Author: Matthew Walker

Lately, there’s been a noticeable shift in home values across the country: newly built homes are now selling for a median of $205 per square foot, while existing homes are at $212. For the first time in years, new construction is becoming the better value in about a third of major US markets. Builders are responding to increased competition by adjusting prices and offering more incentives—especially in areas where construction has ramped up and inventory is plentiful. If you’re considering your next move, it’s worth taking a closer look at new homes, particularly in markets where negotiating has gotten easier. As someone who bridges both real estate and construction, I see firsthand how more inventory can open up new opportunities for buyers, although it’s important to keep an eye on permitting trends, which could slow progress on affordability.

Rare 36-acre mountain retreat in Rocker 7 Ranch with unobstructed panoramic views, usable acreage, and massive equity potential. The 1,728 sq ft double-wide manufactured home is currently mid-remodel, featuring in-progress renovations intended to create two independent living areas with separate exterior entrances. Property is being sold in strictly as-is, where-is condition-bring your tools to complete the dual-suite layout or reimagine the space entirely. Due to active construction and unfinished interior systems, standard conforming FHA, VA, and conventional financing will not apply; cash, hard money, or non-conforming construction/rehab financing only. Urgent, time-sensitive sale: Property is subject to an impending Public Trustee foreclosure sale; all contracts must be structured to close on or before November 5th. Buyers and buyer's agents must verify all square footage, permit history, zoning and accessory use allowances with Park County, and existing utilities/OWTS.

Here’s a quick update on Jefferson County’s real estate market. Homes are selling at a similar pace as before, with a steady number available and being purchased. The market remains active for both buyers and sellers.

When considering homebuyer affordability in the US, it’s clear that no single factor shapes the landscape on its own. It’s the interplay between mortgage rates, steady income growth, and the pace of home-price increases that truly matters. As someone who helps clients navigate the complexities of buying, building, or renovating homes—especially here in the Colorado Mountain and Foothills region—I pay close attention to how these national trends can shape the options available to buyers. The affordability index, which compares payments to income, highlights that relief comes when mortgage rates drop, incomes rise, or home prices slow down. On the flip side, affordability slips if payments begin to outpace what buyers are earning, whether due to higher rates, bigger loans, or stagnant income. For anyone charting their course in the market, keeping an eye on these three signals—mortgage rates, income movement, and the temperature of home-price growth—can offer valuable insight into what’s ahead.

Private mountain sanctuary situated on 10.33 peaceful acres with no HOA, offering expansive Front Range seclusion just minutes from historic Idaho Springs and the I-70 corridor. This custom contemporary ranch delivers over 3,650 finished square feet across two thoughtfully planned levels, designed for seamless main-floor living and entertaining. Step into a soaring, light-filled 37-foot great room centered on a warm gas fireplace, bordered by oversized picture windows framing rugged evergreen and aspen views. The gourmet kitchen boasts knotty alder cabinetry, double convection ovens, a 6-burner gas range, walk-in pantry, custom copper prep sink, and direct walk-out access to the extensive sun deck. An adjoining dining room is warmed by a freestanding wood stove, while a dedicated, finished main-level studio/office provides the ultimate quiet work-from-home or creative haven. The main-floor primary wing serves as a private retreat, featuring its own cozy fireplace, direct deck access, dual closets, and an en suite 5-piece bath complete with a deep soaking tub, walk-in shower, and double vanity. Downstairs, the finished walk-out lower level features 10-foot ceilings, an expansive family room anchored by a stone fireplace, two generous secondary bedrooms, a designer 3/4 bath with stone vessel sinks, and a dedicated utility/cistern room with extra storage. Outside, an attached 2-car insulated garage, private well, and a fenced dog run surrounded by gentle terrain with frequent elk and deer sightings. Easy year-round access to Denver, backcountry trails, and world-class skiing.

Many buyers are hoping that waiting out the market will lead to a better deal. But with higher borrowing costs, holding off can actually increase your monthly payments if rates stay elevated. In our Colorado Mountain and Foothills communities, I’ve seen firsthand that home prices aren’t dropping quickly enough to balance out these higher financing costs. So, waiting for a bargain could mean you end up paying more overall. That said, there are still negotiation opportunities, especially in areas where inventory has improved and sellers are eager for offers. Whether you’re looking to buy, build, or renovate your mountain home, it’s important to weigh not just interest rates, but the full picture: price, financing, and how much leverage you have at the table.

As someone deeply involved in both real estate and construction here in Colorado’s mountains and foothills, I find the latest national new-home sales numbers revealing. In Early-Q3 2026, 53% of US new single-family sales closed below $400K—up from 50% over the past year. The median price settled at $393.8K, with the average reaching $508.8K. This isn’t just about markdowns; builders are pivoting toward more entry-level, smaller-footprint options, even as a limited number of luxury homes keep the overall average higher.

Most notably, the $300K–$399.9K range climbed to about 34% of Early-Q3 sales, up from roughly 28% in Late-Q2. Meanwhile, the $400K–$1M segment lost some ground, and the $1M-plus category nudged upward.

But price tags don’t tell the whole story. When exploring new homes—especially in our unique mountain markets—it's important to look past the sticker price. Consider price per square foot, lot size, HOA dues, taxes, insurance, finishes, builder incentives, appraisal values, and total cash-to-close. These factors shape both value and livability.

With ongoing payment pressures and new-home inventory still high compared to resale, I expect to see more sub-$400K options emerging nationwide. Navigating these changes with a construction-informed eye can help buyers secure the right fit for their lifestyle and budget.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates, recognizes, and honors the beautiful traditions and cultures of the Indigenous People
We take a stand for and support the indigenous people on this day.
We should also offer our support to those who invest and uplift the indigenous communities.

We've just seen a new high in seller concessions across the US: in the three months ending Mid-Q3, about 45% of home sales included sellers offering concessions—a peak for this time of year since at least 2020. Compared to the roughly 43% from the previous year, it's a clear sign that buyers are gaining more negotiating power as inventory grows and competition thins out nationwide. These concessions go well beyond price cuts, including assistance with repairs, credits toward closing costs, and even mortgage-rate buydowns, all of which help buyers manage their overall costs. In my Colorado Mountain and Foothills market, I see how these evolving negotiation strategies—especially credits and buydowns—can give buyers more flexibility and open doors to homes that might have felt out of reach. Interestingly, about 16% of homes sold nationally in Mid-Q3 combined both a price reduction and a concession, offering even greater opportunities for buyers to make their move. As someone who understands both the real estate and construction angles, I know first-hand how valuable these creative deal structures can be in helping you secure your ideal home.