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If Ebenezer Scrooge were looking at the Denver real estate market update charts right now, he might be tempted to mutter a “Bah Humbug!” But if we look closely, there is a deeper story to be told about where we’ve been and where we are going.

To understand the true “boots on the ground” reality of this December, we have to visit three spirits.

The Ghost of Market Past (Last Winter)

About this time last year, there was a palpable “buzz” surrounding Denver real estate. We all felt it. There was a sense of optimism that as rates settled, the floodgates would open. We were dreaming of the frenzy of years past – fast sales, bidding wars, and easy wins. The spirit showed us a market full of hope.

The Ghost of Market Present (The April Shift)

But as the Ghost of Market Present reminds us, that buzz started to fade by April. The prophecy of “more inventory” came true, but perhaps too much of it. The market flooded with listings, yet the buyers – channeling their inner Scrooge – remained tight-fisted and cautious.

While Denver housing inventory rose, buyer demand remained flat. This created a friction point we are still feeling today: sellers who expected 2021 prices collided with buyers who were living in a 2025 reality. Homes sat longer. Price reductions became the norm. It was a haunting time for sellers who weren’t prepared for the competition.

The Ghost of Market Yet to Come (2026 Forecast)

So, what does the final spirit show us for the 2026 Denver housing market? It does not show a grave! It shows a path to balance. The spooky silence of the market is breaking.

For Sellers: The “listing flood” has taught us that aspirational pricing is dead. The future belongs to those who price correctly and present their homes perfectly.
For Buyers: The shadows show a rare window of opportunity. With inventory lingering, you currently have leverage to negotiate that hasn’t existed in Denver for years.

The Moral of the Story

We don’t need to fear the market spirits. We just need to understand them. The frenzy is gone, but a healthier, more normalized market is here.

If you are looking for a Denver real estate market update that is honest about the data, here is the bottom line: next year won’t be about speed; it will be about strategy.

God bless us (and our equity), every one.

Next year won’t be about speed; it will be about strategy.

Whether you are planning to upsize, downsize, or buy your first investment property in 2026, the best time to plan is now. Book a ‘Coffee & Strategy’ session with me. No sales pressure—just a roadmap of what to expect, timelines to watch, and how to prep your finances for the Spring market.

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Is it a good time to buy a house in Denver right now?

Yes. While interest rates are higher than in 2021, buyers currently have more negotiating power than they have had in years. You can often negotiate concessions for rate buydowns or repairs.

Will Denver home prices drop in 2026?

Most data suggests stability rather than a crash. As inventory balances out, we expect a return to normal appreciation rates rather than the volatile swings of the past.

Love your home but need a change?

Thinking about doing some updates over the winter? Before you swing the hammer, let’s chat. I can help you identify which renovations will actually increase your ‘Market Future’ value versus which ones are just for fun. Let’s make sure you don’t spend money you won’t get back.

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