us, and with that vision, she was able to help us get a fantastic deal on one of the finest ski-in/ski-out homes in Breckenridge. We have developed a deep trust and faith in Michele. We're proud to call her not only our broker but also our friend.
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- David and Andrea Woodruff
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We will definitely come back to SSF should we be looking to purchase or sell property in the Breckenridge area.
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- James Leonard Hilliard
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Michele was fantastic and I recommend her highly.
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- Dennis Howell
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Have worked with Jim since 2004 (wow, has it been that long??) Bought and sold a couple of condos with Jim. Very calm and steady,, never seems to get rattled. Always knows what to do next!
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- Highly Likely to Recommend
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We love working with Michelle. Every transaction has gone smoothly. We would highly recommend her to anyone. Reall appreciate her professionalism.
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- Clifford Wilson Cavett
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Michele was by far the best realtor we have ever had. She was extremely responsive, went above and beyond to negotiate the deal, and after the deal closed made sure we had contacts with all the local people we might ever need. We would definitely recommend her and use her in the future!
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- Suzanne and Dan Meehan
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I can’t really attest to SSF but our realtor Jim is the best. Knowledgeable, fun to see homes with and always doing his best for his clients. Will miss hanging out with him on our scheduled Fridays to see homes!!
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- Matthew Gilbert
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Selling property during COVID could have proven difficult. SSF had the process dialed in and supported us throughout. Michele was professional, timely and really knows the market in Summit County.
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- Elizabeth Adams
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Jim was great to work with. Would do it again!
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- Bill & Kay Davis
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We were extremely happy with Jim's help when we purchased our home in Breckenridge. He is incredibly knowledgeable about homes in Summit County, which was much appreciated since we were not very familiar with the area. We had a specific vision for what we wanted in our new home and Jim guided us throughout the process and encouraged us to wait for the house that was the right fit. He has continued to be a great resource for us well after moving in to our new home by putting us in touch with local professionals to help with various improvements and general maintenance. We would highly encourage anyone looking to buy a new home to utilize Jim's services.
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- Highly Likely to Recommend
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Molly and I bought our 1st Breckenridge property with Jim in 2004. We have done 10 transactions with Jim since then. As Real Estate investors we work with a lot of Realtors. To date our relationship with Jim is the longest we have had. I am also a lender, so deal with lots of Realtors day in and day out. Jim is the cream of the crop! Darrell and Molly Gargala
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- Darrell Gargala
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Michele did an amazing job. We decided to go with her and this company when a couple of friends recommended her. We have absolutely no regrets. She is a hard worker and will advocate for you like no other! She is on top of every little detail and there are a lot of details when buying and selling a home at the same time. She is also very personable and great to be around. She sold our vacation home and then turned around and found us another one right away. The company has so many marketing opportunities for their clients that you don't need to go elsewhere to get the job done! We have no regrets using Michele or SSF and will definitely use them next time.
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- Shelly Fazzino
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I had been casually following the market in Breckenridge for about a year and looking for a condominium. When I decided it was time to get serious, I asked a friend for a recommendation. He suggested Jim Schlegel. Jim was very responsive to my inquiries and asked me questions about the types of property I was interested in and locations. His knowledge of the market in Summit County was excellent as was his knowledge of the types of properties we were interested in. He immediately started providing me properties to review and we set up a date to visit a few properties. The very first property we visited was exactly what we were looking for. Jim helped us ask the right questions about the property (HOA rules, HOA fees, taxes, potential rental revenue, parking, pets, and how well was the property managed.) He helped us zero in on the right amount to offer. His instincts were spot on. Our offer was accepted and the closing process went very smoothly. I would recommend Jim Schlegel for any type of real estate business in the Summit County area.
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- Very Satisfied Buyer
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Jim was great through our entire process of looking for a second home in Breckinridge. He knows the area very well and obviously had been around a while. He helped with negotiation of the price and getting things done on the house from a maintenance stand point. I would definitely recommend Jim to anyone looking for a home.
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- Very Satisfied Buyer
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We worked with Michele Hart on the purchase and sell of our home in Breckenridge. We highly recommend Michele based on her knowledge of the area, professionalism, and communication. She works diligently to make sure the process is very easy and stress-free, while at the same time, she offers suggestions and ideas without being "pushy". We will use her again in the future!
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- Carol A. Portwood
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Michele was a joy to work with. From the first time we spoke, through our tours of the area, to finally selecting a property Michele understood my needs, asked questions, and supported me through the entirety of the transaction. When and if I'm looking to buy or sell again in the area, Michele will be my first call.
