If you’re thinking about buying a home but have decided to wait for mortgage rates to come down, you’re certainly not alone.
Many home buyers here in Parker, Colorado believe substantially lower rates are just around the corner. But imagine waiting another year, only to discover that rates haven’t changed very much—and home prices have continued to rise.
That is a real possibility.
No one can predict mortgage rates with complete certainty. But based on current forecasts, buyers waiting for a dramatic drop may be waiting much longer than they expect.
Before you put your plans on hold, let’s look at what the experts are projecting and some options that may help you make a move—even if rates don’t fall significantly.
A recent Clever–Best Interest survey found that 42% of people believe mortgage rates will fall below 5% this year.
Unfortunately, that isn’t what most housing and mortgage experts are forecasting.
Current projections from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association, and Wells Fargo generally show mortgage rates remaining in the low-to-mid 6% range through at least the middle of 2027.
[Insert mortgage-rate forecast graph here]
Mortgage rates are influenced by inflation, Treasury yields, Federal Reserve policy, the strength of the economy, employment data, and even global events. Right now, those factors do not point toward the kind of dramatic decline many buyers are hoping to see.
Could rates move up or down along the way? Absolutely. But if you’re waiting for rates to fall into the 4% range—or even below 5%—today’s forecasts suggest you could remain on the sidelines for quite some time.
Inflation is another important piece of the puzzle. Generally speaking, persistent inflation makes it more difficult for mortgage rates to fall substantially.
After remaining relatively stable from the middle of 2023 through late 2025, recent data shows inflation has started trending higher again.
[Insert inflation graph here]
That matters because one of the conditions usually needed for significantly lower mortgage rates simply isn’t in place right now.
Until inflation shows a clear and sustained decline, mortgage rates may remain close to where they are today.
This may require the biggest adjustment in expectations.
Today’s mortgage rates feel high because many of us remember the exceptionally low rates available during the pandemic. Some homeowners were able to lock in rates around 3%, and occasionally even lower.
But those rates were not normal. They resulted from a very unusual set of economic circumstances.
Historically, mortgage rates have spent much of their time between approximately 5% and 10%. Freddie Mac’s long-term data shows that today’s rates fall well within that historical range.
[Insert historical mortgage-rate graph here]
That doesn’t mean a mortgage rate in the 6% range is especially attractive. It simply means waiting for pandemic-level rates to return may not be a realistic homebuying strategy.
None of this means you should buy a home before you’re financially and personally ready. You shouldn’t.
But if your family, job, retirement plans, or changing lifestyle are creating a reason to move, there may be ways to improve affordability without waiting indefinitely for mortgage rates to fall.
Many builders are offering incentives to attract buyers. Depending on the community and builder, those incentives may include mortgage-rate buydowns, closing-cost assistance, price reductions, or upgraded features.
In some cases, the builder’s financing incentives can make a new home more affordable than a similarly priced resale property.
An adjustable-rate mortgage, commonly called an ARM, may offer a lower introductory rate than a traditional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.
An ARM is not appropriate for everyone. But if you expect to move, refinance, or pay off the loan before the adjustable period begins, it may be worth discussing with a qualified lender.
Be sure you understand when the rate can adjust, how much it can increase, and whether you could comfortably afford the higher payment.
A mortgage-rate buydown uses money paid upfront to reduce your interest rate and monthly payment. The cost may be paid by you, negotiated as a seller concession, or offered as an incentive by a homebuilder.
Depending on the property and the terms of the transaction, a buydown could make more financial sense than waiting and hoping rates eventually decline.
Some government-backed FHA, VA, and USDA mortgages may be assumable. That means a qualified buyer may be able to take over the seller’s existing loan—including its lower interest rate.
Assumable loans can be an excellent opportunity, but they also come with qualification requirements and logistical challenges. The buyer may need substantial cash or secondary financing to cover the difference between the seller’s loan balance and the purchase price.
It’s easy to focus entirely on the mortgage rate and overlook what could happen while you wait.
If rates remain relatively steady but Parker-area home prices increase, the home you want could cost more a year from now. You may also miss opportunities to negotiate with sellers, receive closing-cost assistance, or take advantage of builder incentives available in today’s market.
