Aspen bona fides: With deep Aspen roots, unique local creds and real estate experience, I bring unmatched knowledge and trust to the table. I am the one known for always telling it like it is.
- Recognized as “One of Aspen’s best real estate brokers” in local media editorial.
- Elite top 1% Aspen broker with numerous awards for outstanding sales performance.
- Set record sales prices, including the highest-ever for a single-family home in the City of Aspen and the highest sold price/sq ft at The Gant and Aspen Square condominiums.
- Sotheby’s LinkedIn series’ inaugural post with Tim Estin on thought leadership and agent interviews, Sotheby’s International Realty – NYC Corporate
- Author of the widely-followed Estin Report since 2006 offering deep dive market analysis – specific, scrubbed, relevant – for sellers, buyers* and the Aspen Snowmass real estate community.
- Active advocate for land use and preservation serving on multiple local boards.
- Founding director of the Tenth Mountain Division Huts, the 34 hut-to-hut trail system connected by 350 miles of suggested routes between Aspen and Vail. (huts.org)
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Resort market associate/consultant: Sno-Engineering Inc, then based out of Aspen, CO and Lyme, NH specializing in winter resort markets and economics throughout North America. Performed financial and competitive market studies, feasibility analyses, resort valuations and various projects: expansions, acquisitions, land, mixed use and others. (Now named SE Group dot com)
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Apprenticed-mentored by celebrated local architect Fritz Benedict who master-planned Snowmass Village, Vail and Breckinridge and various areas of Aspen (Red Mountain, Aspen Club, Snowmass Village, etc.) epitomizing Aspen’s spirit as an independent thinker, tinkerer and dreamer for whom many of Aspen’s cherished legacies are named. “Isn’t this just the most beautiful place in the world! Why would anyone want to live anywhere else?!” he’d exclaim daily while biking around town on his beat up 10-speed with a grin and always a twinkle. (Read Fritz bio at AspenModern.)
- Attended Yellow Brick Elememtary School – Historic West End, Aspen, CO
Personal
If you want to truly ‘get’ Aspen, my longstanding roots and experience here will guide you on a personalized real estate journey that’s genuinely informed, exceptional and entirely focused on your goals. (See what others say.)
I have loved and lived in Aspen for more than 50 years.
Beyond my real estate broker’s life, I used to climb the Ute Trail every day, then did the same on Smuggler Mountain. I’d run the gorgeous Aspen Golden Leaf Half Marathon (13.3 miles) from Snowmass Village into Aspen every fall and with those “training” runs underfoot, I’d move on up to the NYC Marathon(s).
I’ve skied for some of the best ski industry and Aspen photographers—sunrise 1st tracks, showing off whatever gear they threw at me, fancy ski wear and equipment extraordinaire. Alas and alack— this is not exactly a résumé builder but here’s a small footnote: I’m the first—and only—non-pro skier ever featured solo on an Aspen Mountain poster. Mr. Aspen, you think? Or an invitation for alliteration to say, what… EstinAspen? Doesn’t matter—Unless you’re looking for someone who’s actually lived this place, not just sold it,…Then it matters. The truth matters. Trust matters. And so it goes, “Want Aspen? Call Estin”.
Oui, c’est moi. Ne proteste pas.
On Aspen’s arts side, I’ve performed leading roles in most of Aspen’s theatre and music venues: The Crystal Palace (singer performer), Aspen Community Theatre or ACT (Arthur in Camelot – Aspen Times review), Von Trapp in The Sound of Music), Snowmass Repertory (True West), Theatre Aspen (Heidi Chronicles, Private Lives), Aspen Playwright’s Conference (new script development), Hudson Reed Ensemble (Vanya in Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike) and others.
I’ve had (6) dogs through the years, each long-lived and the best in the West as far as I know. (The 7th, a puppy, arrives in April 2025.) A lot of trail miles by-hoof-by-jog, sunrises, sunsets, alpenglows, were covered and still going with those ornery and fantastic beasts.
I’ve adored spending time with my family.
