Denver Real Estate Is Waking Up. Here Is What January Really Told Us
A Quick Reminder Before We Dive In
Market stats always reflect the previous month. We are looking at what actually happened during that previous month in the Denver real estate market. With a shift in dynamics, note that the closing period in Denver’s market is around 30 days. Pending homes turn to sales the next month.
And January came in hot (like the weather).
The Data Looked Chaotic at First Glance
Active listings climbed. New listings jumped. Inventory rose. Closed deals dropped!? Days on market stretched out.
If you are buying or selling in Denver, that mix can look confusing. It reads like a market that cannot decide what story it wants to tell.
But the data never tells the full story.
What We Saw on the Ground Was Very Different
What we’re seeing on the ground is a very different dynamic. New listings are getting scooped up fast. We’ve watched multiple homes hit the market and immediately draw strong interest. That happened across price points, from modest homes to luxury.
The most intense pressure sits in the remodeled 700k to 900k range.
If you are selling in that band, price cleanly to the comps. Protect yourself on the appraisal side. That is the strategic move.
If you are buying, understand that updated homes are commanding a premium. With our remodeling background, we know what those updates actually cost. When the value is real, we will walk you through the cost benefit so you are not paying for cosmetic fluff.
Source: Market data sourced from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors, January 2026 Market Trends Report.
Is This Normal for Denver Real Estate?
Yes! This is the classic ramp into spring. The slope of the curve for our of new listings in January matches the same early year acceleration we have seen for the last few years. Pending sales are following the same pattern.
The one odd piece is days on market. So is that a pile of stale leftovers or the start of a shift in 2026? Too early to call.
What we do know is this. Buyers are avoiding anything that has been sitting. More than 100 days on the market, it better have a deep discount. The new, well priced, quality homes are moving quickly.
With the number of buyers we help, we usually feel these changes before the charts reflect them. RealGroup gives our clients an edge.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers in 2026
Looking back at last month’s data drop, this lines up with what we expected. A stronger buying season ahead. Better product coming online. Anticipating a gradual taper into fall.
If you are relocating to Denver, get your boots on the ground. The good homes will not wait for a weekend flight. This is exactly why our rent-before-you-buy model exists. It gives you time to learn the city, feel the neighborhoods, and move when the right home shows up.
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