Tag Archive for: Grand Junction REALTORS

Why I Chose Realty ONE Group Western Slope

Why I Chose Realty ONE Group Western Slope – The Smart Choice for Grand Junction Real Estate

The Search for Excellence

For you to understand more about me, how I work, and my “why,” I think it’s important to share my journey of choosing to partner with Realty ONE Group Western Slope, and why you should too.

Selling my home of 26 years and moving to Grand Junction marked a significant chapter in my life. Not just as a homeowner, but as a seasoned real estate broker selling real estate since 2001. Having owned and operated a successful independent real estate brokerage in Minnesota, the prospect of relocating to Grand Junction meant finding a new professional home as well. This wouldn’t be an easy task.

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The Leap from Big Box to Boutique

Paul Aspelin REALTOR While reflecting on my journey of starting my career at a traditional “big box” real estate brokerage, to establishing my own independent boutique brokerage, I’ve always had the desire to provide a better customer experience. Opening my own brokerage in 2005 allowed me to redefine the expectations of how a real estate transaction should be. I have successfully assisted hundreds and hundreds of clients over the years.

Now, I needed to find a brokerage in the Grand Valley. One like Beyond Homes Realty that I built in Minnesota. Or I could consider opening a second location for Beyond Homes Realty in Colorado.

Thorough Research

In my process of searching for a new real estate brokerage to work with, I met with every big box broker and some independents in the Grand Valley. This decision-making journey began two years before my actual move. It involved extensive research following various social media outlets, scouring business websites, reading company newsletters, and watching team YouTube channels. I wanted to understand the marketing strategies, culture/mentality, and mindset of the leadership at each brokerage. I wasn’t willing to settle and work with just any brokerage.

Customer Service Excellence

I am a firm believer in the crucial role of exceptional customer service and creative solutions in the real estate industry. Far too many agents look at this business as a numbers game with a “transaction only” focus. My next move had to align with the reputation I built on exceeding client expectations.

Culture and the Realty ONE Group Western Slope Mentality

What sets this brokerage apart is their leadership and focus on their agent’s overall success. That success comes from collaboration amongst leadership and other agents to ensure everyone is supported. Although each agent operates their own individual business, others don’t hesitate to step up for each other. It’s how you create a culture that cultivates excellence which, in turn, drives the customer experience. This brokerage aligns with my beliefs of always having the best interests of the customer at heart. I also believe that the excellence of a real estate brokerage is based on the support and direction of its leadership team, not the number of agents.

More about Realty ONE Group Western Slope

Dirty Little Industry Secret Revealed

I learned early on in my career that the traditional real estate brokerage business model for success had always been attributed to attracting the highest number of agents first, with quality customer service being left to chance as a hopeful byproduct. When operating my own brokerage, I never subscribed to that traditional business model which is why I left the traditional big box brokerage after my first 4 years to start my own company, Beyond Homes Realty. My goal and company motto is to “Redefine Your Expectations” of how a real estate transaction should be. I’m proud to say that my team and I at BHR successfully did that for 18 years in Minnesota!

Over the last two decades I’ve been contacted and courted by every major real estate company in the nation to open this branch, spearhead that territory, head up this team, buy into that franchise, train these agents, etc. There was one glaring issue for me with every opportunity I was presented…. NONE OF THEIR “SUCCESSFUL” BUSINESS MODELS OR OPPORTUNITIES HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH PROVIDING AN OUSTANDING CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE! It was all based on attracting the highest number of agents and excepting a high agent turn-over rate as the road map to success. I wasn’t buying it and neither should you.

I Found My Place with Realty ONE Group Western Slope

When Realty ONE Group Western Slope opened their office in the summer of 2024, they immediately gained the attention of the Grand Valley. They stood out as a brokerage designed for agents who wanted more. More support, more leadership and more tools to enhance the customer’s experience. Their leadership team is well known and striving for nothing but excellence in every aspect of this business.

I am proud to be a part of and support that business model!

Every interaction I’ve had working directly with the leadership team only reinforces that I made the right decision. I couldn’t be more excited to continue building on my successful 25+ year reputation after relocating my career and family to Grand Junction.