The goal isn’t to perfectly time the market. Very few people can do that.
The goal is to understand your options, look at the complete financial picture, and decide whether buying now or waiting puts you in the best long-term position.
If you’ve put your home search on hold because you’re convinced mortgage rates will be substantially lower soon, it may be time to take another look at that strategy.
You don’t have to buy today. But you also shouldn’t assume waiting is your only—or best—option.
Cheryl and I have spent decades helping buyers throughout Parker, Castle Rock, Franktown, Elizabeth, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, and the surrounding communities. We can help you explore available homes, builder incentives, assumable mortgages, and other opportunities—without pressure and without trying to talk you into a decision that isn’t right for you.
Let’s talk about what you’re hoping to accomplish. Together with a trusted lender, we can help you compare the numbers and determine whether waiting truly improves your position—or simply keeps you on the sidelines longer.
If you’re planning to sell your current home and purchase another one, one of the first decisions you’ll face is which should happen first:
Should you buy your next home before selling—or sell your current home before you begin making offers?
There isn’t one answer that works for everyone. The right strategy depends on your finances, available equity, timing, and current market conditions. Here in Parker and across the Denver metro area, the price ranges and neighborhoods involved can also make a significant difference.
However, in today’s market, many homeowners may be in a stronger and less stressful position if they sell first.
Selling is often the less predictable part of the process. With buyers having more homes to choose from, some properties are taking longer to sell than they did during the unusually competitive markets of a few years ago.
Once your home is sold—or at least securely under contract—you’ve removed one of the biggest uncertainties from your move.
Here are three important advantages.
Buying your next home before selling your current one can leave you responsible for two mortgage payments, two insurance policies, two sets of utility bills, and the upkeep on two properties.
That may be manageable for a short time, but what happens if your current home takes longer to sell than anticipated? A few extra months of overlapping expenses can quickly become costly. Unexpected repairs or price reductions can add even more financial pressure.
Selling first eliminates much of that risk. You’ll know your current home has sold before committing to the ongoing expenses of another property.
For many homeowners, the equity in their current house will provide most or all of the down payment for their next home.
Your equity is the difference between your home’s market value and the amount you still owe on it. Depending on how long you’ve owned your home—and how much property values have increased—you may have considerably more equity than you realize.
Selling first gives you a clear picture of your net proceeds after paying off the mortgage and covering selling expenses. You’ll then know exactly how much you can use toward:
The down payment on your next home
Closing costs
Moving expenses
Repairs or improvements
A lower mortgage balance
Possibly purchasing your next home with cash
Having firm numbers makes it much easier to establish a comfortable price range and avoid stretching your finances too far.
An offer that depends on selling another property is called a contingent offer. While these offers are common, they introduce additional uncertainty for the seller.
If your current home has already sold, you may be able to make an offer without a home-sale contingency. That can make your offer more attractive—even if it isn’t the highest offer the seller receives.
Put yourself in the seller’s position. If their home has been on the market for a while, they’re likely to favor an offer with fewer complications and a greater likelihood of closing.
A strong, non-contingent offer may also give you additional negotiating power. Depending on the property and market conditions, you may be able to request repairs, closing-cost assistance, a rate buydown, or other favorable terms.
That’s the biggest concern most homeowners have—and it’s a reasonable one.
Nobody wants to sell their home and suddenly feel rushed into purchasing another property that isn’t right for them. Fortunately, there are several ways we can help reduce that risk.
One option is negotiating a post-closing occupancy agreement, sometimes called a rent-back. This allows you to remain in your current home for an agreed-upon period after the sale closes.
Other possibilities include:
Coordinating an extended closing
Negotiating flexible possession dates
Arranging temporary housing
Storing some belongings during the transition
Beginning your home search before your property is officially listed
Preparing backup plans before accepting an offer
The key is to think through these possibilities before putting your home on the market. A well-planned timeline can make the transition far easier.
Absolutely. Buying first may make sense if:
You can comfortably afford two mortgages
You have enough cash for a down payment without selling
You’re purchasing in an area with very limited inventory
You’ve found a home that would be difficult to replace
Your current property is expected to sell quickly
You qualify for bridge financing or another appropriate financial option
The important thing is to understand the financial risks and have a realistic plan if your existing home doesn’t sell as quickly—or for as much—as expected.
