Mile High Home Group – Welcome to Denver

In today’s Colorado housing market, selling as-is often makes more sense than renovating for most sellers, especially if repairs exceed $20,000–$30,000, because buyers expect turnkey homes but negotiate hard on disclosed issues, and your time-to-close plus carrying costs can erase ROI in a balanced market with steady inventory. As Lead Broker of Mile High Home Group at RE/MAX Professionals, I run these numbers with sellers weekly across Denver real estate, weighing net proceeds from cosmetic flips against as-is speed in areas like Highlands Ranch real estate and Littleton real estate. After guiding clients through thousands of transactions, the math favors disclosure and negotiation over demo day for 80% of homes.

Renovate only if minor updates yield clear premiums in your neighborhood—otherwise, price to comps, pre-inspect, and let buyers customize.

Market Realities: Buyers Want Value, Not Projects

Denver metro sits at 3–4 months supply with 40–50 days on market—buyers shop selectively, passing big fixer-uppers for updated comps. As-is works when priced 5–10% below renovated peers, attracting investors or DIY families.

In Highlands Ranch real estate, Douglas County school appeal draws turnkey seekers—dated kitchens add 15–20 DOM. Littleton real estate favors historic charm; over-renovate, and you price out walk-to-downtown buyers.

Carrying costs kill: $3,000–$5,000/month (mortgage, HOA, utilities) during 2–3 month renos erodes gains.

When Renovation Pays Off: Low-Cost, High-Impact Updates

Target 5–10% ROI projects under $15,000:

• Kitchen refresh: Quartz counters, hardware, paint ($8K–$12K)—lifts $20K–$30K value.
• Curb appeal: Landscape, paint exterior ($5K)—first impressions boost showings 25%.
• Neutral staging: $3K–$5K recoups 3x in faster sales.

Arvada mid-centuries shine with $290/sq ft post-popcorn-ceiling removal. Castle Rock views pop with deck refreshes.

Rule: If update costs <6% sale price and neighborhood comps justify, do it. Otherwise, pass.

The As-Is Advantage: Speed and Simplicity

Disclose via pre-inspection ($600–$1,000)—buyers appreciate transparency, negotiate targeted credits (2–4% total).

• Closes 20–30 days faster.
• No contractor hassles, permits.
• Appeals to cash buyers (25% market share), investors.

In Lakewood or Englewood, as-is ranches sell to flippers at solid nets. HOA communities like Centennial disclose reserves upfront—avoids surprises.

Practical: Price 3–5% below renovated comps; offer 1–2% concessions for repairs.

ROI Math: Neighborhood-Specific Breakdown

Run your numbers:

• Highlands Ranch real estate: Renovate kitchens for families ($25K cost, $40K uplift); as-is if roof/HVAC flags.
• Littleton real estate: Historic tolerance—paint/staging over full gut.
• Arvada/Golden/Lakewood: Foothill buyers want views; minor exteriors.
• Aurora/Centennial/Englewood/Castle Rock: Schools buffer dated interiors.

Comps rule: Compare renovated solds vs. as-is in your subdivision/HOA.

Risks of Each Path

Renovate pitfalls:

• Over-improve (granite in $500K hood).
• Delays push into high-inventory summer.
• Trends date fast (2026 neutrals shift).

As-is pitfalls:

• Lowball investors.
• Inspection escalations if undisclosed.

Mitigate: Custom CMA, net sheet comparison.

My Hands-On Decision Framework

Concierge starts with walk-through: Identify $10K wins vs. $50K sinks. Relentless vendor coordination if renovating; transparent disclosure if as-is.

Over 15+ years through cycles, integrity wins: Honest ROI projections, school/HOA deep-dives. Clients become friends via negotiation coaching, stress-free closes.

In stable Colorado market, as-is + strategy nets most sellers strongest—renovate surgically.

If you’re weighing renovate vs. sell in Denver metro, let’s crunch your comps. Visit www.MileHighHomeGroup.net or reach out at 720-401-2711. I’m here for straightforward guidance, no pressure—your best path forward.