Real Estate Q&A: The Most Common Questions Our Buyers and Sellers Ask
Expert Insight, Honest Answers, and Proven Guidance to Your Denver Real Estate Questions from The Schossow Group
Buying or selling a home is one of life’s biggest decisions — and having the right team by your side makes all the difference. At The Schossow Group of Compass Denver, we’re committed to making your real estate journey seamless, informed, and rewarding. Backed by Denver’s #1 brokerage for five consecutive years and over a century of combined experience in Denver and Colorado’s real estate market, our team offers unmatched local insight, skilled negotiation, and a reputation built on trust and proven results.
In a market as competitive and nuanced as Denver — especially within the south metro luxury space including Highlands Ranch, Ravenna, and Backcountry — success depends on more than price and location; it comes from understanding strategy, timing, and opportunity.
This Q&A discussion highlights the most common questions our clients are asking us right now along with answers from our team. Think of it as an inside look at what it means to work with a team that values clarity, preparation, honesty, and your peace of mind.
Should I wait for rates to drop, or buy now?
April Stahl: "Looking at the bigger picture, I think it is a strong time to buy. Today’s negotiable conditions can create meaningful advantages for a buyer — softer sales prices in some cases, and in some cases situations where sellers help buy down the interest rate allowing buyers to offset the impact of today’s rates."
Molly Petrelli: "Every buyer’s situation is unique, and timing often comes down to what’s happening in your life — not just where interest rates are. I always tell clients: buy when you’re ready. If you wait for rates to drop, you might end up facing more competition and higher prices later. Talking with a trusted lender early can also open up creative solutions you might not be aware of — from rate buydowns to negotiation opportunities that make the numbers work better for you. Our job isn’t to push anyone into a decision; it’s to guide you toward what makes the most sense for your goals, your timeline, and your lifestyle."
Dale Schossow: "This one comes up all the time and almost daily. The truth? Nobody has a crystal ball. What we can tell you is that waiting often means facing more competition later, and there hasn’t been a 10 year period that values have decreased. A lot of our clients are choosing to buy now and refinance down the road if rates drop — which is why having a great lender matters. We work closely with Mike Kenevan at Spire Financial, who’s fantastic at helping buyers understand their options and map out a smart game plan."
The Schossow Group Team from left to right: Molly Petrelli, April Stahl, Dale Schossow and Nick Schossow
What hidden costs should I expect besides the down payment?
Nick Schossow: "We’re big believers in no surprises at the closing table. Beyond your down payment, expect things like your earnest money deposit, inspection costs, appraisal, and closing costs. We walk through these line-by-line so you always know where your money is going and when."
April: "Every buyers lender should give a buyer a clear vision into all of the costs for sale. Additionally, we go the extra mile to help buyers know all of the fees they should expect to see on the settlement statement to avoid any surprises."
How do you find homes that aren’t on Zillow yet?
Nick: "Not everything is public, and that is a big reason we are with Compass. Especially in the luxury market, we tap into our network, private listings at Ravenna, and Compass Private Exclusives to find homes that never hit Zillow or the MLS. Zillow is a great browsing tool, but it doesn’t show you everything. The best opportunities often come from conversations and connections, not syndication through the MLS."
Josh Geist: "Many of the best homes never make it to Zillow or the MLS. Through our Compass Private Exclusives and network connections, we have access to a large inventory of off-market and pre-market listings (currently 30,000+ homes). For our buyers, that means early access, added privacy, and opportunities others might miss. We also provide custom alerts so you’re among the first to see new listings the moment they go live."
What happens if something goes wrong during the process — who advocates for me?
Dale: "If there’s ever a bump in the road (and in this market, there almost always is), we’re in your corner. We negotiate, problem-solve, and protect your interests. You’ll never be left wondering, “What happens now?” Through decades in the business, our team has been through just about every curveball a transaction can throw — and we’ll guide you through it step by step with honesty and integrity."
April: "I believe our experience is a big part of why clients come back to us and trust us with their friends and family. Every transaction we handle helps us stay sharp, so we are always ready to navigate challenges, find creative solutions, and confidently guide and advocate for our clients."
Molly: "I’m not sure there’s ever been a real estate transaction that’s gone exactly as planned. Something always comes up — minor, major, and everything in between — but that’s exactly what we’re here for. We work as a team, advocating for our clients and collaborating with the other agent to keep every deal moving toward the finish line. Behind the scenes, we’re handling dozens of things to ensure the process is moving along. There’s so much at stake for our clients in each transaction, and our job is to ensure they feel informed, confident, and supported every step of the way."
When is the best time of year to buy — is there actually a ‘right’ season?
Nick: "Spring has more inventory. Winter often has less competition. But the real answer is: the right time is when the right home appears for you. Especially at the high end, buyers aren’t always bound to the calendar — life events drive timing more than seasons do. That’s why staying ready and always have off-market opportunities for both buyers and sellers."
