Mile High Home Group – Welcome to Denver

How Do I Win a Bidding War in Denver?

To win a bidding war in Denver, submit a clean, high offer 5-10% over list with waived appraisal gap coverage, escalate clauses, and seller-paid concessions—paired with a strong pre-approval and flexible close date to stand out in the fast-paced Colorado housing market.

Strategies That Close Deals

After 15+ years in Denver real estate and thousands of transactions, I’ve coached buyers through bidding wars by crafting offers that minimize seller risk. Pre-approval from a local lender (not online) proves seriousness—aim for 20%+ down to waive PMI and show strength. Waive the 10-day option period partially or fully in hot markets, but keep financing for 21 days. Escalate clauses auto-bid up to a cap (e.g., $50K over highest), beating competitors automatically. Offer $10K-$20K extra earnest (1-3%) and quick 30-day closes. Seller concessions (2-4% for rate buydowns) sweeten without net loss.

Personal letters connect emotionally, but disclosures rule.

Denver-Specific Tactics

Highlands Ranch real estate near Mountain Vista schools sees wars on $700K+ family homes—HOA approvals ($150-$400, 7 days) favor flexible buyers. Littleton bungalows under $600K draw first-timers; bid 7-10% over comps with sewer scope waivers. Core Denver condos prioritize HOA votes—offer to cover transfers. Market cycles peak spring (20-30 day sales), easing winters; Douglas County comps demand precise pricing. Compared to Littleton flexibility, Highlands Ranch needs school proof upfront. In balanced phases, 3-5 bids common—beat with cash-like terms.

Local knowledge trumps nationals.

Practical Advice for Buyers and Sellers

Bid Booster	Impact	Risk
Escalate Clause	Auto-wins	Set firm cap
Waive Option	Speed appeal	Inspection blind
Rate Buydown Offer	Seller win	2-3% cost

Buyers, analyze 3 months comps—get lender rate sheets Day 1, cap escalates at max budget, inspect pre-offer if possible; walk if overpriced.

Sellers, set realistic lists 5% under value—require proof of funds, pick largest earnest with fewest contingencies.

My hands-on, concierge-level service scouts off-markets block-by-block, weighs school/HOA fits through market cycles, builds pricing from local sales, and negotiates relentlessly to secure wins. Clients are long-term relationships and friends, not transactions—integrity, honesty, transparency, and relentless work ethic turn wars into homes.

If bidding war tips sharpen your Denver real estate hunt—Littleton, Highlands Ranch edges—reach out anytime. I’m here for a no-pressure conversation and honest guidance tailored to the Colorado housing market.