The best approach may be different for every homeowner. Selling a home in The Timbers, Pradera, The Pinery, Stonegate, or another Parker-area neighborhood involves different price points, buyer pools, competition, and expected marketing times.
The market for the home you’re selling may also be very different from the market for the one you hope to buy. You could be selling in a price range with slower activity while purchasing in one where desirable homes still receive multiple offers.
That’s why we evaluate both sides of the move before recommending a strategy.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when you’re selling and buying a home at the same time. However, for many Parker-area homeowners, selling first provides greater financial clarity, a stronger position when making an offer, and less risk of carrying two homes.
The best time to start planning is before your home goes on the market. We can help you estimate its likely selling price, calculate your potential proceeds, review the competition, and create a practical plan for purchasing your next home.
Bob and I have lived in Parker since 1987, and we understand both the local housing market and the stress that can come with coordinating two transactions. Our job is to anticipate the potential problems, explain your options honestly, and make the transition as smooth as possible.
If you’re considering selling and buying in Parker, Castle Rock, Franktown, Elizabeth, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, Aurora, or elsewhere in the Denver metro area, let’s sit down and talk through the best strategy for your situation.
If buying a home here in Parker, Colorado is on your radar, you've probably been keeping an eye on mortgage rates and home prices. But don’t forget about homeowners insurance.
Homeowners insurance has always been part of owning a home. But over the past few years, it's become a larger expense for many homeowners – something that's especially frustrating when affordability already feels tight.
The good news? While premiums are still rising, the latest data shows those increases are beginning to slow. Here's what buyers should know.
You've probably heard stories from friends or family about their premiums going up. And that’s not really a surprise when you consider data from the Pew Research Center shows 71% of homeowners say their insurance costs have gone up over the past few years.
While no one likes rising costs, knowing what to expect can help you plan ahead. Your first insurance payment is typically included in your closing costs, but after that it'll become part of your monthly housing expenses.
Getting an insurance quote early can help you build a more realistic budget and avoid surprises later.
Most of the headlines focus on how home insurance is getting more expensive. And that's true. But here’s the part that’s easy to miss.
Insurance premiums are still rising.
But they're not rising as fast as they were.
According to the latest report from Rate Insurance, 2025 saw the first slowdown in annual premium increases since 2019 (see graph below):
That doesn't mean premiums are getting cheaper. It simply means the rapid increases of the past several years may finally be starting to ease – a small but welcome step in the right direction.
But what you’ll pay in one part of the country can look very different from what someone pays somewhere else.
Insurance costs vary because some parts of the country experience more claims than others. That's why it's important to look at what's happening locally.
Your premium will depend on things like where you're buying, the home itself, and the coverage you choose.
Forbes data can give a rough idea of your state’s typical premiums. Check out the map below – the darker the blue, the higher the costs tend to be in that state:
While you can't control every cost that comes with buying a home, you can control how prepared you are. If you’re crunching the numbers and trying to find ways to save, Insurify and NerdWallet offer these tips that can help you get the best insurance price possible:
Shop Around – Compare quotes from multiple companies.
Bundle Policies – Combine home and auto to see if a bundle price is cheaper.
Ask If There Are Discounts – Don’t miss out on savings you may qualify for.
Highlight Upgrades – Features like a new roof or storm windows can cut costs.
Improve Your Credit – A stronger credit score can mean better premiums.
One of the smartest things you can do is get an insurance quote before you make an offer. That way, you'll know what your monthly housing costs are likely to be before you commit.
An insurance professional can walk you through your options and help you find coverage that fits both your needs and your budget.
Homeowners insurance has become a bigger part of the homebuying conversation. But it doesn't have to become a bigger source of stress.
The key is knowing what to expect before you buy. Get an insurance quote early, factor it into your budget, and lean on trusted local professionals to help you make the most informed decision possible.
If you own a luxury home in Parker, Colorado, or one of the surrounding communities, you may be in a stronger selling position than you realize.
Although portions of the housing market have slowed, the upper end of the market continues to perform surprisingly well. Luxury-home prices have been rising, qualified buyers remain active, and high-end properties are selling faster than they did during many pre-pandemic years.