Molly: "I agree with Nick. I've had clients who are on a strict time schedule due to life circumstances and others who didn't even know they were looking for a new home until the perfect home became available. Ultimately, the time is when you're ready."
Josh: "I’m currently working with clients who aren’t in a rush and aren’t tied to interest rates or market trends — they’re simply waiting for the right home. When that perfect property becomes available, we act quickly to secure it. In many cases like these, timing is less about the season and more about being ready when the right opportunity appears."
How competitive is the market really? Am I going to be in bidding wars?
Dale: "Not every home is a bidding war. The luxury market moves differently — fewer buyers, but also fewer truly exceptional homes. Sometimes we need to be strategic and quick. Other times, we can take our time and negotiate quietly. We’ll give you the real picture for each property, not the media headline version."
Closing day is always everyone's favorite day...no surprises, just smiles!
What’s the difference between ‘list price’ and what a home actually sells for?
Nick: "Strategic list price has never been more important. Buyers don’t care what the home sold for or how much a seller has put into the property. They are looking for current market value and are refusing to overpay. Each offering has to be attractive with a value proposition to the market. Pricing is KEY."
How do I know I’m not overpaying?
Dale: "This is where experience matters. We use detailed comps, neighborhood data, and our local knowledge to make sure you’re making a smart move. We’ll tell you what the numbers say — and what the story behind the numbers means for your offer and your investment. The price a home closes for is a snapshot in time of the market, so getting a good home in good neighborhoods is key right now in a rapidly changing environment."
What makes south Denver neighborhoods such as Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Castle Pines so desirable for buyers - especially luxury buyers?
April: "For so many of our clients, it’s about quality of life. Top-rated schools, open space, beautiful views, golf and club communities like Ravenna, privacy — and still being close to Denver and the mountains. It’s that blend of convenience and lifestyle that draws people in and keeps them here."
Molly: "One thing that truly sets our team apart is that we don’t just work in these neighborhoods — we live here. We’re Denver natives who were raised here, built our careers here, and chose to make our homes in the very communities we represent. We're intimately involved in our communities in every aspect and that firsthand knowledge allows us to offer our clients genuine insight into what makes south Denver’s communities so special — and why they’re such a draw for today’s buyers."
Recently sold by our team in Ravenna, 11164 Beatrice Court represents the quintessential Colorado luxury lifestyle.
Why do some homes in the Denver luxury market take longer to sell than others?
Nick: "Luxury homes are often unique, and unique homes appeal to a smaller buyer pool. Some are ultra-custom, some need the right match, and some simply require a pricing strategy that reflects their one-of-a-kind features. We help sellers position their home strategically — and we help buyers understand when patience pays off."
April: "This market commands that sellers put significant effort into presenting their home favorably to the market - this includes strategic pricing, completing all the deferred maintenance items that many of us overlook, tidying up the landscaping, decluttering, possibly painting and making property specific improvements. Putting your best foot forward with strategic pricing is extremely important — and often directly tied to days on market."
Are there differences in how luxury offers are negotiated here?
Nick: "Absolutely. In this space, negotiations are often more private, intentional, and relationship-driven. Think proof of funds, private showings, and off-market conversations. Our network and reputation matter here — they open doors that aren’t always visible to the public, or even the neighbors."
How long does it really take to buy a home right now?
Nick: "It depends on your timeline and how quickly the right home comes on the market. Most of our clients are closing somewhere between 30 and 90 days, but we’ve helped some move faster — and others take their time until the perfect fit shows up. Our job is to keep things smooth, organized, and stress-free, so it feels less like a race and more like a guided process."
How early in the process should I talk to a lender — and does getting pre-approved lock me into anything?
Nick: "The earlier the better. Talking to a lender early gives you clarity on your buying power and removes a lot of the unknowns. And no — pre-approval doesn’t lock you in. It just positions you to act confidently when the right property shows up. For lending questions, we trust Mike Kenevan at Spire Financial — he’s excellent at helping our clients run numbers, strategize around rate trends, and make informed decisions."
Molly: "Today! Just this week I spoke with a potential buyer who was guessing what she and her husband might qualify for. Even if you’re not quite ready to buy, connecting with a lender early helps you understand your options and set a clear plan. It gives you confidence in your budget — and ensures you don’t miss out on the right home simply because you weren’t prepared to act."
April: "I prefer buyers speak directly with a lender prior to looking at properties - it’s very important for buyers to have a solid understanding of what price point they feel most comfortable with so that we can find them the best home in their ideal budget. This sets buyers up for success and excitement throughout the buying process."
If you’re curious about buying or selling in Colorado, contact our team today and we’ll go to work for you. Learn more about our team here or search all Colorado homes for sale.
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