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How to Prepare Your Aspen Home for Showings


By Saslove & Warwick

Selling your home in Aspen means showcasing more than just a property—you're selling a lifestyle. We know exactly what high-end buyers are looking for, and it all starts with a flawless first impression. In this guide, we're sharing our top home showing tips specifically tailored to Aspen's luxury market, so you can stand out and close faster.

Key Takeaways

  • Elevate your home's presentation to match Aspen's luxury standards
  • Use lighting, layout, and scent to create a memorable atmosphere
  • Highlight Aspen-specific lifestyle perks like mountain views and indoor-outdoor living
  • Know what buyers expect when touring Aspen homes

Create a Warm, Welcoming First Impression

Why First Impressions Are Everything

Buyers start forming opinions before they even step inside. Your exterior and entryway set the tone for the rest of the showing.

  • Curb Appeal Counts: Keep the driveway plowed and walkways clear in winter. In warmer months, use planters with native greenery like columbine or blue spruce.
  • Front Entry Refresh: Add a tasteful doormat, clean the door, and polish hardware.
  • Ski Gear Storage: If you have a mudroom, highlight it as a functional yet stylish feature for Aspen living.

Maximize Light and Views

Show Off Aspen's Natural Beauty

Buyers want to see Aspen’s scenery from every angle. Natural light and views are top priorities.

  • Open Window Treatments: Pull back drapes to reveal mountain or forest views.
  • Clean All Windows: Sparkling windows elevate any room, especially with a snowy Red Mountain or East Aspen view.
  • Strategic Lighting: Use soft white bulbs and add accent lighting to brighten darker corners.

Stage for Aspen's Luxury Lifestyle

Align Your Decor with Local Expectations

Your home should reflect the Aspen lifestyle—comfortable, high-end, and adventure-ready.

  • Neutral Yet Warm Palette: Use soft grays, creams, and natural textures like wood and wool.
  • Create Conversation Areas: Arrange seating to highlight fireplaces or floor-to-ceiling windows.
  • Highlight Outdoor Living: If you have a patio, hot tub, or fire pit, stage them with seasonal touches.

Keep It Spotless and Scent-Free

Cleanliness Signals Quality

Luxury buyers expect pristine conditions. Every room should feel fresh and cared for.

  • Professional Deep Clean: Floors, appliances, and baseboards should shine.
  • No Scented Sprays: Instead, ventilate well and use subtle natural scents like fresh pine or citrus.
  • Declutter Closets: Show off Aspen-worthy storage for gear and outerwear.

Showcase Smart Features and Custom Upgrades

Let Your Home Speak for Itself

Modern amenities can be deal-makers, especially when paired with Aspen design.

  • Point Out Automation: Smart lighting, thermostats, or security systems should be on display.
  • Highlight Renovations: Note custom finishes, imported materials, or designer appliances.
  • Prep Printouts: Leave a one-sheet with specs and standout features like heated driveways or ski-in/ski-out access for potential buyers to take.

FAQs

What day of the week is best for showings in Aspen?

Weekends tend to attract more visitors, especially second-home buyers in town for a few days, but serious buyers often schedule private mid-week showings.

Should I be home during the showing?

We always recommend not being present during showings. Buyers feel more comfortable exploring and asking questions when the owner isn't there.

How far in advance should I prepare my home?

Ideally, give yourself one week to deep clean, declutter, and stage key areas. We can help you prioritize and coordinate everything.

Contact Saslove & Warwick Today

Selling your Aspen home takes more than just listing it—it requires strategic preparation to make the right impression on high-end buyers. We know exactly what today’s luxury buyers want, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.

If you're ready to get your home market-ready with expert support, reach out to us at Saslove & Warwick. We'll help you showcase your property in its best light and make every showing count.



About the Authors

Joshua Saslove

Joshua Saslove is the undisputed luxury real estate leader in Aspen, Colorado. Saslove routinely outperforms all other brokers in one of America's most exclusive, and most competitive, real estate markets when it comes to Aspen real estate. With over 40 years of experience and an unwavering commitment to the perfection of client service, he has sold an estimated $3+ billion in real estate while accumulating a client list of some of the world's most influential individuals.

Joshua Saslove has been featured on the cover of New York Times for his representation of the Prince Bandar $135 million estate. During 2009, the worst economic year in decades, Saslove made headlines for seller representation of the largest residential home sale in the United States for that year, a $43 million Aspen estate.

A Detroit native, Joshua is a proud Harley guy who enjoys cross-country skiing and spending time with family.

Riley Warwick

Riley Warwick is co-founder of the Aspen-based brokerage team, Saslove & Warwick, at Douglas Elliman Real Estate, with his partner Joshua Saslove. Saslove & Warwick approaches Aspen’s real estate landscape with an auspicious blend of experience, deep community ties, and forward thinking. Together, The Saslove & Warwick Team has over 60 years of experience and $5+ billion in closed sales.

Riley’s uncanny ability to find off-market opportunities for his clients is one trait that sets him apart. Recent examples include his record-setting sale of 421 Willoughby Way for $108M, 132 Placer Lane for $55M, representing Buyer and Seller in both transactions, and numerous other off-market sales. 

Crediting his success as an Aspen real estate agent to a relentless work ethic, responsiveness, and deep market knowledge, Riley also adheres to the primary principles of discretion, honesty and continual improvement. Ultimately, Riley judges his success by the number of clients who would recommend him to their friends and family.

His success thus far has not gone unrecognized. Riley Warwick was the #1 Ranked Agent by Volume in 2024.

The Saslove & Warwick Team maintains standing as the #1 Colorado Team by sales volume for 2019-2024. Riley was ranked #1 Douglas Elliman Colorado Agent in 2019-2024 for gross sales volume, #2 Douglas Elliman Colorado Agent in 2019 for GCI, voted the #2 Aspen Times Realtor of The Year in 2017, and received the Team Player Award from Douglas Elliman in 2018. 

A graduate of Purdue University and an Indiana native, Riley has been a downtown Aspen resident for the past ten years. When not working on real estate, Riley is an avid reader and cyclist. His other interests include art, architecture, design, vintage watches, and cars.

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