As published in DMAR Market Trends, August 2025

Standing inventory is putting downward pressure on prices, and while Realtors® are often taught that “price fixes everything,” recent price drops aren’t making as much impact in this market. Many buyers are simply taking their time to sift through active listings.

Timely showing feedback is more important than ever. Providing clear, factual and constructive feedback, whether positive or negative, helps our industry stay collaborative and allows listing agents to better guide their sellers.

With hail season behind us and cooling temperatures ahead, now is a great time for sellers planning to list later in the year to pre-inspect roofs and HVAC systems, proactively address any repair items and file away the reports to share with winter buyers as MLS supplements.

Buyers today are increasingly inclined to offer significantly below asking price, regardless of a home’s days on the market. Many are citing headlines about excess inventory, extended market times and a shift toward a “buyers’ market.”

This summer, Denver had the highest share of listings with a price cut in the nation, with 36.8% of active homes experiencing at least one price cut.

Denver’s draft Downtown Area Plan outlines a 20-year vision to reshape the urban core with redesigned streets, new parks and green corridors, expanded transit and trail connections and office-to-housing conversions, all aimed at creating a more walkable, livable downtown.

Once a leader in economic expansion during the 2010s, the Denver Metro area has cooled in recent years. Job growth, retail sales and population gains are now closer to average compared to other cities, with markets like Austin and Phoenix outpacing Denver’s current trajectory.

Trader Joe’s announced two new Colorado locations: one in a mixed-use development in Platt Park and another in Northfield.

The most expensive house currently for sale in the US hit the market in Aspen last week: a 74.1-acre property listed at $300 million.

The RiNo Art District launched the RiNo Made Pop-Up program to fill vacant commercial spaces while supporting local artists. Selected artists receive a $1,500 stipend and several months of free rent, allowing them to host exhibitions and open studio hours.

Denver City Council approved a measure to abolish parking minimums citywide, giving developers more flexibility to build housing and commercial projects without required parking spaces.

A three-acre community park, an Asian-themed food hall and hundreds of new apartments and townhomes are planned for Downtown Westminster, marking the next phase of redevelopment at the former Westminster Mall site and boosting optimism for the area’s future.

Determining how many buyers are actively in the market is far from an exact science. Redfin recently shared its methodology for estimating buyer activity, which relies on complex formulas and assumptions. While useful, this high­lights the importance of working with Realtors® who are out in the field daily and have real-time insights into market behavior.

Amacon is suing a subcontractor for $10 million, alleging that the premature removal of structural supports at Upton, Denver’s largest condo project since 2009, jeopardized the building’s stability and caused delays of more than 10 weeks.

Warm Eucalyptus has been named Valspar’s 2026 Color of the Year. The soft, nature-inspired hue reflects consumers’ growing desire for comfort, nostalgia and a deeper connection to nature, offering spaces that feel both nurturing and adaptable.

According to Forbes, newly built homes are now selling for significantly less than existing homes. In June 2025, new homes sold for 9% less than existing homes, marking the eighth occurrence since May 2024. For perspective, this pricing inversion only happened twice between June 1982 and May 2024.

MORTGAGE NEWS

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has dipped to 6.56 from 6.58%, its lowest level in about 10 months, offering renewed opportunities for refinancing and homebuying. Meanwhile, 15-year fixed rates hovered near 5.69%.

As mortgage rates ease, refinancing is thawing. An estimated two million homeowners may benefit now, with that figure potentially growing to six million if rates drop to 6%. Cash-out refinances made up 59% of total refinance activity last quarter.