Mile High Home Group – Welcome to Denver

Buying in Denver beats renting long-term for most due to equity building, tax advantages, and appreciation outpacing 4-6% annual rent hikes—especially in a balanced Colorado housing market with 3-4 months inventory and concessions aiding entry. With 15+ years in Denver real estate and thousands of transactions as Lead Broker of Mile High Home Group at RE/MAX Professionals, I’ve run the numbers for clients choosing Littleton real estate ownership over apartments, where principal paydown and 4-5% yearly gains create wealth faster than landlord profits.

Renting’s Short-Term Edge

Renting skips maintenance and offers flexibility—$2,200 median for 2-beds leaves cash for savings amid 6.25% rates. No 3-day objections or HOA rules; ideal for 1-3 year stays or job uncertainty. In Highlands Ranch real estate rentals, amenities mimic ownership perks without commitment. Downsides compound: five years at $26K/year totals $130K gone, versus $100K equity in a paid-down home.

Denver’s tenant protections favor stability, but eviction caps limit investor supply.

Buying’s Long-Term Wealth Builder

A $550K median home builds $15K+ equity yearly after PITI ($3,500/month at 20% down), plus deductions saving $5K taxes. Appreciation at 4% nets $22K gains annually; refi drops payments later. Littleton real estate families lock schools; Highlands Ranch HOAs stabilize values. Break-even hits 3-5 years—beyond that, ownership wins 20-30% net worth.

Rates and concessions (2-4%) make entry feasible now.

Rent vs. Buy Table

Factor	Rent ($2,200/mo)	Buy ($550K, 20% down)
5-Year Cost	$132K	$120K (incl. equity)
Wealth Gain	$0	$100K+
Flexibility	High	Medium (sell in 2 yrs)
Maintenance	None	1% value/year
Best For	Short-term	5+ years

Denver-Specific Factors

Colorado housing market favors buyers: metro taxes ($6K/year) deduct fully, but PITI demands $120K+ income. Suburbs ease in—Littleton real estate at $525K needs less than urban condos. Inventory balance yields 3% credits; Q1 timing snags deals pre-spring rush. Practical advice: calculate 28/36 rule (housing/debt ratios); save 6 months reserves first. Rent if under 2 years horizon; buy for stability with float-down locks. I’ve converted dozens of renters to owners, fostering friendships as they celebrate first equity checks.

Ownership locks lifestyle; renting funds freedom—match to goals.

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