Mostly though, I go to work …And when work is play it’s not work. Passionate, mindful, anticipatory, 120% committed, a truth-seeker with an always-on switch for more – delivering the real-real on Aspen area real estate, meeting new people, forming new friendships, sharing the mountain life and personal stories that have rooted me here.
This is what I love to do.
Past and present community and professional service – My priority for service has always been to insure that Aspen always is and remains the “best place in the world to live”, to protect its natural beauty and to preserve its heart and soul as its founders – many whom I have known and worked intimately with – imagined and realized.
2024 – Present: Pitkin County Vision 2050 Workgroup – Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appointment ***
2011 – Present: Professional Standards & Ethics Committee, Aspen Board of Realtors (ABOR)
2022-2023: Pitkin County Community Growth Advisory Committee (CGAC) & Proclamation and BOCC appointment **
2005 -2010: Pitkin County ABOR liaison (Aspen Board of Realtors). Communicated land use code changes, government policies and political issues to the professional Aspen real estate community.
2005-2009: City of Aspen ABOR liaison (Aspen Board of Realtors). Communicated land use code changes, government policies and political issues to the professional Aspen real estate community.
2005-2007: Pitkin County Land Use Code Re-write/Technical Advisory Committee – BOCC appointment, a 3-year process
2006 – 2009: Big Buddy Program – Youth mentoring: (testimonial)
Founding director, Tenth Mountain Division Hut Association – The hut-to-hut trail system between Aspen and Vail with 34 huts (see: Huts History). It was formed by several Aspen & Vail skiers, under the inspiration and founding by 10th Mountain Division veteran Fritz Benedict, to create a network of closely spaced huts connected via backcountry ski trails between the two resorts.
Realtor© credentials: ABR, CNE, RSPS, GRI
ABR – Accredited Buyer’s Representative
CNE – Certified Negotiation Expert
RSPS – Resort and Second Home Property Specialist
GRI – Graduate Realtors Institute – The 15 course, 90-hour program taken throughout the state of CO in Jan 2005 – June 2006.
(Drawing: Jules Feifer)
Realtor© Memberships
ABOR – Aspen Board of Realtors
CAR – Colorado Association of Realtors
NAR – National Association of Realtors.
Colorado Real Estate License
Employing Level Real Estate Broker Associate
Education
MBA Boston University Graduate School of Management
BA Colorado College, political economy
Choate Rosemary School – 1st-ever student elected to serve on the
Choate School Board of Trustees
Yellow Brick Elementary – West End, Aspen, CO
*Followers: Sellers, buyers, renters, appraisers, valuation experts, brokers, bankers, investment managers, business owners, real estate advisors, estate executors, entrepreneurs, attorneys, family offices, private wealth advisors, investors, property flippers, land planners, developers, construction co’s, builders, real estate brokerages, builders, journalists and others.
Estin Report availability: The 32-pg Estin Report can be downloaded online as PDF in Reports Section. The print edition is distributed in outdoor racks around town, in front of Sotheby’s offices at 300 S Spring St (my office across from the Aspen Art Museum) and on the Hyman Mall at 415 E Hyman, the Aspen Chamber kiosk opposite Paradise Bakery, Clarks Market, the Snowmass Center and at Pitkin County (ASE) Airport – magazine kiosk/baggage claim.
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AWARDS, AFFILIATIONS, REALTOR DESIGNATIONS AND EDUCATION
RECOGNITIONS/AWARDS
Best Real Estate Agents in Colorado Recognition by RealTrends in 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012, 2011. RealTrends is the nation’s leading real estate trends and research organization.
Coldwell Banker International President’s Premier Award: This is Coldwell Banker’s highest distinction, the International President’s Premier Award honoring broker associates who are in their top sales rank. Less than half of 1 percent of the more than 116,800 agents in 3,100 offices worldwide in the Coldwell Banker network qualify for this elite award.
