S
pring is traditionally the busiest season for home listings in Colorado's Western Slope and across the national housing market. According to Zillow, homes listed in late May tend to sell for almost 2% more than average, or $5,600 on a typical U.S. home. In Denver, homes listed in early May go for 2.6% more than the average price, a $15,500 boost.
People typically start looking for homes during springtime because it's before summer vacation and the school year starts in the fall. This makes it an optimal time for sellers to list their homes for higher prices as there are more eyes on homes, leading to more competition. In Colorado's ski resort towns, factors like the end of the ski season and start of summer tourism also influence home listings.
Real estate brokers Mike Budd and Dana Cottrell attribute the spring surge in listings to people taking their properties off the rental market after Easter and deciding it's time to sell. Homes look their best during this time, which can be a significant factor when prices are high. Buyers now prefer homes that are ready for them rather than paying for renovations.
The transactions themselves typically occur between August and September, with October and November being a "little breather" before the winter season begins. However, due to market volatility, it's uncertain whether this year's spring inventory boom will follow the typical seasonal pattern.
In Eagle County, there are around 400 active listings, which is less than half of the region's historical average for this time of year. Despite this, brokers are cautiously optimistic about the summer season and potential demand. Compared to last year, median prices are up 10.4%, listings are up 47%, and sales are up 11% across Summit, Park, and Lake counties.
While the inventory forecast looks promising on the surface, recent trends in listings and sales suggest a more complex picture. The 47% jump in listings might seem significant, but listing numbers were low enough in mid-2023 that even a 50% increase wouldn't come close to pre-pandemic levels.
The region could be on track to recovering those pre-pandemic listings and sales, but brokers aren't holding their breath. The market is showing signs of balance, with a stable supply of homes for sale. However, growing inventory has led to increasing prices, making it challenging for potential buyers to navigate the market.
In Colorado's Second Congressional District, new listings for single-family homes were 26% higher in 2025 than in the previous year, while average sales prices increased by almost 14%. In the Third Congressional District, new townhouse listings saw a 32% increase, and their average sales price rose by 50%. This trend suggests that buyers continue to face climbing prices despite having more choices and potential for negotiation.
