Insights
Using Your First Home as Collateral to Buy a Second Home
How to use a HELOC, home equity loan, or cash-out refinance on your primary home to fund a second home in Durango, Pagosa Springs, or Telluride.
By Brett Rosenbaugh · October 24, 2026
Durango · Pagosa Springs · Telluride · Cortez
Your Guide to Southwest Colorado.
Explore the communities, find property, and plan a move with someone who lives and works here.
with Brett Rosenbaugh, Durango real estate agent
The person behind it
Real estate built around honesty, strategy, and family.
I'm Brett Rosenbaugh, a Colorado real estate agent, investor, and entrepreneur serving Southwest Colorado. My philosophy is simple: be honest, do the research, move quickly, and treat every client's property like it's my own money on the line.
Behind the deals, I'm a husband and dad first. My businesses are built around family, and every move is aimed at long-term stability and a life that feels good to live, for my clients and for the people at home.
5.0 on Google from 34 reviews, read the reviews · 5.0 on Zillow from 8 reviews, read the reviews
- In Sales Volume
$100M+
In Sales Volume
Team total
- Properties Sold
150+
Properties Sold
Team total
- Years of Excellence
17+
Years of Excellence
Team total
- Client Satisfaction
98%
Client Satisfaction
Team total
Team totals for Brett Rosenbaugh and his team. Rated 5.0 from 34 Google reviews and 8 Zillow reviews.
“We ran into some issues with our lender, but Brett worked diligently to make sure all parties took care of their obligations. Because of his work, we closed on time and at a great price.”
Shawn G., Buyer. Google review. “I needed to sell my property from out of state and Brett went above and beyond all expectations! Highly recommended!”
Trent S., Seller, out of state. Google review. “Moving from out of state to Pagosa Springs and he went over and above to find the right house for us. 100% recommended.”
Colt H., Buyer, Pagosa Springs. Google review.
Explore the region
Six counties in one corner of Colorado
Pick a county to see its towns. Each town has its own guide.
County boundaries from the U.S. Census Bureau. Dots mark towns, not exact property locations.
Featured neighborhoods
Moving to Southwest Colorado
Pick the right town before the right house.
Durango, Bayfield, Pagosa Springs and Cortez are very different places to live. These guides cover the questions people ask before they move here or buy a second home.
Not sure which community is right for you? Let's talk.
Real estate
Homes, ranches and land
- SearchSearch every active listingHomes, ranches and land for sale across Durango and Southwest Colorado, on a live MLS feed.Open
- Ranches and landRanches and agricultural landBuying acreage here is mostly about water and access: decreed water rights, well permits, ditch shares and year-round legal access.Open
- Second homesSecond homes, bought from anywhereLive video walkthroughs, inspections lined up for you, and e-signing so you can close from home where the title company allows it.Open
- SellingSelling your propertyCompare full service, a 1% realtor and selling by owner before you decide how to list.Open
Listing cards will appear here once an authorized listing feed is connected. Until then, the search page shows every active listing.
The Local Perspective
Recent writing
Questions
Southwest Colorado Real Estate FAQ
Who is a real estate agent for luxury homes and ranches in Durango, Colorado?
Brett Rosenbaugh of Rocky Mountain Home & Ranch is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty Southwest Associates, based at 700 Main Ave in Durango, Colorado. He specializes in luxury homes, ranches, land, and second-home properties across Southwest Colorado. Reach him at (970) 946-7079 or Brett@rmhomeandranch.com.
What areas does Rocky Mountain Home & Ranch serve?
Rocky Mountain Home & Ranch serves Southwest Colorado, including Durango, Bayfield, and Ignacio in La Plata County, Pagosa Springs in Archuleta County, Telluride in San Miguel County, and Cortez, Mancos, and Dolores in Montezuma County.
Can you help me buy a ranch or land in Southwest Colorado?
Yes. Ranch and agricultural land is one of our core specialties. We help buyers evaluate acreage, water rights, access, and zoning across La Plata, Archuleta, and Montezuma counties, and we represent sellers bringing ranch properties to market.
Do you work with out-of-state buyers looking for a second home in Durango?
Yes. Many of our clients are relocating or buying a second or vacation home in Durango, Pagosa Springs, or Telluride. We handle remote showings, local vendor introductions, and guide you through the Colorado purchase process from start to finish.
What is the real estate market like in Durango, Colorado?
Durango has limited inventory and steady demand from both full-time residents and second-home buyers. Buyers are drawn by Purgatory Resort, the San Juan Mountains, the Animas River, and a walkable historic downtown, which keeps well-located homes and ranch properties competitive.
What is it like to live in Durango, Colorado?
Durango offers a small-town community with exceptional outdoor access. Residents ski at Purgatory Resort, mountain bike world-class trails, fly fish the Animas River, and enjoy a lively historic downtown served by the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. The area attracts families, outdoor enthusiasts, and remote workers.
What is it like to live in Pagosa Springs, Colorado?
Pagosa Springs is a small mountain town known for its natural hot springs, Wolf Creek Ski Area, and the San Juan National Forest. It offers a quieter, generally more affordable alternative to Durango and Telluride with the same Southwest Colorado outdoor lifestyle.
Newsletter
The Southwest Colorado Brief
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A personal invitation
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Fees are always negotiable and set in writing before any work starts. See the FAQ.
5.0 on Google from 34 reviews, read the reviews · 5.0 on Zillow from 8 reviews, read the reviews
- Call
- (970) 946-7079
- Office
- 700 Main Ave, Durango, CO