The Denver Front Range real estate market is gearing up for its usual spring surge, and savvy buyers and sellers can seize this window of opportunity with the right strategies. Here's how you can make the most of the next few months.
For Buyers: Be Ready to Move Fast, but Smart
With the spring rush starting in late January, it’s important to stay prepared:
1. Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified
Sellers and builders prioritize pre-approved buyers, giving you an edge in a competitive market and expediting the offer process.
2. Consider New Construction Homes
Builders are still working through unsold inventory from 2024, making them more likely to offer discounts or incentives like rate buy-downs or upgraded finishes. These perks could make a new home more attainable.
3. Expand Your Search Parameters
To avoid heavy competition, consider homes slightly outside your top-choice neighborhoods or those that need minor updates. These can offer better value and less stress during negotiations.
4. Time Your Offers Strategically
Homes attract the most attention during their first week on the market. By targeting homes that have lingered longer, you may gain negotiating power.
5. Stay Flexible with Your Wish List
Focus on essentials like location and structural integrity. Aesthetic changes can come later at a lower cost.
For Sellers: Price Smart to Attract the Right Buyers
With increased buyer activity on the horizon, sellers have a unique opportunity—but pricing and preparation are critical.
1. Be Realistic with Your Pricing
A home priced at the higher end of comparable sales may struggle to attract showings and offers. Conversely, pricing at the lower end could result in multiple offers and a higher final sale price.
2. Spring Rush Starts Early
Many buyers and sellers assume the spring market begins in March or April, but the surge actually starts in late January. Listing early can mean less competition and more buyer attention.
3. Take Advantage of Market Trends
According to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors, the end of December 2024 saw some promising signs: new listings were down nearly 33% from November but up 6.42% from December 2023. Homes under contract rose 8.42% year-over-year, closed transactions increased by 13.15%, and the median price climbed 5.45%. However, average days on the MLS also increased by 21.74%, meaning buyers are taking more time to decide. Sellers who price competitively and prepare their homes well can leverage this
heightened demand.
4. Enhance Winter Curb Appeal
Even in the colder months, curb appeal matters. Make sure driveways and walkways are clear of snow and ice, clean gutters, and touch up any chipped paint on doors or trim. Add visual warmth with a new welcome mat, wreath, or potted evergreen arrangements by the front door. These small touches create a welcoming first impression.
5. Stage Your Home Like a Pro
Staged homes often sell faster and for higher prices. Declutter, depersonalize, and highlight your home’s best features to attract buyers.
6. Offer Buyer Incentives
With mortgage rates still hovering around 6%, offering to buy down the buyer’s rate or cover some closing costs can make your property more attractive.
Bonus Tips for Both Buyers and Sellers
Buyers: Monitor new listings daily and attend open houses to spot opportunities. Be ready to act fast, but always prioritize a thorough inspection.
Sellers: Keep your home “show-ready” at all times to accommodate last-minute showings. You never know when the right buyer will walk through the door.
Photo Credit: Kaytlyn Perez Photography
With strong year-over-year growth in key metrics like closed transactions, median prices, and homes under contract, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting time for the Denver Front Range market. Whether you’re buying or selling, preparation and strategy are key. Call me, your real estate professional, to ensure your next move is a successful one!
Chelsea Steen Realtor
740-334-9898
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