Mile High Home Group – Welcome to Denver

The hidden inventory cycle most Colorado sellers miss is the predictable surge of listings from late February through June, when families and relocators flood the market post-winter lull, overwhelming buyer attention and extending days on market from 30 to 50+ in a balanced Denver real estate environment. As Lead Broker of Mile High Home Group at RE/MAX Professionals, I track this pattern yearly across Highlands Ranch real estate, Littleton real estate, and west suburbs like Arvada—sellers holding for “spring demand” list into competition peaks, watching showings drop while holding $3,000–$5,000 monthly costs. After guiding clients through thousands of transactions, beating this cycle means launching late January or early February, when supply dips and serious buyers hunt.

Visibility wins—time your listing to own the low-inventory window.

The Cycle Breakdown: Winter Dip to Spring Flood

Denver metro inventory bottoms out December–January (1.5–2 months supply), then climbs 40–50% by May as sellers emerge from holidays and school planning.

Phases sellers overlook:

• December–January: Low listings (down 30%), motivated relos/investors—25–35 DOM.
• February–March: Supply ticks up, demand ramps—prime 30–40 DOM.
• April–June: Peak flood (3.5–4.5 months supply)—50–65 DOM, pickier buyers.

Highlands Ranch real estate families wait post-Douglas County spring break, hitting June crowds. Littleton real estate walkability suffers less, but staging battles intensify.

Why Sellers Blindside Themselves

Common traps:

• “Spring frenzy” nostalgia ignores balanced market reality.
• Rate speculation delays amid carrying costs.
• School denial—kids disrupt summer moves.

Arvada value hunters act winter; Castle Rock acreage relos snag foothill quiet.

Inventory data (DMAR trends): Actives double March–May, diluting each listing’s showings 25%.

Spotting Your Neighborhood’s Cycle

Local rhythms vary:

• Highlands Ranch real estate: HOA families peak pre-May schools—list January.
• Littleton real estate: Steady light rail draw; anytime, but February beats historic rush.
• Arvada/Lakewood/Golden: Foothills winter views pop—low competition.
• Centennial/Aurora/Englewood/Castle Rock: Cherry Creek timing; early beats builds.

HOAs ($250–$450/month) amplify: Pools/trails shine pre-summer.

Track weekly: Zip absorption rates <2 months = green light.

Beat the Cycle: Seller Action Plan

1. Monitor now: Check actives/solds in subdivision/HOA.
2. Prep 6–8 weeks: Pre-inspect ($600–$1K), stage neutrals.
3. Price to comps: 98% 60-day solds—sparks offers.
4. Launch low-supply: Late Jan/mid-Feb mid-week.
5. Concessions ready: 2% credits close fast.

Hands-on concierge: Custom cycle maps, stager coordination, daily stats. Relentless feedback pivots pricing/marketing.

Over 15+ years through booms/balances, integrity rules: Transparent windows, no hype. Clients become friends via school/HOA deep-dives, negotiation coaching.

Consequences of Missing It

Late-cycle listings:

• 20–30 extra DOM.
• 2–4% concessions pressure.
• $10K+ carrying losses.

Winter beats: Stronger offers, tax perks.

In stable Colorado market, cycles reward foresight—don’t join the flood.

If your Denver metro home needs timing, let’s chart the cycle. Visit www.MileHighHomeGroup.net or reach out at 720-401-2711. I’m here for honest, no-pressure plans—spot your window together.