MEET OUR TEAM

Local Roots. Trusted Results.

At Harder Real Estate & Development, we’re more than real estate professionals — we’re proud members of the Chaffee County community. With over 20 years of experience serving Salida, Buena Vista, and the surrounding areas, our mission is simple: to help people navigate the real estate process with confidence, clarity, and care.

We specialize in residential sales, property rentals, and commercial development, offering a full-service experience grounded in local knowledge and personal attention. Whether you’re buying your first home, searching for investment property, or planning a development project, our dedicated team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Our Commitment

Real estate is more than a transaction — it’s a major life decision. That’s why we approach every client relationship with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to results that last.

WALT HARDER

Owner & Managing Broker

Walt Harder, owner and managing broker of Harder Real Estate and Development, has been a Salida resident for over 20 years. Walt moved his young family to Salida in 2000 and began work as a realtor, quickly adding commercial and residential development to his business model. He has commercial, industrial, residential, and retail developments ranging from Colorado Springs, CO, to Brookings, OR. Walt worked on ranches as a young man and never lost the love for wide-open spaces, gurgling brooks, and grand views. Fueling that passion, he owns and operates Timber Creek Ranch – a 7,700-sq-ft ranch home on acreage that embodies all that is wonderful about Colorado.

Walt is an instrument-rated pilot who flies a Cirrus SR22T, loves to play guitar, and builds furniture. More importantly, Walt is a husband, father of three, and a believer in Jesus Christ. Walt lives in his bunkhouse at Timber Creek Ranch most weekdays and in his Colorado Springs home most weekends.

In Walt’s own words: “I am passionate about helping others find the perfect property and achieve their dreams. I feel grateful to share in the adventure of finding someone’s dream home. I have developed many projects in Chaffee County and throughout Colorado. With over 20 years of experience in commercial & business real estate, I can navigate you through projects of all sizes and scopes. It is often the “off market” property that is the hidden gem you’re looking for. I look forward to meeting you and understanding your needs to help you realize your dreams.”

Dustin Hughes

Broker Associate & Attorney

Dustin is a second-generation real estate broker whose parents taught him the value of commitment, perseverance, collaboration and provided him with an entrepreneurial spirit. Born and raised in Salida, Dustin has intimate knowledge of the surrounding area’s history, culture, and people. After graduation from the University of Wyoming with honors in 1997 and then from the University of Wyoming, College of Law in 2003, Dustin began a legal career with the United States Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG) serving as a prosecutor in Fort Hood, Texas. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2006 through 2008. Returning stateside, Dustin joined on of Colorado’s most prestigious real estate law firms before hanging his shingle for ten years at Anderson & Hughes, P.C. in Salida.

Returning to his roots, Dustin took his father’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for Chaffee County to the world of real estate, becoming a REALTOR and broker associate at Harder Real Estate and Development. Dustin serves on the board of directors for the Realtors of Central Colorado. Formerly, he has served on the board of directors for the Heart of the Rockies Chamber of Commerce and as a commissioner of the Judicial Performance Commission for the 11th Judicial District.

Dustin and his wife Emily have five children. When not chasing his kids, Dustin enjoys golfing, hunting, and serving at Grace Church Salida.

How We Can Help You

Buy a Home

With thousands of houses on the market in Colorado, buying a home can be headache.

Buy a Home

With thousands of houses on the market in Colorado, buying a home can be headache.

Sell Your Home

Finding the correct demographic, market value, and doing the marketing efforts in order to sell.

Sell Your Home

Finding the correct demographic, market value, and doing the marketing efforts in order to sell.

Develop a Property

Want to design your own business location or dream property? Our team can help you from start to finish.

Develop a Property

Want to design your own business location or dream property? Our team can help you from start to finish.

Invest

If you’re interested in investing in residential real estate in Colorado, we’ve got you covere

Invest

If you’re interested in investing in residential real estate in Colorado, we’ve got you covere

Why Choose Harder Real Estate and Development?

Whether you are buying your dream home, selling your property, or looking for a place to grow your business, the Harder Real Estate and Development team will point you in the right direction. Piloted by owner Walt Harder, Walt’s extensive knowledge of Chaffee County in both residential and commercial real estate is foundational to our company’s success.

When guiding buyers and sellers through a real estate transaction, our experienced team will be with you every step of the way to ensure a seamless process!

Our goal is to understand your needs and to help you realize your dreams.

At Harder Real Estate and Development, we work HARDER for you!