How to Win Denver's Spring Buying Season
Spring brings the year's best inventory — and the most competition. Five moves to make before April hits.
Spring is when Denver wakes up. New listings double between mid-March and mid-May. So does buyer traffic. Here's how to be the buyer who comes out on top.
1. Lock financing before April
Full underwriting takes 2-3 weeks. If you start when you find the house, you've already lost. Get conditionally approved in March so you can write the moment you walk out of a showing.
2. Tour everything in your range, twice
Two visits — one weekday, one weekend — surface things you'll miss the first time. Sun exposure, traffic noise, neighbor patterns. Worth the hour.
3. Set your hard "no" list
Foundation issues, post-tension slabs you can't get inspected, unpermitted basement bedrooms. Decide what you won't compromise on and stop showing yourself houses that violate it.
4. Use a local lender
National 800-number lenders lose Denver deals every week because their appraisal teams don't understand mountain-adjacent comps. Use someone local — your agent has a list.
5. Be ready to write in 24 hours
Have your earnest money already in your checking account. Have your inspector on speed dial. The buyer who can close in 21 days wins ties.
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