Traditional brokers don’t understand my desire and mentality of putting the client first. And frankly, won’t ever offer anything like the real estate experience you’ll receive when working with me and the dedicated people at Realty ONE Group Western Slope. Stuck in the past, traditional real estate business models will never be able to compete with my service oriented mindset, creative ideas, and history of customer service excellence.

My experience and dedication is waiting to be shared with those who understand how important hiring the right agent can be to the success of your next home purchase or sale.

A Smart Choice

Choosing to partner with Realty ONE Group Western Slope was not just a professional decision for me. It was fulfilling the promise of a commitment to myself to align with a brokerage and team of people that share my values and dedication toward the customer experience. Realty ONE Group Western Slope gives me the ideal place to excel in the next chapter of my career while I continue giving back to the community.

YOU Really Need More?

Are you considering a move to Grand Junction Colorado? Are you seeking a real estate partner you can trust? I can promise you that my experience, creative ideas, and customer service mindset, coupled with the support of the entire Realty ONE Group Western Slope family, will turn your dreams into reality. Whether you are buying, selling, or investing in property in the Grand Valley. We do Real Estate RIGHT!

Discover Grand Junction through my award winning blog Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction

Take it from someone who spent the last two plus decades striving to raise the bar in this industry. Success happens when you partner with the right agent and brokerage for your real estate needs. Grab a hold of it and enjoy the ride. Let me be your personal Grand Junction Relocation Guide!

Call me with confidence at (612) 306-9558

All my best,
Paul Aspelin, Relocation & Listing Expert

Read Paul Aspelin Reviews and Recommendations Post. It includes handwritten notes from happy clients, survey results and testimonials not found online.

Welcome to Grand Junction…. We’ve been waiting for you!

If you haven’t already, learn more about this wonderful area by reading these posts:

Are you a real estate agent looking to refer an out-of-state client?

Please call me directly at (612)306-9558, send me an email, or find me on LinkedIn. I’d be happy to provide a level of service and success to your clients that makes you look like an absolute ROCK STAR!

Agent Relocation

Are you a real estate agent with a great reputation looking to relocate your successful career to the Grand Valley like I did? Please call me directly at (612) 306-9558 for a private conversation to understand more about why I chose to work with Realty ONE Group Western Slope!

by Paul Aspelin, Relocation & Listing Expert

I-70 Colorado: What it’s really like to drive it!

Driving I-70 from Denver to Grand Junction isn’t just a road trip — it’s an experience

Whether you are an experienced driver or not, driving the I-70 Colorado stretch over the Rocky Mountains from Denver to Grand Junction has some additional considerations to be aware of and plan for. I want to share some of my experiences with you so you will be more prepared than we were that first time. I must say, following advice from the locals regarding driving I-70 Colorado is extremely important. It’s a stunning drive but it has its ups and downs too, pun intended! I want you to be safe, proactive, and enjoy the drive.

The “crash” indicated on the digital sign was actually snow on the interstate caused by the avalanche near Vail Pass. That’s our Toyota Tacoma we are following!

#1 I-70 Colorado isn’t always open to traffic in one or both directions

I-70 Colorado playing Monopoly during traffic jam

An unexpected boulder crashed into a semi truck on I-70 means it’s time for a game of Monopoly!

The main thing to know is that I-70 is unpredictable. I have been detoured multiple times over the years and that can add hours to your commute. You can’t simply exit the interstate, drive along a frontage road, then hop back on at the next exit. It is nothing like driving interstates around the country. I-70 is unique.

I have had to detour because of:

The 2020 Grizzly Creek forest fire near Glenwood Springs that burned over 32,000 acres resulting in a 13-day closure of the interstate.
The July 2021 mudslide in Glenwood Canyon the following spring due to the forest fire. That closed I-70 for about two weeks. The detour was Grand Junction to Steamboat Springs then to Denver, yikes!
And in December 2022 there was an avalanche near Vail that was triggered by a backcountry skier. Luckily this time we detoured around Vail pass via Leadville, but it added several hours to our drive. It closed several more times for avalanche mitigation that season.
The summer of 2024 & 2025 we avoided the westbound Idaho Springs stretch several times due to construction. Backups can go on for miles and miles, especially when it’s down to one lane and the lead vehicle is a slow semi-truck… going uphill! Yeah, we saw that while driving east and said there’s no way we want to get stuck in that!

