Five things matter most: (1) Commute — test it at rush hour, not on a Sunday. Most Denver employers concentrate downtown, the Tech Center (I-25/Arapahoe), or the Broomfield/Boulder corridor. (2) School district — boundaries matter block by block; Cherry Creek, Douglas County, and Boulder Valley are the top-ranked. (3) Flood plain — Denver’s stormwater maps…
Less than most people think. Minimum down payments by loan type: FHA = 3.5% (580+ credit score); conventional = 3% for first-time buyers, 5% otherwise; VA = 0% for eligible veterans and active military; USDA = 0% for qualifying rural/semi-rural properties. On a $500,000 home: 3% is $15,000, 3.5% is $17,500, 20% is $100,000. Colorado’s…
Minimum scores by loan type: FHA = 580 for 3.5% down (500-579 requires 10% down); conventional = 620-640 depending on lender; VA = no official minimum but most lenders want 580+; CHFA programs = 620; MetroDPA = 640-660 depending on loan type. Score matters beyond just qualifying — it directly affects your rate. On a…
Yes — and in 2026’s market, there’s no good reason to waive it. Per DMAR, homes are now averaging 53-74 days on market — sellers are no longer in a position to demand inspection waivers. Colorado’s inspection period is typically 10 days. A licensed inspector ($400-$600) evaluates structure, roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical. Denver-specific things…
Earnest money is a deposit you submit with your offer to show you’re serious. In the Denver metro, the typical range is 1%-2% of the purchase price — on a $600,000 home that’s $6,000-$12,000. The funds go into escrow and are applied to your down payment or closing costs at closing, so it’s not an…