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Coldwell Banker’s International President’s Premier Award: Top 1% Broker Sales* in the Aspen Market
(*Tim Estin: top 1% sales of 949 total Aspen/Glenwood MLS members.)
Coldwell Banker Mason Morse Real Estate Top 5%* Broker Performance in the Aspen Snowmass Market
Mason Morse Real Estate Top 10% Broker Performance in the Aspen Snowmass Market
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
o Previews International Property Specialist | Coldwell Banker – Less than 8% of Coldwell Banker’s 116,800 brokers earn this elite agent designation by exceeding specific unit and dollar volume sales criteria and selling a minimum number of properties priced within the top 10% of one’s market.
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Regent Associate | Board of Regents, LuxuryRealEstate.com: Tim was one of the select few Regent representatives for Luxury Real Estate in the Aspen and Snowmass market. The Board of Regents, Regents.com, is the governing body of Luxury Real Estate.com and provides guidance to the broader Luxury Real Estate network. Luxury Real Estate.com is the #1 luxury real estate website in the world according to Dupont Registry. Between 2008 – 2012, Tim was the regular contributor to the LuxuryRealEstate.com blog on Aspen and Snowmass real estate activity.
REALTOR® DESIGNATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS:
GRI, RSPS, ABR, CNE
GRI – Graduate Realtor Institute: This designation is earned by state REALTORS® who complete 90 hours of course load of specialized training in order to provide the highest level of client services. The course requires a substantial commitment necessitating that students travel throughout the state of Colorado for course attendance and takes 1-2 years to complete. (Certificate and coursework)
RSPS – Resort & Second-Home Property Specialist – This certification is for REALTORS® specializing in buying, selling, or management of properties for investment, development, retirement, or second homes in resort, recreational, & vacation destinations. (Certificate)
ABR – Accredited Buyer’s Representative – The Accredited Buyer’s Representative designation is designed for REALTOR® buyer agents who focus on working directly with buyer-clients at every stage of the home-buying process. It demonstrates to peers and consumers the broker’s commitment to providing outstanding service for real estate buyers. (Certificate)
CNE – Certified Negotiation Expert: This is considered a world-class Realtor® designation that facilitates superior results in all negotiation situations. (Certificate)
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
ABOR – Aspen Board of REALTORS
CAR – Colorado Association of REALTORS
NAR – National Association of REALTORS
EDUCATION
MBA – Boston University Graduate School of Management (GSM)
BA – Colorado College, Political Economy, Honors Thesis
Choate Rosemary School – 1st ever student elected to serve on the Choate Board of Trustees.
PROUD SUPPORTER AND/OR MEMBER
OF THESE IMPORTANT ASPEN GROUPS
Aspen Art Museum, Aspen Institute Society of Fellows, Tenth Mountain Division Hut Association, Wilderness Workshop, Theatre Aspen, Thunder River Theatre, Aspen Music Festival, Aspen Community Theatre (ACT)
ESTIN BRANDING ADS
Click images to enlarge. Magazines: Aspen Ideas, Aspen, Aspen Sojourner and Aspen Peak
** Pitkin County Community Growth Advisory Committee (CGAC)
In July 2022, the Pitkin County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appointed a citizens committee to make recommendations on managing growth and advancing climate action goals (Growth Committee members list). After 10-months of meetings (2.5-3 hr sessions 2-3 x per mos), the group’s final report was submitted to the BOCC on June 6, 2023. BOCC Commissioner Steve Child summed up the Board’s reaction to the report presentation, “This is a seminal moment for Pitkin County”. The 70+ page report was accepted and approved in its entirety by the Commissioners. The next phase, through most of 2024 into 2025, involves study and writing of the technical elements of the CGAC recommendations by the County’s project consultant, Design Workshop, with co-ordination of a 2024 BOCC appointed workgroup called Pitkin County Vision 2050.
*** Pitkin County Vision 2050 Workgroup
The CGAC has since evolved into the Vision 2050 Workgroup, adding representatives from the County Caucuses. The Workgroup met bi-monthly in 2024 and will meet monthly through June 2025.