If you have been considering selling your luxury home, this could be an excellent time to explore your options.
There isn’t one price that defines a luxury home everywhere. Generally, luxury properties are considered to be those within the top 5% of home values in a particular market.
Here in the Parker area, that could include custom homes, equestrian properties, golf-course homes, and larger estates in communities such as:
The Timbers at the Pinery
Pradera
Colorado Golf Club
Bell Cross Ranch
High Prairie Farms
Spirit Ridge
The Pinery
Ponderosa Hills
The definition depends on location, acreage, construction quality, amenities, views, and the unique features of the property—not simply its asking price.
According to national data from Redfin, luxury-home sale prices have recently increased at approximately three times the rate of non-luxury homes.
While the typical home’s sale price rose about 1.5% year over year, luxury-home prices increased by nearly 5% during the same period.
[Insert luxury-home price graph here]
That is important for luxury homeowners. Despite headlines about slower home-price growth, the higher end of the market has continued to show strength.
Of course, national statistics don’t determine the value of an individual property. Luxury real estate is highly local, and even two homes in the same neighborhood can have very different values. Lot location, mountain views, finishes, updates, acreage, privacy, outbuildings, and overall condition can all make a substantial difference.
That is why an accurate, property-specific pricing strategy is so important.
Many buyers are feeling the effects of higher mortgage rates and affordability concerns. However, those pressures do not affect every price range equally.
Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors, reported that sales activity has been considerably stronger at higher price points. While sales of homes below $250,000 showed little year-over-year change, million-dollar home sales increased by approximately 18%.
In other words, the higher the price category, the stronger buyer activity has recently been.
Luxury buyers are often less dependent on conventional financing. Some make large down payments, use proceeds from another property, or purchase with cash. That can allow them to move forward even when mortgage rates are discouraging buyers in other portions of the market.
These buyers are selective, but they are still buying when they find the right home.
Luxury properties traditionally require more time to sell because there is a smaller pool of qualified buyers. However, recent Redfin data shows the median time on the market for luxury homes at fewer than 50 days.
[Insert luxury-home days-on-market graph here]
That is considerably faster than many pre-pandemic norms dating back to 2014.
This doesn’t mean every luxury home will sell quickly. Pricing, presentation, condition, photography, marketing, and agent expertise still matter tremendously. A luxury property that enters the market overpriced or poorly presented can sit unsold—even when buyer demand is healthy.
Selling a high-end home involves much more than placing it in the MLS and waiting for buyers to find it.
Luxury buyers expect exceptional presentation and detailed information. They want to understand not only the house, but also the lifestyle the property provides.
An effective luxury-home marketing strategy may include:
Professional architectural photography
Video tours and aerial drone photography
Detailed property and lifestyle descriptions
Strategic online and social-media exposure
Marketing to relocation and out-of-state buyers
Promotion of acreage, views, privacy, amenities, and custom features
Careful preparation and staging before the home enters the market
Targeted outreach to agents representing qualified luxury buyers
The home’s first impression matters. In many cases, preparing the property correctly before it is listed can influence both the final sale price and the amount of time it spends on the market.
Cheryl and I have lived in Parker since 1987, so we understand the differences among Parker’s luxury and custom-home communities.
A custom home in The Timbers should not be marketed the same way as a golf-course home in Pradera, an equestrian property in High Prairie Farms, or an estate near the Colorado Golf Club. Each property has its own buyer, lifestyle, and story.
With more than 400 homes sold and over $180 million in career sales, we bring extensive local experience to the pricing, preparation, and marketing of distinctive Parker-area homes.
If you own a luxury home and have been considering selling, current market conditions may present a valuable opportunity. Nationally, luxury-home prices have been rising faster than the broader market, high-end buyers remain active, and luxury properties are selling relatively quickly.
But luxury homes are never one-size-fits-all. The right decision begins with understanding your property’s current value, likely buyer, competition, and strongest selling features.
If you’re thinking about selling a luxury home in Parker, The Timbers, Pradera, The Pinery, Franktown, Castle Rock, or another nearby community, let’s sit down and discuss the best strategy for your property—without pressure or obligation.
Do you remember the excitement of buying your first home? Getting those keys felt like a major accomplishment—and it was.
