Buying a home in Denver typically takes 45-60 days from accepted offer to closing—pre-approval adds 1-2 weeks upfront, with inspections, appraisals, and title work pacing the rest in the steady Colorado housing market.
Timeline Breakdown by Stage
After 15+ years in Denver real estate and thousands of transactions, I’ve streamlined processes for clients through every step. Start with pre-approval (3-7 days via lenders)—shop rates under 6.5% for $600K medians. Finding/running comps in Highlands Ranch villages or Littleton bungalows: 2-4 weeks amid 20-40 day markets. Offer to acceptance: 1-3 days, multiple bids in school zones like Mountain Vista. Under contract: 10-day option period for inspections ($500-$800); appraisal (7-10 days, $600); loan underwriting (14-21 days). Title cure and closing: 3-5 days. Total 45 days standard, 30 in hot pockets, 90 if repairs delay.
HOA approvals in Highlands Ranch real estate add 7-10 days ($150-$400 fees reviewed).
Factors Speeding or Slowing Denver Deals
Peak spring/summer shaves weeks with motivated sellers; off-season stretches for negotiations. Highlands Ranch trailside ranches near rec centers close faster (40 days) than fixer Littleton historic (55 days). Lender overlays, low appraisals (5% risk), or repair credits pause timelines—DTI under 45% and 680+ credit accelerate. Compared to core Denver real estate condos (faster HOA), suburbs layer school verifications. Market cycles quicken low-inventory runs, ease balanced phases.
Cash buys hit 14-21 days.
Practical Advice for Buyers and Sellers
| Stage | Typical Days | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Approval | 3-7 | Multiple lenders |
| Search/Offer | 14-28 | School-zone focus |
| Contract to Close | 30-45 | Quick inspections |
Buyers, pre-approve now—align inspections Day 3, request 3% seller credits; budget extensions. Target East Highlands Ranch for speed.
Sellers, accept verified offers—prep HOA docs, offer 2% concessions for 45-day closes.
My hands-on, concierge-level service maps timelines block-by-block, weighs school/HOA fits through market cycles, builds pricing from local sales, and negotiates relentlessly for on-time handoffs. Clients are long-term relationships and friends, not transactions—integrity, honesty, transparency, and relentless work ethic keep it moving.
If Denver homebuying timelines fit your plans—Littleton real estate, Highlands Ranch specifics—reach out anytime. I’m here for a no-pressure conversation and honest guidance tailored to the Colorado housing market.
Mile High Home Group - Welcome to Denver 
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