I had friends stuck in their vehicle on I-70 because a boulder crashed into a semi-truck, unable to exit, and they played a full game of monopoly during the wait. Car fires happen more frequently than where we used to live and so the interstate gets shut down for those too. And then there are vehicle accidents that shut it down as well. You can also imagine the role weather plays, but especially during the winter months. In winter you need 4-wheel drive or chains for your car in order to go over the passes on I-70. That’s the law.

Advice for traveling from Denver to Grand Junction

driving I-70 Colorado from Denver to Grand Junction CO smoke from car fire

Smoke from a car fire while driving I-70 from Grand Junction to see a client on the Grand Mesa.

Be proactive when you make plans. Do not rely on it being open. If you want to fly into Denver and drive to Grand Junction, CO — check the news and Google Maps first. And if you are driving from Grand Junction to catch a flight out of the Denver airport, drive to Denver the night before your flight, not the day of. Give yourself a buffer in case there is a delay. If you’re unsure of weather conditions or traffic, just book a flight out of the Grand Junction airport and save yourself the stress.

Download the Colorado Road Conditions app called CO Traveler. This app will help you with traffic expectations and there is a layer you can apply to the app for weather conditions. You can see if the roads are dry, wet, icy or snow covered.

Cell service is spotty. Keep track of your progress as you drive and update the travel app or Google Maps. You most likely will lose cell service in the Glenwood Canyon as you stare up at the 100’ walls that surround you.

Know how to downshift your vehicle. If you are renting a car in Denver, DO NOT leave the rental car parking lot until you know how to downshift the vehicle you rented. Look up downshifting videos on YouTube prior to your trip if you have never driven on roads with 5-10% grades. You do NOT want to rely on your car brakes as they can get too hot and fail.

Leave with a full tank of gas or a full charge on your electric vehicle. If you get stuck on the interstate and cannot exit, you may use a lot of gas/range to idle your vehicle if you need the AC or heater. And if it’s wet, make sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid too.

How to make the I-70 drive through Colorado more comfortable

I-70 Colorado be prepared with water bottles

Our YETI Stainless Steel Reusable Water Bottles are also dishwasher safe. We haven’t added the stickers to them like most people LOL.

Drink plenty of water. Being at a higher elevation can take a toll on your body. Especially if you fly to the Denver airport and are driving to Grand Junction all in the same day. You get dehydrated faster at higher elevations even if you are not exerting yourself. Drink water or choose something with electrolytes like Gatorade, Propel, or purchase electrolyte powders to add to your drinks. Avoid tea, coffee and pop. Or, if you drink those, offset it with an equal or greater amount of water.

Invest in a good stainless-steel water bottle you can refill frequently. People in Colorado carry their water bottles everywhere. Good hydration is important and having your own bottle makes it very easy and keeps plastic bottles out of the environment. Read my post called Water Bottles 101.

We found that taking Vitamin C can be helpful to avoid altitude sickness. Start to take a Vitamin C supplement a day or two before your trip to Colorado. Check with your physician first, and your pediatrician for your children, on how to feel comfortable in higher elevations. Read my post called How to Avoid Altitude Sickness for more advice.

Take your time. Stop frequently at the numerous rest stops along the way. Get out and walk around. You’ll probably need to use the bathroom anyway, so plan on extra stops. Rest stops are typically a great source of materials about the area and fun local and historic information to look at.

Bring snacks. Whenever you are driving for over 2 hours, always pack snacks. Bring something salty to help your body absorb the extra water you are drinking. Nuts and trail mix make a good snack.

You might want a small cooler for your drinks and any chocolate you bring because it may melt in the car and that would be horrible. The sun is HOT here because we are closer to it. Read my post about Grand Junction Weather.

Take turns if you are driving with others. Allow the primary driver a chance to rest and look at the scenery too. Switch off driving every couple of hours.

Thinking about living in Colorado? Explore homes for sale in Grand Junction.

What it’s really like to drive I-70 through Colorado

As you head West from Denver to Grand Junction, you leave the city and the interstate turns into a very long, slow climb that will be difficult on your vehicle. Your car or truck may need to use all the energy it has to climb this part of the Rocky Mountains. When I drove our Toyota Rav4, towing an 8-foot U-Haul, I had it floored and our max speed was 40 miles per hour, no joke! When you see it start to incline, make sure you are driving at least the speed limit because it’s difficult to speed up once you start uphill. Now, if you have an 8-cylinder truck, you probably won’t have issues, but you will be burning through a lot of gas too!