That house gave you a place to settle in and begin building your life. Maybe it was where you lived as newlyweds, brought home your first child, adopted a pet, or celebrated countless family milestones.
But life rarely stays the same. The home that fit you perfectly several years ago may feel a little crowded today. You may need another bedroom, a dedicated office, a larger backyard, fewer stairs, or simply a home that better fits the way you live now.
The good news is that your first home may have done more than provide wonderful memories. It may have also created the financial foundation you need to buy your next home.
If you own an entry-level home, you may be in a stronger selling position than you realize.
Starter homes continue to be among the most difficult properties for buyers to find. For years, builders focused heavily on larger and more expensive homes, leaving a shortage of affordable options for first-time buyers.
Although builders have recently begun adding more smaller homes to the market, Census data shows there is still a considerable gap to overcome.
[Insert starter-home construction graph here]
That shortage matters when it comes time to sell. Your first home may be exactly what another buyer is searching for—especially if it is well-maintained, attractively presented, and priced correctly for the current market.
Here in Parker and the surrounding communities, affordable homes, condos, and townhomes can attract considerable attention because they give first-time buyers an opportunity to enter our local real estate market.
Selling your current home is only one side of the equation. You also need to find the right place to go next.
This is where today’s housing market becomes especially interesting. While the supply of starter homes remains limited, the overall number of homes available for sale has increased.
[Insert starter-home versus overall inventory graph here]
Nadia Evangelou, Principal Economist and Director of Real Estate Research for the National Association of Realtors, explains:
“Too much of the inventory available today remains concentrated at higher price points, leaving a shortage of options for entry-level and middle-income buyers.”
For homeowners who are ready to move up, that imbalance may create an opportunity.
Depending on your price range, you may find more choices and less competition than you would face at the entry level. You may also have more negotiating room on price, repairs, closing costs, or other terms of the sale.
Whether you want an additional bedroom, a home office, a finished basement, more garage space, or a larger lot, you may have a better selection than you expect among the homes for sale in Parker, Colorado.
At the same time, the starter home you are selling remains in short supply. That combination can give move-up buyers a valuable advantage: strong demand for the home they currently own and more choices among the homes they hope to purchase.
Zillow summarizes the situation this way:
“Starter home value appreciation has outpaced other types of homes nationally, mostly because they’re so in demand.”
The equity you have built may be the most important part of the equation.
Every mortgage payment you have made has helped increase your ownership in the property. Appreciation over the years may have added even more value.
According to Cotality, the average homeowner with a mortgage has approximately $295,000 in equity. Of course, every homeowner’s situation is different, but you may be surprised by how much equity you have accumulated.
When you sell, that equity could help you:
Make a substantial down payment on your next home.
Reduce the amount you need to finance.
Lower your monthly mortgage payment.
Strengthen your offer on another property.
Pay moving expenses or complete improvements after closing.
Keep a portion of the proceeds available for savings.
Higher mortgage rates have caused some homeowners to assume that moving is no longer practical. But focusing only on the interest rate leaves out an important part of the picture. Your equity, selling price, down payment, purchase price, and financing options all work together to determine whether a move makes sense.
When we look at the complete picture, moving up may be more realistic than it first appears:
Your starter home may be in strong demand.
You may have more move-up homes from which to choose.
Your accumulated equity could help bridge the financial gap.
Today’s more balanced market may give you additional negotiating opportunities.
Your first home did exactly what it was supposed to do. It gave you a place to begin, allowed you to build memories, and helped you establish financial security through homeownership.
Now, that same house may help you take the next step.
Your first home may hold a special place in your heart, but that does not mean you have to remain there after it stops meeting your needs.
If you are wondering what your Parker-area home may be worth—or whether your equity is enough to purchase the home you really want—the best place to start is with accurate information. We can help you evaluate your current home, estimate your likely proceeds, explore available properties, and create a plan that coordinates the sale of one home with the purchase of another.
You may be much closer to your next chapter than you realize.
If you have been searching for homes for sale in Parker, Colorado, you may be wondering whether homeownership is still within reach. Prices are higher than they were several years ago, mortgage rates remain a concern, and many single-family homes may be beyond the budget of first-time buyers.
But that does not mean you have to give up on owning a home in Parker.
