Real estate can be somewhat overwhelming if you’re not prepared. Don’t go it alone regardless of whether you’ve done it before or not. Whether you are a Buyer, Seller, or Investor, there is always new information to learn and market data to review. In this way you are strategic, prepared, and effective.
Click BOOK NOW to get your questions answered, or at least figured out! With education comes confidence. So let’s get started! :)
SEE BELOW FOR RECENT VIDEOS FOR BUYERS, SELLERS, and RESEARCH.
Buyers: Is now a good time to buy in Highlands Ranch?
Highlands Ranch: The Real Cost of Waiting
Expert Insights from 26 Years in Colorado Real Estate
Purchase Price: $540,000
Down Payment (20%): $108,000
Loan Amount: $432,000 (30-Year Fixed)
The "1/8 Percent" Breakdown
See how small fluctuations impact your monthly Principal & Interest (P&I) payment:
Interest Rate Monthly P&I Monthly Difference
6.2500 $2,660 Save $71/mo
6.3750 $2,696 Save $35/mo
6.500% (Baseline) $2,731 Target Payment
6.6250 $2,766 Cost +$35/mo
6.7500 $2,802 Cost +$71/mo
Why the "20% Down" Strategy Wins at $540k
The $2,700 Anchor: By putting 20% down, you keep your principal and interest payment in the $2,700 range. In many parts of Highlands Ranch, this is comparable to (or even less than) the cost of renting a similar-sized home. (Please understand that I have left out Taxes and Insurance in this example).
Instant Equity Shield: You are walking into the closing with $108,000 in equity. In my 26 years of experience, this "equity cushion" is the best defense against market volatility.
The "Cost of Delay" Math: If you wait 6 months for rates to drop by 0.5%, but home prices in this entry-level Highlands Ranch bracket rise by just 3% due to increased demand, the house now costs $556,200. Your "cheaper" rate on a higher loan amount actually results in a similar payment—but you’ve lost the $16,200 in appreciation you would have gained by owning it now.
No PMI: You are saving approximately $120–$180 per month by avoiding Private Mortgage Insurance—savings that stay in your pocket regardless of what interest rates do.
Expert Perspective: At $540,000, you are looking at one of the most competitive price points in the Denver metro area. When rates dip, this is the first bracket to see multiple offers and 'over-asking' prices. Buying now at 6.5% allows you to negotiate on your terms, not the seller's.
So, is now a good time to buy in Highlands Ranch? Yes, it is. What do you think?
Jason Zisk, Independent Broker, Realtor®, Freedom Team with eXp realty
720-403-2770 | www.highlandsranchrealtor.co (dot CO for COLORADO!)