I-70 Colorado Rocky Mountains from Denver to Grand Junction CO wide load

We had to follow this wide load for miles before there was enough of a shoulder for his oversized load and we could pass.

Absolutely stay in the right lane unless you are passing. It is the law in Colorado. Pay attention to the trucks as they go abnormally slow up the steep inclines. Vehicles driving slower than the speed limit generally have their hazard lights on full time. Be patient as you will get stuck behind a slow-moving truck or car at some point and the traffic in the left lane will be speeding by. It’s difficult to pass sometimes, so just wait until you have plenty of space. Try not to pass on an incline.

Exiting the Eisenhower–Johnson Memorial Tunnel: Buckle Up, It Gets Real Fast

The Eisenhower/Johnson Tunnel is at the Continental Divide, the “top” of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 11,112 feet above sea level. BE PREPARED as you start to exit the tunnel. It’s like the green starting flag was just waived at the Indy 500 as everyone drives like a bat out of hell, downhill, jockeying for position. The actions of the more experienced I-70 drivers can be just as intimidating as the steep downgrade. Once you reach Silverthorne/Dillon, I recommend exiting at this time so you can pry your hands with white knuckles off the steering wheel and take a break until your heart rate returns to normal. You need to be very attentive at all times, making it strenuous. Don’t let those runaway truck ramps intimidate you, but understand they are there for a reason, and yes, they do get used!

Update: In July 2025 we were driving back to Grand Junction from Michigan on I-70 Colorado. It was somewhat cloudy when we entered the tunnel on the Denver side. But when we came out the west side, it was pouring rain! Water was pooling on the highway, a lot of water. I flung on my windshield wipers and slowed down so we wouldn’t hydroplane across the interstate. That was unexpected! By the time we got to Glenwood Springs it was very dark. I don’t recommend driving it after dark. We were so tense from constantly looking for deer. And you don’t get to see the impressive scenery.

driving I-70 Colorado - from Denver to Grand Junction chain up area

We chuckled the first time we saw the “chain up” signs and the pull-offs for the truckers.

There’s another high pass around Vail. So, when you descend after Denver, that’s not the end. You will go up and over Vail Pass and it can get a bit chaotic then too with other people speeding in the left lane, making it hard to pass and drive at a good pace for you. Always be watching the traffic around you. Cars come up behind you, out of nowhere, and vehicles you’re following suddenly move into the passing lane leaving you unknowingly racing up on a slow-moving semi.

It gets easier after Vail. Near the town of Eagle, the mountains open up and there feels like more room. Then you approach Glenwood Canyon, the most expensive stretch of interstate ever constructed in the United States. You’ll enjoy going down and following the Colorado River as you look up at the canyon walls. Very pretty. Watch your speed through the canyon as there are sharp turns where you need to slow down quickly.

Driving near Glenwood Springs CO along the Colorado River

After all the ups and downs, curves and beautiful scenery, you come around this curve right before Palisade and it will begin to open up into the Grand Valley. You’ll see vineyards and peach orchards along I-70, yes, those famous Palisade Peaches (so juicy)! The Book Cliff mountain range will be on your right, they go all the way into Utah.

As you enter Palisade, you will get a better view of the world’s largest flattop mountain, the Grand Mesa. And to the southwest you will see the Colorado National Monument off in the distance. Grand Junction is surrounded by beautiful mountains with the city at 4,600+ feet above sea level.

Once you come out of the De Beque Canyon you are just 15 minutes to Grand Junction. There are a couple of exits to take. Horizon Drive is the most popular exit, check out the cool rotary with some metal wild horse sculptures in the middle. It’s right near the Grand Junction airport (small airport with 6 gates, but hardly ever busy!) Read about my GJT airport experience.

Once you complete your drive on I-70 Colorado, keep drinking water. If you can, abstain from alcohol on your first night in town. Give yourself a chance to adjust to the higher altitude. If you get a headache, drink more water. And once you get out and explore the area, always wear sunscreen as you can burn your skin within 15 minutes when you come in the summer months.