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- Daniel Abramson
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Michele listened to us and was determined to get us exactly what we wanted. This is the second time we have worked with her. We would recommend her because of how hard she worked for us before, during, and after the purchases. Her knowledge of the market and community has been invaluable. Michele pursued the exact properties we wanted even when they weren't on the market. She worked with the selling agents of the owners until two were willing to sell. At the right moment, we were able to buy. We are so grateful to Michele for her determination and patience. Thank you, Michele.
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- Breckenridge Ski House
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I have completed five transactions with Michele as my agent since 1998, on both the buy and sell side. It would not be possible for me to overstate the respect I have for her extraordinary resourcefulness. She has an innate ability, on a genuine and sincere basis, to quickly establish a high level of trust and confidence with her clients. In every transaction, I have been pleasantly surprise at how quickly she has produced an acceptable contract. I would recommend her without any qualification whatsoever.
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- Ken Capps
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I have used realtors and most are okay. Summit County was an exceptional experience because of our realtor, Michele Hart. She has a "perfection" in the way she handles both the buying and selling of a property. I have had the pleasure of both and can easily recommend her and Summit. The entire process was without issues, hassles or anything unexpected. Michele maintained a professional dialog throughout the process which made my partner and I feel at ease. If I'm considering another property anywhere in Colorado, I will only be dealing with Michele.
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- Dave Bellwoar
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Michele was great and worked really hard to find us the perfect property.
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- Lori Carr
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Jim has always been great to work with ! Would recommend him ! Bryan
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- Bryan & Cindy Wilson
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With unlimited options for navigating the Summit County real estate market SSF proved to me they were the only partnership I needed. I wanted the perfect mountain home and Jim Schlegel delivered it to us with impressive timing.
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- Wm, Rebekah Bertram
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Jim and Michele were knowledgeable, professional and persistent in working the listing and the eventual contract to closing.
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- Linda Marshall
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I have known Michele Hart for over 15 years and have had the pleasure of having her represent me on both sides of real estate transactions. She is the most hard working agent I have known and leaves no stone unturned in the process. She thinks of things I don't consider and makes the whole process that much easier. She has been an invaluable resource even after the transactions and is never too busy to help with any real estate needs we have had even after the purchase. If you don't have her as your agent, you are settling for less.
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- Maryanne Damiani
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Jim makes the process smooth and easy! He did a great job selling our home!
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- Emily P. Shemroske
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Michelle Hart and Jim Schlegel are a great team. They play off of each other’s strengths impressively. Together they solved issues that came up after we had left Colorado, and brought the lodge to closing in a timely matter. They also coordinated well with the buyers realtor and kept everyone appraised of the situation.
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- Marveyn Gadowski
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Selling our home with Michele's help was a truly wonderful experience. We appreciate Michele's attention to detail and commitment to quality as well as her open and easy conversation regarding the process along the way. Thank you for your guidance and expertise Michele - Bret and Jenni
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- Jenni Bonenberger
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Michelle Hart is fantastic to work with ! ! She knows the market inside and out, keeps you informed of any and all news, very sensitive to each owners quirks, preferences and concerns. I have recommended Michelle to half a dozen friends who have raved about her ability to make the best deal, find what they want or find the best seller for their home. Always holds a strong ethical approach to every situation. She will tell you the good and bad along with the pro's and con's and then act as you direct. But she gives you the honest, good and bad information to make a sound decision . . and then will act exactly as you direct. Truly, her only motivation is to accomplish your goals, satisfy your needs and obtain a completely happy customer. Unlike many realtors, she will not push something in her portfolio just to make a sale. Nor will she try to talk you into to something you question. Or try to sale the easy product or push a low offer just to get a deal done. If the product is not what you like, well she will go find it - She is truly "servant" in her role to your needs and will not push her own agenda. Although a super nice person and we have certainly become friends though multiple transactions, this recommendation is not slanted from a personal friendship / brother n law type recomendation. I have been a property owner in Breck 11 years and dealt with her exclusively, as have all my friends. There is simply nobody better in the area. SSF is welcome to pass my phone number along to any prospective client if they would like to contact me . . .
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- Frank Dale
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Michele and Jim are a great team to work with. They know the market and are so easy to work with.
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- Dennis E. Howell
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Jim Schlegel was over the top great! The man bent over backwards to get me what I wanted...and helped tremendously when I really found out I didn't know what I wanted! He helped me to focus on the important things...and I got a great deal in a smooth transaction...couldn't ask for anything better...he gets 11 stars out of 10!
