The State of the Denver Metro Housing Market
After several years of a “sellers’ market,” the Denver Metro housing market has entered a period of transition, with external forces continuing to challenge buyers and shift expectations for sellers. High interest rates over the past two years—meant to control inflation—dampened affordability and slowed demand, putting an end to the buying frenzy of recent memory. Now, as Denver heads into the spring of 2025, a clearer picture is beginning to emerge.
For older adults entering retirement or looking to downsize and sell their homes, understanding the current Denver Metro housing market and predictions for the near future can help them determine the best time to sell, maximizing the selling price of their homes and creating a solid financial foundation for retirement.
Blair Bryant is a realtor and Certified Senior Advisor at The Steller Group and has supported numerous Holly Creek residents and Denver Metro older adults on their downsizing and home selling journeys. In this guest blog, he shares his expert advice for when to sell your home, taking into consideration the current state of the Denver Metro housing market.
When Is the Best Time to Sell Your Home?
By Blair Bryant, Realtor®, Certified Senior Advisor | The Steller Group
Determining the best time to sell your home often hinges on the personal reasons driving your decision. Traditionally, big life changes—such as a new job, the arrival of a child, or entering a new phase of life—prompt the need to move. While we might recognize the need to sell, the lingering question often remains: “Is this the best time?”
This year has ushered in a new reality for home sellers. For the first time in recent memory, selling your home may require more than just a weekend. It sounds surprising, but from the spring of 2020 through early 2023, homes frequently sold quickly, often with multiple offers above the asking price. During that period, I cautioned clients that it was not a normal market and would eventually cool off.
With mortgage interest rates hovering around 6.7% as of early April, we’ve clearly entered a “new market”—one that demands more strategy from both buyers and sellers. The key factors remain supply and demand. As of February 2025, the Denver Metro housing market saw 4,941 new listings, a 14% increase from the previous month. At the same time, 3,529 homes went under contract, a 23% increase month-over-month, suggesting that while buyers are active, they’re taking their time. Homes spent a median of 33 days on the market, reflecting a slower pace than during the boom years.
If you’re a seller, you might think this is all “doom and gloom,” leading to concerns about home values. Is the bottom falling out? On the contrary—home prices are holding steady. As of February 2025, the average closed price for detached single-family homes in the Denver Metro area was $694,401, reflecting continued price appreciation. This represents a significant increase from five years ago when average prices were notably lower. So, while it may take longer to sell and require some negotiation on price and inspection, overall values remain robust.
Before listing your home, consider the following:
- Buyers have options. Every detail matters when listing your home. According to HomeAdvisor, staged homes sell 33% to 50% faster than unstaged ones. Presentation, pricing, and timing are more important than ever.
- Your realtor needs to understand the current market. I dedicate significant time to ensuring my listings are fully prepared and show-ready (including staging) and priced appropriately, so they don’t sit on the market for weeks on end. Well-presented homes are still selling quickly, and in some cases, above the list price.
- There’s no guarantee next year will be better. Interest rates are expected to remain elevated through much of 2025, and there’s no guarantee that waiting another year will improve your sale prospects. In fact, the Denver Metro Association of Realtors warns that affordability will continue to constrain buyer demand, meaning we may be entering a period of slower but steadier market activity.
Selling While You’re in Control
So, when is the best time to sell? The answer is: when you’re in control of the decision—before a life event forces your hand. Understanding the current Denver Metro housing market is key to making the right decision, not just for your finances, but for your future. If you’re considering downsizing, I’m available for a free consultation on how best to make this life-changing move as stress-free as possible.
