Every new purchase starts with research. Whether you are a Buyer, Seller, or Investor, take the time to understand the market you either live in currently, or want to live in.
With education comes confidence. Working with me means using appraisal based pricing models and quality, real time data. Why? Because as a Buyer or Seller it dramatically impacts how much you pay, or retain in proceeds.
I provide paid Altos Analytics as my treat to you. Click “Hows the Market?” above to dig in and be amazed.
Use my 26 years of Buyer/Seller counsel to benefit you which results in huge savings in time and money.
I’ve worked as a Managing Broker as well as a Co-Owner of my own brokerage. I promise to listen so that we can move forward with clarity. Click Book Now and we’ll discuss your needs; then get a plan started for next week, or two years from now.
Buyers: Is now a good time to buy?
Let’s look at Highlands Ranch since that’s where I live. Based on the current market, here is the real cost of waiting:
Purchase Price: $540,000
Down Payment (20%): $108,000
Loan Amount: $432,000 (30-Year Fixed)
The "1/8 Percent" Breakdown
See how small fluctuations impact your monthly Principal & Interest (P&I) payment:
Interest Rate Monthly P&I Monthly Difference
6.2500 $2,660 Save $71/mo
6.3750 $2,696 Save $35/mo
6.500% (Baseline) $2,731 Target Payment
6.6250 $2,766 Cost +$35/mo
6.7500 $2,802 Cost +$71/mo
Why the "20% Down" Strategy Wins at $540k
The $2,700 Anchor: By putting 20% down, you keep your principal and interest payment in the $2,700 range. In many parts of Highlands Ranch, this is comparable to (or even less than) the cost of renting a similar-sized home. (Please understand that I have left out Taxes and Insurance in this example).
Instant Equity Shield: You are walking into the closing with $108,000 in equity. In my 26 years of experience, this "equity cushion" is the best defense against market volatility.
The "Cost of Delay" Math: If you wait 6 months for rates to drop by 0.5%, but home prices in this entry-level Highlands Ranch bracket rise by just 3% due to increased demand, the house now costs $556,200. Your "cheaper" rate on a higher loan amount actually results in a similar payment—but you’ve lost the $16,200 in appreciation you would have gained by owning it now.
No PMI: You are saving approximately $120–$180 per month by avoiding Private Mortgage Insurance—savings that stay in your pocket regardless of what interest rates do.
Expert Perspective: At $540,000, you are looking at one of the most competitive price points in the Denver metro area. When rates dip, this is the first bracket to see multiple offers and 'over-asking' prices. Buying now at 6.5% allows you to negotiate on your terms, not the seller's.
So, is now a good time to buy in Highlands Ranch? Yes, it is. What do you think?
Jason Zisk, Independent Broker, Realtor®, Freedom Team with eXp realty
720-403-2770 | ColoradoAlpine@icloud.com
