Opening Doors|October 2026

Market Update: A Market Finding Its Footing

The Denver Metro market continues to shift toward balance. Prices remain stable, but buyers are becoming more selective, and sellers are learning that condition, pricing accuracy, and presentation matter more than ever. Inventory has leveled off but remains far higher than the frenzied years of 2021–2022, giving buyers more breathing room and negotiation leverage.

Denver Metro Snapshot

Median Home Price: $594,495

Homes Sold: 3,068

Median Days on Market: 27 Days

Active Listings: 13,080

Pending Sales: 3,332

Rate Talk: Fall Brings Cooler Weather, Not Cooler Rates

Mortgage rates continue to hover in the mid 7% range, with the average 30-year fixed sitting around 7.44-7.51% as of today, per Mortgage Research. Economists point to several factors keeping rates elevated including high government debt, AI-driven economic expansion, and rising trade barriers pushing up costs.

The Federal Reserve's September rate hike also added upward pressure, signaling that inflation isn't cooling as quickly as hoped. Most experts suggest no dramatic drop in the near term, instead more of a slow easing as inflation cools down.

Mortgage Tip: Why Your Debt‑to‑Income Ratio Matters

Most buyers obsess over their credit score, but the truth is that your Debt‑to‑Income Ratio (DTI) is often the real deal‑maker or deal‑breaker.

What is DTI? How much of your monthly income goes toward debt. Lenders use it to decide how much home you can actually afford and typically look for a DTI below 43-50%.

How can you improve your DTI?

Pay down credit cards
Avoid new loans while home shopping
Ask your lender to run payment scenarios

Program Spotlight: Temporary Buydowns

We are seeing more sellers offering concessions — and one of the smartest ways to use them is with a temporary buydown. A 2‑1 or 1‑0 buydown can reduce your interest rate for the first one to two years, lowering your monthly payment while you settle into your new home.

2-1 Buydown: Let's take an example of a home purchased for $500K, assuming the rate of 7.5% today.

In year one, the interest rate = 5.5%, saving ~$600/mo

In year two, the interest rate = 6.5%, saving ~$300/mo

Using the 2-1 buydown in this scenario saves our borrower over $10,000 in the first two years of homeownership, and the best part is that this was used all through seller-paid concessions. Reach out today if you or any of your clients could benefit from a buydown.

Staying Connected

Oct 13

First-Time Homebuyer Roadmap

Are you thinking about buying your first home? In the First-Time Homebuyer Roadmap, I'll walk through the homebuying process from start to finish.

I'll be discussing credit, down payment options, common homebuying myths and, and more! Whether you're planning to buy this year or just beginning to explore your options, this session will help you be more informed about the homebuying process.

Presented by Michael Campbell, Licensed MLO with Independent Mortgage Brokers.

Have questions about buying, refinancing, or simply want a second opinion on a financing scenario? I'm always happy to be a resource!

Your mortgage broker,