Buying in a High-Rate Market: Strategies That Still Work
With rates near 7%, Denver buyers need a different playbook than the one their friends used in 2021.
If you're buying in Denver in early 2024 with rates hovering near 7%, the strategy your friends used a few years ago doesn't apply. Here's what does.
Negotiate the rate, not just the price
In a slower market, sellers will often fund a rate buydown. A seller credit toward a 2-1 buydown can cut your payment meaningfully for the first two years — frequently a better deal than the same dollars knocked off the price.
"Marry the house, date the rate"
It's a cliche because it's true. If you buy a home you'll keep for years and rates fall later, you refinance. If rates fall and you waited, you'll likely compete with a wave of buyers and pay more for the house.
Shop lenders hard
Rate spreads between lenders are unusually wide right now. Get three written quotes the same day — the difference can be a quarter point or more on identical credit.
Make a clean offer
Less competition means you don't have to waive protections. Keep your inspection. Sellers in 2024 value a buyer who will actually close.
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