Visitors to Summit County love to experience our abundance of wildlife. It is easy to see fox, deer and even bears. However, the famous moose is much more elusive. It you know the areas to look in you'll find them. The question in the title above is really about that age-old real estate axiom; location, location, location. In traditional primary residence markets, location is defined by things such as school districts, proximity to public transportation …

In the mountains, having a moose in your back yard is just about the ultimate in location. But there is more to it than a random moose walking past — that happens often. To add value to the property here are the important factors:

• A spectacular wetland setting where moose frequent

• A home designed to maximizes the setting

• A home that is rustic and feels like a ‘cabin in the woods'

You might be expecting this article to say, “A moose in the yard is worth 10 percent more.” I wish it was that easy. The answer can't be quantified because regular visits from a moose in the back yards of homes that have sold are too rare to make the above sort of statement. The answer, “A lot.” Want more explanation? Decide for yourself with this the photos of 942 Indiana Creek Rd, Breckenridge which is located is what many call “the incomparable” Spruce Valley Ranch, located just south of Breckenridge.

This house, built in 2009, has every conceivable one of the bells and whistles that “top of the market” buyers want. For example, a four-car garage (tons of room for toys), the highest quality finishes known to man, five beds and baths and all in 5,437 sq. ft. Yes — the photo is of the moose that is a regular visitor to the back yard.

Daniel Webster Johnson is a Broker Associate at Resort Brokers Real Estate. He can be reached at (970) 393-3300 and/or daniel@YourMountainBroker.com