From Apartment Living to Backyard Dreams: Jess & Marcus’ First-Time Buyer Journey in Colorado

When Jess and Marcus first reached out to me, they had been renting a two-bedroom apartment in Denver for over five years. They both had stable jobs—Jess is a nurse and Marcus works remotely in tech—but like so many first-time buyers, they weren’t sure if buying a home was actually within reach.

“We just thought we had to wait until we had a huge down payment saved,” Jess admitted during our first Zoom call.

Like many Coloradans, they were feeling the pressure of rising rents and wanted more space, especially for their rescue pup, Louie. Their dream? A home with a backyard, a home office, and a neighborhood that felt like… well, home.

Step 1: Busting the Myths

The first thing I did was walk them through a few loan options. They were surprised to learn they didn’t need 20% down—in fact, they qualified for a 5% down conventional loan, and a local lender helped them get pre-approved quickly. Once they saw the numbers, everything started to feel a lot more possible.

Step 2: Finding the Right Fit

We started exploring homes in Lakewood, Littleton, and Arvada—places where they could still be close to the city but have more space and outdoor access. After a few showings, they realized they valued natural light, a functional kitchen, and a quiet street more than anything else on their list.

Then, we found it: a charming 3-bedroom ranch in Wheat Ridge with an updated kitchen, a spacious backyard for Louie, and a home office with big windows and mountain views in the distance. It checked every box.

Step 3: The Offer and the Win

The home had only been on the market for a couple of days, so we moved quickly. I helped them write a strong, clean offer that still gave them room for inspection negotiations. A few days later—it was theirs.

When we closed, Marcus told me, “This was way less overwhelming than we expected. You walked us through everything and made it feel easy.”

Step 4: New Beginnings

They moved in just in time to host their first summer BBQ with friends, and Louie has officially claimed the backyard as his kingdom.

Now? They’re homeowners. They’re building equity. And they’re already dreaming about turning the garage into a gym.

If you're like Jess and Marcus, wondering if buying your first home in Colorado is even possible—it probably is. You just need the right team behind you, clear steps, and someone who’ll listen and advocate for you every step of the way.

📲 Call or text me at 720-338-6881
📧 carly@buysellinvestteam.com
📍 Helping first-time homebuyers across Denver, Lakewood, Littleton, and beyond