Sometimes, the answer is not changing where you want to live—it is simply considering a different type of home. A condo or townhome can offer a more affordable path into the Parker real estate market while still giving you the opportunity to build equity and become part of this wonderful community.
Many buyers begin their home search looking only at detached single-family homes. While that may be the long-term goal, limiting your search that way can cause you to overlook some excellent opportunities.
Including condos and townhomes for sale in Parker, Colorado can greatly expand your choices. With more attached homes available than we have seen during some recent years, buyers may face less competition, have more time to consider their options, and enjoy greater negotiating power.
Depending on the property and market conditions, you may even be able to negotiate on the price, closing costs, repairs, or an interest-rate buydown.
Affordability is usually the biggest reason to consider a condo or townhome. Because these properties are generally smaller and include less privately owned land, they typically cost less than detached single-family homes.
That lower purchase price may mean:
A smaller down payment
A more manageable monthly mortgage payment
Lower utility expenses
Less money needed for exterior maintenance
An opportunity to begin building equity sooner
If you do not need a large yard or several thousand square feet of living space, an attached home could provide everything you need at a price that fits your budget more comfortably.
Condos and townhomes can be especially appealing to busy professionals, first-time buyers, retirees, and anyone who would rather spend the weekend enjoying Parker than working in the yard.
Depending on the community, the homeowners association may take care of landscaping, snow removal, roofing, exterior maintenance, insurance on portions of the building, and neighborhood amenities.
Every HOA is different, however. Before buying, it is important to understand exactly what the monthly fee covers, whether there are any pending special assessments, and whether the association is financially healthy.
The terms “condo” and “townhome” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they do not necessarily describe the same type of ownership.
| Feature | Single-Family Home | Townhome | Condominium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership | You generally own the home and the land beneath it. | You may own the structure and the lot, depending on how the property is legally organized. | You typically own the interior of the unit and share ownership of common areas. |
| Shared walls | Usually none | Commonly one or two | May share walls, floors, or ceilings |
| Exterior maintenance | Usually the homeowner’s responsibility | May be shared between the owner and HOA | Commonly handled by the HOA |
| Yard | Usually private | Often small or limited | Usually no private yard, although a patio or balcony may be included |
| HOA fees | May or may not apply | Common in most communities | Almost always required |
| Lifestyle | More privacy and responsibility | Balance of privacy and convenience | Typically the lowest-maintenance option |
The legal form of ownership matters more than the architectural style. A property that looks like a townhome could legally be organized as a condominium. That distinction can affect insurance, financing, maintenance responsibilities, and resale, so we always review the details carefully with our buyers.
A condo or townhome may have a lower purchase price, but you also need to consider the HOA payment. A substantial monthly HOA fee can affect how much you qualify to borrow and what your total monthly housing expense will be.
Before making an offer, we recommend reviewing:
Monthly HOA dues and what they include
HOA financial statements and reserve funds
Rules, restrictions, and pet policies
Rental restrictions
Pending or recent special assessments
Exterior maintenance responsibilities
Community insurance coverage
Whether the development meets your lender’s requirements
A well-managed HOA can protect the community and simplify homeownership. A poorly managed association can create unexpected expenses. This is one area where careful research before purchasing can make a tremendous difference.
Your first home does not have to be your forever home.
A condo or townhome can give you a chance to stop renting, begin building equity, and establish yourself in the Parker housing market. As your income, savings, or family needs change, that equity may help you move into a larger home later.
We have lived in Parker since 1987, and we have watched this community grow from a small town into one of the Denver area’s most desirable places to live. We know the neighborhoods, the commute patterns, and the differences between Parker’s many condo and townhome communities.
If detached homes for sale in Parker, Colorado feel beyond your current budget, do not assume that homeownership is out of reach. A thoughtfully selected condo or townhome could offer the location, lifestyle, and financial opportunity you are looking for.
At the Parker Colorado Home Center at RE/MAX Alliance, we will help you compare properties, understand the HOA documents, evaluate the complete monthly cost, and avoid surprises along the way.
Contact Bob and Cheryl Bustin to explore current Parker condos and townhomes for sale or to schedule a no-pressure home-buying consultation. Let’s find a home that fits both your lifestyle and your budget.
