What's REALLY happened with Metro Denver real estate since the pandemic? And how do we compare to Chicago and Austin?

In this Metro Denver real estate market update, I compare what's happening locally to two very different housing markets—Austin and Chicago—to explain why Denver County has cooled much faster than many of its surrounding suburbs. I also break down absorption rate, one of the most useful metrics for understanding whether buyers or sellers have the advantage, and show what the latest numbers reveal across the metro area. We also take a look at rising mortgage rates, the continuing lock-in effect, and what those trends could mean for home buyers, home sellers, and the Denver housing market during the second half of 2026. If you're buying, selling, or simply keeping an eye on Metro Denver real estate, this update will help you understand where the market is changing—and where it isn't. Questions about what's happening with real estate in YOUR metro Denver neighborhood? Contact me! I'm happy to help.