Hopefully you find this information useful. Driving I-70 through the Rocky Mountains of Colorado is an experience you will never forget. Be safe. Plan ahead. Be prepared. Be patient. Be flexible. Have your passengers take lots of photos to show your friends!

I70 Colorado rest stop near Colorado River in Eagle, CO

Beautiful Rest Stop in Eagle on I-70

Text or Call (612) 306-9558 me with any questions you have about driving I-70 Colorado from Denver to Grand Junction. Don’t worry, you aren’t the first person to reach out! 😉

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PAUL ASPELIN, Relocation & Listing Expert
REALTOR®, GRI, SRES®, CNE

Grand Junction Real Estate Expert
Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.
Learn more about my experience and how I serve my clients

I post short videos and announce new website posts on my Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction.
Follow Live your Vacation in GJ on Instagram.
Follow Move to Grand Junction on YouTube.

by Paul Aspelin, Relocation & Listing Expert

Grand Junction Real Estate, Relocating to Grand Junction

Grand Junction Real Estate Representation

Your Grand Junction Real Estate Professional

Whether you are looking into Grand Junction Real Estate to purchase or sell a home, you’ve come to the right place. With my years of experience helping buyers and sellers, your Grand Junction real estate needs are my top priority. Live your vacation every day when you move to Grand Junction! I post short videos and announce new website posts on my Facebook page called Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction.

A Real Estate Partner You Can Trust!

Partnering with Paul Aspelin gives you the local market insight you desire and customer service you should expect. I’ve spent the last two decades of my career trying to raise the bar in an industry that has continually fallen short of expectations. I have successfully helped hundreds of clients through to a successful closing. The majority of my clients come from referrals from past clients. That should provide you with the comfort you need when considering a partnership with a real estate agent. Read my reviews and recommendations.

Whether your Grand Junction real estate needs are for purchasing or building a new home, or selling your current home, I can help.

Buyer Representation

The 2024 National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) settlement requires all home buyers sign a representation contract BEFORE you visit any properties. I have already been doing this with my buyer clients. I want you to fully understand the process and answer your questions before we begin looking. A buyer relationship is more important than ever. I recommend you always interview multiple agents. You can no longer just settle on the first agent you come across online or meet at an open house. These agents can be the nicest people in the world, but if they don’t have the experience to tackle every hurdle thrown your way, things may not work out in your favor.

Together we will get you into the homes you want to see while I educate you on the properties, the process, and the positioning for a successful offer. You’ve likely heard horror stories about people having a hard time securing properties in such a competitive environment. Just know, my clients don’t need to submit 10 offers before they are successful. Experience matters.

Seller Representation

Coming from the Minneapolis real estate market, I’ve noticed a significant difference between the homes listed in the Grand Junction real estate market. I know how to market homes in a more competitive environment. If you speak with an agent about listing your home and they tell you everything is perfect as it is, RUN! In over two decades of successfully assisting seller clients prepare and position their homes for sale, I have never walked into a home that couldn’t benefit from the way I help sellers get the most money for their homes.

It may sound cliché’ as every agent touts their abilities to sell homes. Allow me to show you how different and rewarding it can be. Done the right way, my process can put more money in your pocket and reduce your stress. My proven process was created by assisting hundreds and hundreds of clients since 2001. I encourage you to contact other top agents in the Grand Valley. Then, allow me to explain how I work with my valued clients. You’ll be amazed at how differently I approach listing your property, always working in your best interest. I want you to be happy.

Grand Junction Real Estate Agent Referrals

Are you a real estate agent looking to refer your out-of-town or out of state clients to a REALTOR® that can get the job done? I welcome your call to discuss your client’s needs and how I can best represent them for a successful closing. Whether your clients need to sell a home in the Grand Valley or relocate to this amazing community, I will make you look like a rock star!

You can read the many reviews and recommendations I have received over the years here on my website. I pulled together client notes and paper surveys I have collected from past clients as well as online reviews. Let them explain how I do business and learn about my character. 😊

Live Your Vacation in Grand Junction!

Text or Call (612) 306-9558 (locally based)

PAUL ASPELIN, REALTOR®
GRI, SRES®, CNE

Grand Junction Relocation & Listing Expert
Connect with me on LinkedIn or send me an email.
Learn more about my experience and how I serve my clients

by Paul Aspelin, Relocation & Listing Expert