• Awarded 2025 SMDRA 1 Carat Diamond Team, and designated a 2025 Zillow Top Agent

  • Jason Zisk is a top-producing Realtor with 26 years of experience, serving Littleton, Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, and the South Metro Denver market.

  • Ranked in the top 3% of Realtors nationwide, Jason has worked as a Managing Broker specializing in residential sales, buyer representation, and investment properties.

  • Designated CRS (A Certified Residential Specialist from the Residential Real Estate Council represents the highest achievement in residential real estate). Jason uses appraisal pricing methodology to ensure sellers maximize returns and buyers never overpay.

  • Member and Realtor® with Colorado Association of Realtors (CAR) and National Association of Realtors (NAR), Independent Broker License IA40018608

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Buyers: Is now a good time to buy?

Let’s look at Highlands Ranch since that’s where I live. Based on the current market, here is the real cost of waiting:

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 | ColoradoAlpine@icloud.com

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