Published April 17, 2025
How to Prepare for Your Denver Home Search: What You Need to Do Before Touring Homes
If you're dreaming about homeownership in the Mile High City, you're not alone. Denver continues to be one of the most sought-after markets in the country thanks to its vibrant neighborhoods, outdoor lifestyle, and strong job market. But before you hop in the car to start touring homes, it’s important to lay the groundwork for a successful and stress-free home search. Here’s what you need to know and do before diving into your Denver house hunt:
✅ 1. Get Pre-Qualified or Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Before you even think about booking a showing, talk to a lender. Getting pre-qualified gives you an estimate of what you can afford, while getting pre-approved means a lender has reviewed your financials and conditionally agreed to give you a loan—this is a much stronger position to be in as a buyer.
Why it matters:
-
You'll know your budget, which helps narrow your search.
-
Sellers will take your offer more seriously.
-
You’ll move faster in a competitive market.
Tip: Don’t forget to shop around with lenders for the best rates and terms! If you needed trusted recommendations, we're happy to make introductions!
✅ 2. Know Your Numbers
Besides the down payment, there are other costs to consider:
-
Closing costs (typically 2–5% of the purchase price)
-
Homeowners insurance
-
Property taxes
-
HOA fees (if applicable)
-
Monthly maintenance and utilities
Be honest with yourself about your comfort zone—not just what you’re approved for. Scroll down this page to play around with a mortgage calculator.
✅ 3. Define Your Needs vs. Wants
In Denver’s dynamic market, being clear about your priorities will save you time and stress. Make a list of:
-
Must-haves (number of bedrooms, home office, backyard, location, etc.)
-
Nice-to-haves (updated kitchen, finished basement, mountain views)
-
Deal-breakers (busy street, old wiring, no garage)
✅ 4. Get Familiar With Denver Neighborhoods
From the historic charm of Wash Park to the family-friendly vibes of Stapleton (now Central Park), or the urban buzz of RiNo and LoHi, Denver has a neighborhood for every lifestyle.
Take some time to explore:
-
Commute times
-
School districts
-
Walkability and access to trails or parks
-
Future development plans
Pro tip: Spend a weekend driving around areas you’re considering to get a feel for them before locking in showings.
✅ 5. Partner With a Local Real Estate Agent
In a competitive market like Denver, working with an agent who knows the area—and how to win in bidding wars—is key. A good agent will:
-
Help you narrow your search
-
Alert you to listings the moment they hit the market (or before)
-
Negotiate on your behalf
-
Guide you through inspections, appraisals, and closing
Make sure to interview a few agents and choose someone you feel comfortable with and who understands your goals. Reading agent bios can help you get an idea of a good fit prior to a call or meeting.
✅ 6. Avoid Big Financial Changes
Once you're on the path to buying, avoid making big financial moves like:
-
Opening or closing credit cards
-
Financing a car
-
Changing jobs
-
Making large cash deposits without documentation
These can throw off your mortgage approval and delay your homebuying journey.
Ready to Start Your Denver Home Search?
With the right prep work, your home search can be exciting and empowering—not overwhelming. If you're thinking about buying in the Denver area, I’d love to be a resource for you. Let's sit down, talk through your goals, and create a plan that sets you up for success from day one.
