Our 30-Day Plan To List and Sell in Denver

Want to sell your Denver home in about 30 days? With the right plan, you can list quickly, attract strong offers, and move to closing with fewer surprises. You may be juggling timing, repairs, and where you’ll go next, so a clear sequence matters. In this guide, you’ll get a step-by-step, Denver-specific timeline that covers prep, pricing, marketing, and Colorado disclosures so you can sell with confidence. Let’s dive in.

Denver market check first

Before you set price or timing, review the latest local data. Key metrics include median price, active inventory, months of supply, days on market, and sale-to-list price.

• Scan the latest monthly report from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors for Denver County trends.
• Confirm neighborhood-level activity and recent sales through REcolorado.

Use these indicators to set expectations:

• Seller’s market: Low inventory and low days on market. Be ready for offer review strategy and potential appraisal gap planning.
• Balanced market: Price precisely to market and lean on strong marketing to hit a 30-day goal.
• Buyer’s market: Expect more showings-to-offer time. Consider pricing incentives or targeting cash buyers.

Seasonality matters in Denver. Spring is typically the busiest. Winter can be slower, and snow or ice can impact curb appeal and showings.

Your 30-day plan at a glance

• Week 0: Decide to sell and hire your listing agent. Gather documents.
• Week 1: Prep and disclosures. Knock out quick repairs and staging.
• Week 2: Photos, 3D tour, pricing strategy, and listing logistics.
• Day 15: Go live in REcolorado MLS. Maximize first-week exposure.
• Days 16–30: Showings, offers, inspections, appraisal, and contract management.

Week 0: Decide and hire

Set the foundation so your first week moves fast.

• Interview and hire a local Denver listing agent experienced with REcolorado and your neighborhood. Review commission, marketing plan, and timeline.
• Ask for a comparative market analysis with recent nearby sales and a pricing band strategy.
• Gather documents: deed, mortgage info, prior inspections, permits and receipts, utility bills, property tax details, and HOA contacts or statements.

Week 1: Prep and disclosures

Front-load the legal and visual prep to avoid delays after you list.

• Complete Colorado’s Seller’s Property Disclosure. Your agent will supply the state-approved form. You can review approved contracts and forms through the Colorado Division of Real Estate.
• If your home was built before 1978, provide the required federal lead-based paint disclosure and any reports.
• Consider a pre-list inspection to surface issues early and streamline negotiations.
• Tackle high-impact touch-ups: leak fixes, lightbulbs, caulk, paint, minor hardware repairs, and curb appeal.
• Declutter, deep clean, and stage key rooms. Professional or virtual staging can shorten days on market.
• If you are in an HOA, request the resale packet early to avoid delays.

Week 2: Marketing and logistics

Create premium marketing assets and lock in your pricing play.

• Hire a professional photographer. If budget allows, add a 3D tour and drone exteriors where appropriate.
• Finalize staging and complete the photoshoot. Provide a feature list that highlights upgrades and location benefits.
• Set your list price strategy using current DMAR and REcolorado data. Decide whether to set an offer review date.
• Order a preliminary title commitment if available to catch liens or easements early.
• Decide on any seller concessions or a home warranty so your terms are clear at launch.

Day 15: Go live

Maximize exposure in the first week on market.

• Publish your listing in REcolorado MLS with complete, accurate details and an organized photo set. Enable syndication for broader visibility.
• Schedule a broker open house to reach the agent community early in week one.
• Set showing windows and use a lockbox system for easy access. Be prepared for same-day showings in active segments.

Days 16–30: Showings to contract

Turn interest into the right offer and keep the contract on schedule.

• Collect feedback and review offers based on price, contingencies, timing, and proof of funds or pre-approval.
• If multiple offers are likely, communicate a clear offer review date and terms.
• Once under contract, the buyer’s inspection period typically runs about 7 to 10 days based on contract terms. Use your pre-list inspection to respond quickly.
• Appraisal is ordered for financed buyers. Prepare for appraisal gap conversations if prices are rising faster than comps.
• Coordinate closely with title, the buyer’s lender, and both agents to track every deadline.

Contract to close in Denver

Timing depends on financing and clean title.

