The Denver real estate market can be tricky, especially right now. Whether you're buying or selling, timing and strategy matter more than ever.
If you’re a buyer, there are some wild deals out there. Let’s talk before the right one slips away.
If you're selling and want to walk away with top dollar, you have to be realistic about your home’s value and how it stacks up against the competition.
Don’t let your home sit on the market—or worse, sell for less than it’s worth. Avoid these five common mistakes that I have seen sellers make.
1. Overpricing Your Home
This is the number one mistake I see, and it can be a deal killer.
Yes, you love your home. You’ve taken care of it, made improvements, and probably think it’s worth more than the comps. But the market doesn’t care about emotion. Buyers are smart, informed, and watching every price drop.
In Denver, you typically have 2–3 weeks to get your home in front of the most eyes. If it’s overpriced, it won’t even show up in search results or buyer showing schedules.
After that window? Your home gets stale. And that usually means you’re looking at a price drop of 5% or more just to drum up fresh interest.
Here’s what to do instead:
- Study recent comparable sales.
- Analyze current competition.
- Be brutally honest about where your home stands in the lineup.
As your agent, I’ll help you price strategically to generate interest, spark competition, and command the highest possible price—instead of chasing buyers after weeks on the market.
2. Neglecting Home Repairs
The homes that sell fast and for the most money are in great condition—and no, that doesn’t mean a $200,000 renovation.
But it does mean your home should be fully functional and well-maintained.
Buyers want to feel like they can move in without a to-do list.
Some major systems to check in Denver include:
- Roof: Hail damage is common in Colorado. If your roof is near the end of its life or has storm damage, it will come up in inspection.
- Sewer line: Roots and old pipes can be major issues—get an inspection or cleaning if needed.
- HVAC: A tune-up can make a big difference. If it’s barely working, consider replacement.
Even small things matter:
- Fix leaking faucets, cracked windows, loose railings.
- Patch drywall, touch up paint, tighten cabinets.
When buyers walk through your home, they should feel confident, not concerned.
3. Poor Staging and Presentation
Once the repairs are done, it’s time to make your home look its best.
That starts with decluttering and removing personal items. You want your home to appeal to as many buyers as possible—and that means neutral, open, and clean.
If you can move out and stage the home professionally? That’s ideal.
If you’re living there while selling? Start packing early. Clear out everything except essential furniture and tasteful decor. Store it all in the garage if needed.
And yes—deep clean everything. That includes baseboards, ceiling fans, windows and floors.
Vacant home? You don’t have to stage, but consider light staging or even virtual staging to help buyers visualize the space.
Buyers start forming opinions the second they open the front door (or the listing photos). Let’s make sure their impression is wow, not meh.
4. Bare Bones Marketing
Putting a few photos in the MLS is not marketing in 2024.
That’s a listing. Not a launch.
I treat your home like a brand and your listing like a campaign.
Here’s how I help my clients stand out in a sea of listings:
- Pro photography and video tours
- Reels and short-form content on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube
- Paid ads targeting qualified buyers
- Social media exposure to tens of thousands of viewers
- 3D virtual walkthroughs and floorplans
- Professionally designed flyers for showings
- Postcards to the neighborhood (your neighbors may know someone who wants in!)
And yes—I host open houses to get real-time buyer feedback and create momentum.
You deserve more than just a "For Sale" sign and a prayer.
Marketing matters.
5. Ignoring Curb Appeal
First impressions matter—online and in person.
The second a buyer pulls up, they’re judging.
Is the grass overgrown? Trash bins out front? Chipped paint? Toys in the yard?
Don’t let the exterior drag down everything you’ve done inside.
- In spring/summer: mow the lawn, trim bushes, plant flowers or use potted plants.
- In winter: shovel snow, clear pathways, make it look well maintained.
- Pro tip: If you're listing in winter, take sunny, green-season photos in advance.
Make buyers feel good before they even walk in the door.
Bottom Line
Selling a home in Denver doesn’t have to be stressful—but it does need to be strategic.
Avoid these 5 mistakes and you’ll be on track to maximize your sale price and avoid the regret that comes from sitting on the market too long.
Thinking about selling soon?
Let’s talk. I’ve got a proven plan to help you get the most out of your home—and walk away with more in your pocket.
