Mile High Home Group – Welcome to Denver

Put down 5-10% on a Denver home for most buyers—$30,000-$60,000 on a $600,000 median—to balance equity, skip high PMI, and stay liquid, though 3% works for first-timers and 20% suits cash-rich families in the Colorado housing market.

Down Payment Strategy by Buyer Type

After 15+ years in Denver real estate and thousands of transactions, I’ve advised clients to match down payments to goals amid rising medians. First-timers target 3-5% ($18,000-$30,000 on $600K) via conventional or FHA loans (620+ credit), avoiding overstretch—PMI at 0.5-1% adds $150/month until 20% equity. Families in Highlands Ranch real estate ($700K ranches) opt 10% ($70,000) for school-zone stability near Mountain Vista, blending CHFA grants. Cash buyers hit 20% ($120,000) to dodge insurance entirely, ideal for Littleton bungalows with HOAs ($150-$400).

Less than 5% risks DTI strain; over 20% ties up reserves.

Local Costs and Rate Impacts

Denver closing runs $12,000-$25,000 (2-4%), taxes 0.6% ($3,600/year), reserves 2-6 months PITI ($7,000-$20,000 at 6.5%). A 680+ score at 5% down nets 6.25% rates versus 7% at 3%—$250 monthly savings. Highlands Ranch villages demand buffer for fees; Littleton edges negotiate seller credits. In market cycles, low down preserves cash for renos as values rise 4-6%, outpacing core Denver real estate volatility.

20% accelerates payoff but slows diversification.

Practical Advice for Buyers and Sellers

Down %	Upfront on $600K	Monthly Savings	Best For
3-5%	$18K-$30K	PMI hit	First-timers
10%	$60K	Lower PMI	Highlands families
20%	$120K	No PMI	Cash reserves

Buyers, calculate PITI under 28% income—save 5-10%, pre-approve via CHFA lenders; negotiate 3% concessions. Test Littleton walks, Highlands Ranch trails.

Sellers, favor 5-10% down buyers—offer credits, highlight school comps for quick closes.

My hands-on, concierge-level service tailors down strategies block-by-block, weighs school/HOA fits through market cycles, builds pricing from local sales, and negotiates relentlessly for balanced buys. Clients are long-term relationships and friends, not transactions—integrity, honesty, transparency, and relentless work ethic optimize your down payment.

If down payment sizing fits your Denver real estate plans—Littleton, Highlands Ranch specifics—reach out anytime. I’m here for a no-pressure conversation and honest guidance tailored to the Colorado housing market.