Hidden Costs of Owning Your First Home in Denver
Hidden Costs of Owning Your First Home in Denver
The payment isn’t the whole payment.
Fast facts (owner impact):
30-yr fixed averaged 6.17% (week of Oct 30, 2025). Translation: slightly better payment math and a touch more inventory activity.
Denver city median sale price was ~$585K in September; typical time to sell ~46 days—solid leverage for credits and inspections.
Where first-timers get surprised:
HOAs: Budget for monthly dues plus “specials.” Read the reserve study and minutes for talk of roofs, boilers, elevators, or lawsuits. Ask who handles snow/ice on sidewalks and parking.
Property taxes: Colorado revalues in odd years (2025). Your escrow can jump if assessed value or mill levies rise. Verify the district list—not just “Denver.”
Utilities at altitude: Thin air = furnaces work differently and sometimes need adjustments; winter gas use is the big swing. Consider Xcel’s averaged-monthly-payment plan for predictable bills.
Water/sewer math: Denver Water tiers are tied to your Average Winter Consumption, and the city bases your annual sewer charge on one winter reading—keep those cold-month gallons lean.
Snow removal: Denver requires sidewalks cleared—residences within 24 hours after snow stops (businesses: 4 hours) or you risk fines. Plan for tools, melt, or a service.
Owner plays (do these today):
During inspection, price out: roof class-4 upgrade, HVAC service & filter plan, drain extensions.
Ask for seller credits first, then a 2-1 buydown, then inspection items; set a small monthly reserve for HOA/tax/utility variability.
Calendar snow rules and line up a plow/shovel plan before the first storm.
— Andy | Your Denver neighbor + data-driven Realtor®
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