• Typical financed closings take about 30 to 45 days after acceptance. Cash deals can close in 7 to 14 days if title is clear.
• Earnest money is usually held by a title company or escrow agent per the contract.
• Expect to prorate property taxes at closing based on local practices. Your title company will guide the calculations and documents.
• Plan your move-out and final walk-through timing so the home is ready for delivery of possession per the contract.

Price to sell in 30 days

Use current local metrics to set a price that aligns with your goal.

• Fast-rising, low-inventory areas: Consider pricing at or just below market to attract competing offers and shorten days on market.
• Balanced conditions: Price right in the market range and focus on superior presentation and visibility.
• Slower segments: Use competitive pricing plus incentives, such as a credit toward buyer closing costs, to stand out.

Budget: common costs and estimates

Every home is different, but here are typical seller-side items to plan for.

• Pre-list costs (estimates): photography and 3D tour 150 to 600 dollars, staging 300 to 2,500 dollars, minor repairs 200 to 5,000 dollars, pre-list inspection 300 to 600 dollars, HOA packet 0 to 400 dollars depending on the association.
• Commission: Total commission varies by market and is negotiable. Confirm the structure and inclusions with your agent.
• Closing costs: Title and escrow fees, prorated taxes, any transaction fees, HOA transfer or payoff charges, and any seller concessions agreed in the contract.

Avoid common speed bumps

Plan ahead so your 30-day target stays intact.

• Title issues: Order title work early to find and clear liens or document gaps.
• Appraisal gaps: Price to market and consider gap language during negotiation if multiple offers push the price.
• Inspection surprises: Pre-list inspections reduce last-minute repairs. Be ready to offer a credit instead of complex fixes when time is tight.
• HOA delays: Request the resale packet in Week 1 to avoid missed deadlines.
• Lender slowdowns: Encourage buyers to use a strong local pre-approval. Confirm appraisal and underwriting timelines in the offer.

Compliance checklist for Colorado sellers

• Complete the Colorado Seller’s Property Disclosure and provide it promptly. See the Colorado Division of Real Estate forms.
• Provide the lead-based paint disclosure for pre-1978 homes and any related reports.
• Supply HOA governing documents and resale certificate if applicable.
• Use standard Colorado contract forms as provided by your brokerage or industry associations.
• Deposit earnest money per contract with the agreed title or escrow holder.
• Confirm property tax info and any local ordinances that could affect the sale with the City and County of Denver.

Quick showings checklist

• Leave lights on and blinds adjusted for natural light.
• Secure valuables, prescriptions, and sensitive documents.
• Empty trash, neutralize odors, and tidy surfaces.
• Make the entry spotless and sidewalks safe in winter.
• Be out during showings so buyers can speak freely.

Ready to move fast?

If you want tight execution, you need a team with capacity, neighborhood expertise, and premium marketing. Our coordinated 30-day plan helps you prep, price, launch, and negotiate with confidence. To map this timeline to your property and your neighborhood’s data, connect with The Real Estate Experts of Denver.

FAQs

How fast can a Denver home realistically close?

• Typical lender-financed closings run about 30 to 45 days after contract acceptance. Cash deals can often close in 7 to 14 days if title is clear and documents are ready.

Should I get a pre-list inspection before selling in Denver?

• Yes if speed matters. A pre-list inspection can surface issues early, reduce repair negotiations, and shorten the buyer’s inspection window once under contract.

What Colorado disclosures do sellers need to provide?

• Provide the state-approved Seller’s Property Disclosure and, for pre-1978 homes, the federal lead-based paint disclosure. See the Colorado Division of Real Estate forms and the EPA lead disclosure overview.

Do I need to be present for showings when my home is listed?

• No. It is usually best to be away so buyers can view freely. Make sure the home is show-ready and secure valuables.

Who pays for HOA resale documents in Denver home sales?

• Sellers commonly pay for the HOA resale packet, but practices can vary. Confirm costs with your HOA and review the purchase contract terms.

How should I price my home to sell in about 30 days?

• Use current DMAR and REcolorado data and a fresh CMA to price at market. In fast segments, slight underpricing can draw more offers. In balanced segments, precise market pricing plus strong marketing is best.