Happy November! There's a lot happening in the Denver market right now, and I wanted to share what I'm seeing, what it means for you, and one creative strategy that's making a real difference for one of my clients.
Market Update for Sellers & Buyers
Looking at October's numbers, mortgage applications were down 20% from last year, and 2025 was already running lower than 2024. In other words, buyer demand is likely sitting at its floor right now, which creates real opportunity on both sides of the table.
Sellers, this is the time to talk with every buyer who walks through your door. Review every offer and take it seriously, even the lowballs. Don't get offended; come back with something reasonable and keep the conversation going. There are plenty of buyers out there looking for a deal, and they're going to find one, whether it's your home or the one down the street.
Buyers, you're in a position like never before to ask for concessions. Use them to buy down your rate, get repairs taken care of, and make sure the home is truly turnkey and move-in ready, at a monthly payment you're comfortable with.
Elections & What It Means for the Market
I think we can all breathe a sigh of relief now that the elections are behind us. The results were swift and clear, we're not stuck in a long stretch of uncertainty. That matters for real estate. So many buyers have been holding their breath, waiting to see how things would shake out before making a big decision. Now that we know what the next couple of years look like, I expect we'll start to see more buyers exhale and step back into the market with confidence.
Have You Heard About Seller Financing?
With interest rates hovering around 7.25%, I recently worked with a very strong buyer who simply couldn't make the numbers work at current rates. Then we noticed something in a listing: the seller was offering seller financing. That one detail turned into an incredible opportunity. Because the seller is willing to carry the loan, my buyer can afford more home than a traditional mortgage would have allowed. It's not the most conventional way to buy, but it can be a true win-win. Plenty of sellers own their homes outright and would love a reliable monthly payment to support them through retirement, almost like an annuity. And if the buyer ever defaults, the seller can foreclose, take the property back, and sell it again. So ask yourself: would a buyer rather pay the bank 7.25%, or a seller 5.75% to 6%? If you're a seller who's open to this, or a buyer who's been priced out, let's talk. It might be the key that opens the door.