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- Satisfied Buyer
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Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate has a good resource pool and expertise to get the job done. Jim Schlegel is terrific to do business with, honest, fair and quick to respond to any need or request. He is a realistic negotiator and knows Summit County very well, but not afraid to admit if he needs to research something before a fact is presented...read no BS!
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- Kay Paler Rev. Trust
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I fell in love with a community in Breckenridge that has very limited availability. Even when I was ready to give up my agent never did. I recently closed on my Breckenridge vacation home. It is everything I had hoped for.
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- Barbara Falco
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Michele was great! It was the easiest listing and sale we have ever done. She was professional and efficient every step of the way!
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- Liz Adams
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Michele Hart is an excellent agent. She helped us every step of the way to make our new home purchase go smoothly and hassle free. Thanks Michele!
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- Mark Adair
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Jim is a true professional! He is always very helpful without being pushy ! He listens to your wants and needs and is very good at finding a home or property that fits ! We have bought and sold 4 properties in Breckenridge from Jim and would recommend him to anyone who wants a stress free, pleasant ,buying or selling experience.
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- Bryan Wilson; Highly Likely to Recommend
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Jim Schlegel is a great agent. Very knowledgeable and experienced, as well as helpful and responsive.
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- Chris Jensen
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Great working with Jim. He understood our needs and we found and closed on a property that we are very happy to own.
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- James Fung-A-Fat
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Jim Schlegel is a top notch broker. Honest, trustworthy, and insightful. He and his fantastic team helped us navigate snags that were outside their control while always being responsive and friendly manner. Great crew to work with.
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- Tyler Wallace
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Michele brings a refreshing blend of fair play, Athenian spirit, and a relentless get'er done work ethic that not only makes her fun to be around, but a joy to do business with. Blend that with a community minded, well connected Breckenridge local and you've got a person that we have continued to recommend.
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- Kurt and Sherry Hellweg
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Michele was the most professional, energetic, and engaging Realtor I have ever used. She not only cancelled a personal event to accommodate my schedule, she also drove me around to see seven condos during a full fledged blizzard. We succeeded in acquiring an outstanding corner unit with terrific views right on the mountain. Before, during, and after the sale she has been there for us and really helped welcome my family and me into the Breckenridge community.
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- Steve
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Jim & Michelle were very responsive and provided excellent recommendations and service. We have used them for the past 5 transactions and anticipate using them for the next one soon!
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- Jeffrey Balyeat
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Amazing selling experience with Jim and Michelle. They were on top of it from start to finish. Sold my home at full asking price within a few days of the first showings! Very happy with their professional experience and how everything was handled.
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- Ted Mueller
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Michele Hart worked extremely hard for several months.She is detailed, organized, aggressive and very kind. Exactly what I like in a broker.
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- Scott Brown
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This is the second time we've worked with Michele and for the second time felt so fortunate to have her representing us as our broker. Her knowledge of the Breckenridge market allowed us to maximize profit on the sale of our townhome. Her diligence and attention to detail was shown at every step of the sale process. Not only is she really good at her profession, she has also has become a life time friend. I would recommend Michele in a big time 5 star way!
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- Anthea and Jon Schneider
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This is the 3rd time that we have utilized Jim's services for either purchasing or buying in Summit County. He has always been professional and communicates very well with all updates on the specific transaction. We were please once again with what Jim and his team where able to do for us and will use him again if the need arises.
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- Gregg Perry
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I've known Michele for almost 20 years. She works harder and smarter than anyone I know. She's personable, experienced, savvy and intelligent. Michele is the only real estate agent I work with in Colorado.
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- John
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Jim really went out of his way to be flexible and work with my schedule. He provided the right advice and market expertise to guide me in the purchase of a core product. I would gladly work with Jim when the next real estate opportunity presents itself.
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- Very Satisfied Buyer,
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Michele’s connections in the community made all the difference in closing this sale. This is the third time Michele has helped us, and we highly recommend her to others.
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- Greg R
© 2026 Grand County Association of REALTORS®. DCMA can be found at https://grandcountyassociation.realtor/contact/. Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. This site is used and paid for by multiple independent companies. The real estate broker cannot require you as a prospective buyer to pre-qualify with or utilize the services of either of the mortgage loan originators. Nor can either of the mortgage load originators require you as a prospective buyer to utilize the services of