If you’ve considered buying a home during the past few years, you’ve probably faced two major frustrations: rising prices and far too few homes to choose from.
The good news is that both of those challenges are beginning to ease. Buyers are seeing more homes come on the market, and many sellers are becoming more realistic about their asking prices.
That doesn’t mean every home is suddenly a bargain. But it does mean buyers may have more choices, more negotiating power, and more time to make a thoughtful decision.
According to Realtor.com, the national median asking price was $430,000 in June—nearly $11,000 lower than it was one year earlier.
Insert asking-price graph here.
That marked the eighth consecutive month in which the typical asking price was below the previous year’s level.
At first glance, lower asking prices might sound like the beginning of a housing crash. That’s not what this data is telling us.
These are asking prices, not final sales prices. The trend suggests that more sellers are paying attention to current market conditions and pricing their homes realistically from the beginning. Instead of starting too high and reducing the price later, sellers are trying to attract serious buyers as soon as the home enters the market.
Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains:
“Sellers are reading market conditions and are pricing accordingly from the start rather than listing high and cutting later, and buyers are taking note and making bids. This is a welcome sign that we are in a functioning market.”
That is a healthy development. Home prices were never going to rise at the pace we saw during the unusually competitive pandemic market. Today’s sellers are adjusting their expectations, while buyers are becoming more selective.
For several years, buyers had to move almost immediately when a good home came on the market. In many cases, a home could be under contract before buyers even had an opportunity to schedule a showing.
Fortunately, inventory is improving.
According to Realtor.com, the number of homes listed for sale in June reached its highest June level in three years.
Insert housing-inventory graph here.
Inventory has not returned to pre-pandemic levels in every market, but buyers generally have more choices than they did a year or two ago.
That can make a meaningful difference in your home search. With more homes available, you may have:
More time to compare properties
Less pressure to make a rushed decision
Fewer multiple-offer situations
Better opportunities to negotiate
A greater chance of finding a home that truly meets your needs
Depending on the property and the seller’s circumstances, buyers may also be able to negotiate the price, closing costs, repairs, or an interest-rate buydown.
Every home is different, however. The most desirable and properly priced homes can still sell quickly, especially in popular Parker neighborhoods. Buyers should be prepared to act when the right opportunity appears, but they may not have to make the hurried, high-pressure decisions that were common a few years ago.
Real estate is always local. National housing statistics provide helpful context, but they don’t tell you exactly what is happening in Parker, Castle Rock, Franktown, Elizabeth, Centennial, Aurora, or other nearby communities.
Even within Parker, market conditions can vary considerably by neighborhood, price range, property type, condition, and school location. There may be strong competition for one home while another remains available long enough for a buyer to negotiate.
As longtime Parker residents and experienced local real estate professionals, Cheryl and I help buyers look beyond the headlines. We can show you which homes are priced correctly, which ones may be overpriced, and where there may be an opportunity to negotiate a better deal.
Improving inventory may be especially helpful for first-time homebuyers and those shopping in the more affordable price ranges.
Mischa Fisher, Chief Economist at Zillow, says:
“The lowest price tiers are exhibiting some softness in terms of price, they also had the most listing-activity growth, the first time since 2022 that’s been the case.”
In plain language, more entry-level homes are coming onto the market, and some sellers in those price ranges may be more flexible.
First-time buyers still need to consider interest rates, monthly payments, property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance expenses. But a larger selection and more realistic pricing may create opportunities that weren’t available during the most competitive years.
If you stopped looking because homes were selling too quickly, prices seemed unrealistic, or there simply wasn’t enough selection, this summer may be a good time to take another look.
You may be pleasantly surprised by how the market has changed. There are more homes to consider, sellers are pricing more carefully, and buyers may have room to negotiate.
The key is not simply finding a house—it’s finding the right house at a price and monthly payment that make sense for you.
Today’s housing market is giving buyers something they haven’t had much of in recent years: choices.
If you would like to explore the latest homes for sale in Parker, Colorado, Cheryl and I would be happy to help. We can create a personalized home search, arrange private showings, explain current neighborhood conditions, and help you recognize a good opportunity when you see one.
Let’s talk about what you’re looking for and see whether this summer’s market offers the right home for you.
