Mile High Home Group – Welcome to Denver

House hacking—buying a multi-unit property, living in one unit, and renting the others—works exceptionally well in Colorado for first-time buyers building equity while covering mortgage costs, especially in Denver’s metro with strong rental demand. With 15+ years in Denver real estate and thousands of transactions, I’ve helped clients house hack duplexes in Littleton real estate and triplexes near Highlands Ranch, turning housing expenses into wealth in the Colorado housing market.

Why House Hacking Thrives Here

Colorado’s population boom and job growth in tech, aerospace, and healthcare create reliable tenants. FHA loans allow 3.5% down on 2-4 unit properties if you occupy one unit, making entry accessible amid high home prices. Rents in Aurora average $1,800 for 2-beds, often covering payments on $500K purchases. Universities like CSU-Fort Collins and military bases in Colorado Springs ensure low vacancy.

In HOA areas like Highlands Ranch real estate, townhome-style hacks qualify, blending suburban appeal with income. Current rates around 6.5% make positive cash flow realistic after expenses.

Best Strategies and Locations

Focus on workforce housing near employment:

• Denver/Aurora: Duplexes near DIA or Anschutz—rents offset 80-100% of PITI.
• Fort Collins/Greeley: Student quads near CSU yield $2,500+ monthly.
• Colorado Springs: Military-adjacent fourplexes with stable renters.
• Littleton suburbs: Paired homes for families, lower maintenance.

Avoid overleveraging; target 1% rule (rent = 1% purchase price) post-vacancy reserves.

Practical Steps to Get Started

From guiding clients through closings:

• Get FHA pre-approved early—lenders scrutinize DTI under 43%.
• Run pro formas: project 8-10% vacancy, 10% repairs, HOA if applicable.
• House hack 1-2 years for seasoning, then move up or refi to cash-out.
• Screen tenants rigorously; Colorado’s landlord-tenant laws favor quick evictions for non-payment.
• Budget for Denver’s rental license/inspection requirements.

This builds $50K+ equity yearly while living cheaply. Many clients transition to portfolios, becoming long-term friends.

If you’d like honest guidance, market insight, or a no-pressure conversation about house hacking in your situation, reach out—I’m here. Visit www.MileHighHomeGroup.net to search properties, explore Denver, learn more about me, and connect.