Here’s what matters in the Pikes Peak Region this month, in plain English: where mortgage rates are, what I learned at the 2026 Landlord Symposium, and Teller County’s new short-term rental rules.
This month’s mortgage rates
National averages, Sept 29–30. Rates hit a one-year high.
Don’t guess. Run your real numbers.
National averages, Sept 29–30, 2026. Your actual rate depends on loan type, credit and down payment.
A landlord's cheat sheet
I spent a full day at the 2026 Landlord Symposium, learning from industry experts about issues that directly affect landlords and rental property owners here in Colorado.
There was way too much good information to fit in a newsletter, so I put together my notes: the practical tips, the important updates and the things that surprised me most.
Own a rental in Colorado? Read this. And if you have questions about your own property, call or text me.
Read my Landlord Symposium notes →
Source: 2026 Landlord Symposium, attended by Clay.
New STR rules start Dec 1
Teller County adopted Ordinance 23, new regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) in unincorporated Teller County. It was adopted September 10, 2026 and takes effect December 1, 2026. The County is still building its application and licensing process, so applications are not open yet.
If you own an STR or are thinking of buying one, this is worth understanding now. Owners and buyers have a window to get ahead of the changes. I put together a full breakdown, and I’m happy to talk through how it affects your property.
- Adopted: Sept 10, 2026
- Effective: Dec 1, 2026
- Applications: Not open yet
Read my Ordinance 23 breakdown →
Source: Teller County Ordinance 23, adopted Sept 10, 2026.
ClayCaldwellRealtor.com is live
Everything I share in these newsletters, and a whole lot more, now has a home online at claycaldwellrealtor.com.
Be one of the first to take a look, and tell me what you’d like to see added.
Visit claycaldwellrealtor.com →
Prefer paper? Download the printable October 2026 edition (PDF).
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Call or text Clay · 719-244-5264Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Rates and figures change; confirm with your lender and official sources. Not legal, tax or financial advice. Clay Caldwell is a real estate broker with Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Kenney & Company. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. © 2026 Clay Caldwell Realtor.