Buyers, Is It Your Time?

Buyers, Is It Your Time?

As realtors focusing on buyers, here’s why now is a compelling time to buy in the Denver metro area — and how to navigate this shifting landscape successfully.

🔍 Market Snapshot: Buyer’s Market Arrives

• Inventory has doubled compared to pre-pandemic levels and surged ~100% above typical April figures in July 2025, offering historically exceptional choice for buyers.
• In June, active listings jumped 34% year‑over‑year; homes are taking about six days longer to sell than a year ago.
• The market cooled in favor of buyers: the list‑to‑close ratio dropped to 98.1%, and negotiating power has noticeably improved.

📌 Bottom line: June 2025 marked Denver's first buyer’s market in over a decade—meaning more options, less pressure, and room to negotiate.

🧩 Why This Shift Is Happening

1. High mortgage rates (~6.7–7%) have dampened buyer urgency. Sellers with lower-rate mortgages are holding off, tightening supply—and ironically helping current buyers by offering more choices.
2. Builder activity is increasing new-home supply, as developers respond to earlier shortfalls.
3. Cooling demand is prompting price reductions; roughly 20% of sellers, particularly in high-demand zones, are trimming asking prices—the highest since 2016.

🏡 What Buyers Should Do

1. Leverage Negotiation Power

• Request seller concessions like rate buydowns, help with closing costs, or repairs.
• Homes are staying on the market longer, so avoid rushing—there’s room for structured offers.

2. Actively Explore the Expanding Inventory

• With thousands more listings available, prioritize neighborhoods and home styles most important to you.
• Use this time to compare options rather than immediately entering bids.

3. Consider New Builds

• Builders are offering incentives, including pricing credits, rate buydowns, and flexible closing dates.
• If construction timelines match your needs, you can gain equity in a newly built property and enjoy warranty coverage.

4. Lock in Rates Smartly

• While over 6%, mortgage rates have slipped slightly (e.g., 6.67% early July vs. 6.77% previously).
• Premium rates and robust loan pre-approval signal credibility and strength to sellers.

5. Prepare Strategically

• Have your pre-approval and all documentation ready.
• Discuss fallback strategies (e.g., flexible closing, appraisal cushions) with your agent.
• Conduct due diligence like inspections and title research early.

📍 Neighborhood & Price-Point Insights

• $500K–$800K segment remains active—balanced supply and demand with quicker turnover.
• Foothill areas (Evergreen, Conifer, Bailey) are cooling too—expect longer market times and price adjustments, even for premium homes.

✅ Actionable Buyer Guide

🎯 Final Word

Denver has shifted from a fierce sellers' market to a landscape favoring savvy buyers—offering more homes, better timing, and leverage in negotiations. The competitive edge now lies with those who are prepared, patient, and strategic.

Ready to Seize This Opportunity?

If you're considering buying now, reach out! Let’s craft a customized buying strategy—from targeted neighborhood searches to offer tactics tailored to your goals.

Cheers,

Sam & Tess Hegedus