Kiki Kidder Presents

Hey there, Boulder Crew! It’s Kiki Kidder—your friendly neighborhood realtor who’s been selling homes here for 30 years and counting. Big news hit us last week: on March 27, 2025, the Sundance Film Festival announced it’s packing up from Park City, Utah after one final bash in 2026, calling Boulder home starting in 2027. As a CU film grad (class of ’93!) and a lifelong local, I’m buzzing about what this means for our luxury real estate—especially those gorgeous $2M+, 3,000+ sf homes, perfect for 7-10 guests and a quick jaunt to downtown. Let’s dive into why this is a game-changer and how you can get in on it!

Sundance Says Howdy: A Hollywood-Sized Boost

Sundance isn’t just a film fest—it’s an economic powerhouse. In Park City, it raked in $132 million a year, with visitors splashing $106.4 million in 2024 alone, propping up 1,730 jobs. Now, Boulder’s snagged that magic for a 10-year run through 2036, sweetened by a $34 million state tax credit. Folks on X are tossing around big numbers—$1.1 billion over a decade, maybe $118 million yearly with 138,000 visitors. Picture Pearl Street buzzing with movie buffs—that’s our future!

But here’s the real talk: I caught up with an actress buddy from my film days who’s all in with Sundance’s hardcore fans. She told me, “Kiki, Boulder’s not ready—this thing’s got a huge following, and it’s gonna hit hard.” She’s not wrong. With just 300 short-term rentals (STRs) in the city and hotels jammed by CU students, we’ve got some catching up to do.

My Boulder Roots: From Film Reels to Real Estate Deals

This feels personal for me. Back in ’93, I was at CU Boulder, knee-deep in film classes—the same stomping grounds where Sundance’s founder, Robert Redford, studied decades ago. I worked with actors and producers who taught me the timing is everything.  After graduating, I swapped scripts for listings in ’95. Now, 30 years later, the time has arrived.  I’m your luxury home guru, specializing in those big, beautiful properties festival-goers dream about. Sundance moving here? It’s like my worlds are colliding—and I’m here to help you make the most of it.

STR Rules 101: City vs. County, Plus a New ADU  Twist

Let’s break down the rental scene real quick. In the City of Boulder—where my downtown listings shine—STRs are tight. You can only rent your main home (where you crash over half the year), and it’s gotta be your name on the deed—no big companies allowed. Licenses cost $215 to start, $105 to renew every four years, and since 2019, new ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Unit, or secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot) are stuck as long-term rentals (30+ days). Unincorporated areas of Boulder County give more breathing room—primary homes can rent for 45 nights when you’re gone, historic ADUs are fair game, and Vacation Rentals pop up on rural land for $200 upfront, $175 renewals. The City’s guarding housing like a hawk; the County’s playing nicer with tourists.

Here’s the fresh twist: Colorado’s House Bill 24-1152 drops June 2025, shaking up ADUs statewide. No more forced parking spots (cha-ching—saves you thousands!), and you won’t have to live onsite after building one—though Boulder might still demand it for STR permits. It’s not a free pass for short-term ADUs yet, but if Sundance’s 45,000+ visitors push demand, the city might rethink that 2019 ban by 2026. I’m keeping tabs on it!

Luxury Homes: Why Boulder’s a Steal Today

Right now, Boulder’s luxury market is a goldmine. Our median home price was $935,000 last December, but my downtown beauties—$2.5M-$4M—look like pocket change next to Park City’s $3-6M. Over there, Sundance rentals hauled in $5K-$15K a week. Here, we’re sitting pretty for a price jump once the festival lands.  I’ve seen this town grow, and trust me, it’s coming.

What’s Cooking: Rules, Rumors, and Sundance Prep

No big STR changes as of today, April 5, but whispers are flying. An X post last week hinted the City Council might ditch “special exemptions” (think pre-2019 ADU STRs) and pause “commercial STR permits”—whatever that means since we don’t allow non-owner rentals anyway. If that sticks, our 300 STRs could shrink—yikes! But Sundance’s $132M carrot might flip the script. County’s already more chill, and that HB24-1152 ADU boost could nudge the City to loosen up by next year. I’m glued to bouldercolorado.gov and local chatter—when it moves, I’ll holler.

Beyond the Screen: Restaurants, Jobs, and More

Sundance means more than movies—it’s cash for our community. Park City saw 60% of visitor dollars hit restaurants and shops—our farm-to-table joints and breweries are next in line. Governor Polis calls it an “economic driver,” and I’d bet on hundreds of new gigs popping up. As a Boulder lifer, I’m stoked to see us shine.

Your Playbook: Buy, Sell, or Invest

    •    Selling? Got a $2M+ stunner near downtown—maybe 4,000 sq ft for 8 guests? List it now! Buyers are sniffing around—$2.5M-$3.5M could lock it in before 2026 heats up.
    •    Buying? Snag a walkable gem while it’s $3M here versus $5M in Park City. ADUs or room to add one? That’s your Sundance ticket.
    •    Investing? Watch those STR rules. If they ease, a Boulder rental could hit $5K+/week during festival time—plus, our year-round visitors sweeten the deal.

Prices won’t chill once Sundance rolls in—I’ve watched Boulder evolve for decades, and this is huge. My film roots and real estate chops make me your gal for this ride. Pop over to KikiKidder.com—let’s grab your piece of this cinematic boom before today’s deals fade to black!