June 2024 Real Estate Newsletter

Denver Home Insurance Rates on the Rise: Strategies for Mitigating Costs

As home insurance rates continue to rise across Colorado, homeowners in the Denver area are facing increasing financial burdens. According to a recent report by The Denver Post, insurance premiums have surged by as much as 30% to more than 130% in just the past few years. Factors such as severe weather events and rising construction costs contribute to the upward trend in insurance rates, placing added strain on homeowners already grappling with the challenges of a competitive real estate market.

The surge in home insurance rates underscores the importance for Denver residents to carefully review their insurance policies and explore ways to mitigate costs. As premiums continue to climb, homeowners may consider reassessing coverage levels and seeking out potential discounts or bundling options offered by insurance providers. Additionally, investing in home improvements and implementing preventative measures against common risks such as wildfires and hailstorms can help mitigate insurance risks and potentially lower premiums over time.

Despite the challenges posed by rising insurance rates, proactive measures can help Denver homeowners navigate the evolving landscape of home insurance. By staying informed about industry trends and exploring options for cost-saving strategies, homeowners can better protect their properties and financial well-being in the face of escalating insurance costs.

Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating Denver's Summer Real Estate Landscape

With Summer swiftly approaching, patience remains key in maneuvering the Denver metro real estate market. Denver's real estate market is normalizing but continues to face persistent affordability challenges. This presents opportunities for serious buyers and sellers to negotiate favorable deals in the second half of the year. Following the long-standing trend, it's crucial for sellers to thoroughly prepare their home for the market if they want to sell it quickly and for the highest possible price. Buyers should take their time selecting the right home, a process that should be easier now with more inventory available than in recent years.

As everyone waits for mortgage rates to adjust downward, we continue to manage the market at seven percent interest rates. Last month, new listings increased by 16.51 percent month-over-month and 33.88 percent year-over-year to 6,966. Pending sales saw a slight uptick of 1.94 percent month-over-month with 4,265 properties, while closed sales rose by 5.72 percent to 4,198. Median close prices fell marginally month-over-month by 0.41 percent.

The most notable gain in May was in active listings at month-end, which increased by 31.03 percent month-over-month (surpassing the previous record of 26.8 percent in 2019), 75.19 percent year-over-year, and an astonishing 150.79 percent compared to this time in 2022. For perspective, average active listings for May are 14,895 (1985-2023). The record-high for May was set in 2006 with 30,457 listings, while the record-low was set in 2021 with 2,075 listings. The historical average increase in active listings from April to May is 7.48 percent.

Many experts predicted inventory to remain steady throughout 2024, provided there wasn't a significant drop in mortgage rates. They believed homeowners would opt to keep their low mortgage payments due to the sub-four percent interest rates available during the pandemic years, rather than selling their homes. Additionally, it was predicted that sellers entering the market would be driven by significant life changes, falling into the "need to move" category. However, recent trends have shown a departure from these predictions, as sellers are actively entering the market for various reasons. With Denver homeowners holding an average of $250,000 in tappable equity, many are seizing opportunities such as the 1031 Exchange. Overall, these savvy consumers recognize real estate as a stable investment.

Info For Sellers:

As active inventory continues to grow, it remains imperative for sellers to take the time to prepare their homes for the market. Those who take their real estate agent’s advice have found themselves moving to the closing table more quickly than their neighbors who have not put the time and energy into getting their homes ready to list.

Info For Buyers:

Opportunities are available in the Denver market for determined buyers. The months of inventory have expanded to 2.18 market-wide, marking a 16.58 percent increase month-over-month. This growth provides buyers with ample choices, offering a wider selection of properties to view before making an offer. Moreover, consumers have grown accustomed to quick real estate transactions in recent years. As a result, sellers are increasingly open to considering price adjustments or negotiating with buyers early on to expedite the sale process.

Are you prepared to confidently maneuver through the ever-changing Denver real estate market? Whether you're buying, selling, or both, it's time to team up with an experienced real estate agent! Don't let market uncertainties deter you—seize the opportunity now and engage the knowledge of a reliable real estate professional to assist you at every stage of your home selling or buying process!