Mile High Home Group – Welcome to Denver

To comfortably afford a median Denver home in 2026 (~$575,000 at 6.25% rates), buyers need $115,000-$140,000 annual household income, assuming 20% down, 43% DTI max, and solid credit—leaving room for Colorado’s high property taxes and living costs in a balanced market. 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 crunched these numbers for clients buying Littleton real estate family homes and Highlands Ranch starters, where local factors like HOAs shape realistic thresholds.

Breaking Down the Math

A $575K purchase with 20% down ($115K) yields a $460K loan at 6.25%—principal/interest ~$2,840/month. Add 1.1% property taxes ($525), $400 insurance/HOA, for $3,765 PITI. At 43% DTI, back into $105K gross income minimum; real lenders target 36% ($125K) for buffers. FHA stretches to $95K with 3.5% down but caps concessions. In Colorado housing market’s 3-4 months inventory, dual incomes hit $130K comfortably, covering $3K/month payments plus $1.5K lifestyle.

Littleton real estate adds school appeal but metro taxes (~$6K/year); Highlands Ranch HOAs run $350+.

Income vs. Home Price Table

Income Level	Affordable Price	Monthly PITI	Notes
$100K	$425K	$2,600	FHA/townhome
$120K	$525K	$3,300	Conventional starter
$140K+	$600K+	$3,800	Family single-family
$200K Dual	$750K	$4,700	Highlands Ranch luxury

Denver-Specific Adjustments

Factor 25% higher costs than national: groceries/utilities push DTI tight. Suburbs ease: Littleton real estate medians $550K need $110K; Highlands Ranch $625K demands $135K for HOA stability. Job hubs near DTC support tech salaries averaging $130K. Gig workers qualify via 12-month bank statements at 10% higher rates. 2026 forecasts: slight rate dips aid $5K income relief, but 3-5% appreciation offsets.

Practical Steps to Qualify

Save 5-10% beyond down for reserves (6 months PITI). Boost via side hustles—lenders average last two years. Co-sign with family if near threshold; avoid debt spikes pre-prequal. Shop three lenders: credit unions beat big banks by 0.25%. Time Q1 for concessions covering 2% buydowns. In Colorado real estate laws, use 3-day objection for tax reassessments. I’ve prepped dozens this way, turning borderline clients into homeowners and friends through honest math.

Run personalized scenarios; dual incomes stretch furthest in balanced supply.

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