Find Your Next Dream Home
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Whether you are actively ready to buy or just starting to explore neighborhoods, Ross King and King Real Estate Group can help you narrow your options, understand the local market, and create a home search plan that fits your goals.
Buy With Clarity
Find the Right Neighborhood, Not Just the Right House
Denver buyer representation from a REALTOR® who knows the neighborhoods, negotiates with experience, and keeps the process calm, clear, and even enjoyable.
The short version: We start with your life, not the listings. I help you choose the right part of the city, represent only your interests in the negotiation, keep every deadline and every professional on track, and explain exactly how buyer agency and my compensation work before you ever get attached to a house.
Why Do Most Home Searches Start in the Wrong Place?
Most buyers open a search app and start scrolling listings. It feels productive, and it is backwards.
A house you love in a neighborhood that does not fit your life is a decision you feel every single day: on the commute, on the weekends, in whether you ever really settle in. A good house in the right place is something else entirely. You can renovate the kitchen. You cannot renovate the location.
So, we start with where, and why, and what your life actually looks like. The listings come after.
How Does Buying a Home With Me Work?
The Buyer Consultation: Before I Show You a Single Property
We sit down properly first. I ask the questions search filters never will. How do you really spend a Saturday? What does a commute do to your week by Thursday? Are you buying for right now or for the next decade? Which compromises would you forget within a month, and which would quietly bother you for years? And what will the resale picture look like in five years, because the home you buy is one you will eventually sell, and that is worth thinking about while every option is still open.
By the end, we both know what we are looking for and, just as usefully, what we are not.
Why it matters to you
This is the part of my process I have refined the most, and I still adjust it as the market changes. It is why my buyers tend to look at fewer homes than they expected and feel more certain about the one they choose. Clarity at the start saves you weeks of second-guessing later.
Learning the City: Denver Is Not One Market
There are dozens of them, and they behave differently. Cherry Creek North and Wash Park are minutes apart and nothing alike. Hilltop and Observatory Park draw different buyers for different reasons. Sometimes a single block changes the price, the schools, the light, and the feel of a morning walk.
If you are relocating to Colorado, I offer guided neighborhood tours, and not a string of open houses. We drive the parts of the city worth your attention, and I tell you what each is really like: who lives there, what it costs, how it has moved over the last several years, where it is heading, and what you would gain and give up. We stop somewhere to eat. You get a feel for the place which no listing photo or online guide can give you.
Why it matters to you
By the time we look at specific homes, you are choosing with a local's understanding instead of a visitor's guess. Relocating clients tell me this is the part that changed everything, and it is also why they stop second-guessing once they decide.
One Advocate: Someone Working Only for You
In every transaction, the seller has an agent working hard for their result. You deserve the same, working only for yours.
That means telling you when a home is overpriced, even after you have fallen for it. It means learning what a property has been through before you write an offer: how long it has sat, what fell through and why, and what the seller's real timeline looks like. It means building an offer that is designed to win without giving away more than it needs to. And in the inspection negotiation, it means knowing which findings are real leverage, and which are just noise.
Why it matters to you
The market rewards different behavior at different times. I have represented buyers through conditions that rewarded patience and conditions that punished it, and I will tell you honestly which one we are in, even when the honest answer is not the exciting one.
The People Behind the Transaction
Most of what goes wrong in a purchase is logistical, and most of it is preventable when the right people do their part on time.
I work with lenders who pick up the phone on a Sunday and close when they say they will, inspectors who are thorough without being alarmist, and a transaction coordinator and assistant who track every deadline so none of them become your problem. That network took years to build, and I am careful about who stays in it, because their work reflects on yours.
Why it matters to you
Contracts run on deadlines, and a missed one can cost you money or the home itself. You are welcome to bring your own professionals. If you would rather not research any of it, that part is already handled.
Offer, Inspection, and Closing
When we find the one, you will see the reasoning behind every number: what comparable homes have sold for, what the seller is likely to accept, and where we have room to be firm. After the inspection, we decide together what to request and what to let go. From there I stay on top of the appraisal, the lender, and the closing timeline until you have the keys.
Why it matters to you
Buying a home should feel like a decision you made with full information, not something that happened to you. That is the standard I hold myself to.
How Does Buyer Representation Work Now?
The rules changed, and many buyers have heard something confusing about it. Here is the plain version.
A written agreement comes first.
Before we tour homes together, we sign a buyer agency agreement. It states what I will do for you, how long it lasts, and how my compensation is handled. This is now standard practice, and it exists so you know exactly what you are getting before anyone asks anything of you.
Compensation is negotiated, not assumed.
In many transactions the seller still offers to cover some or all of the buyer's agent compensation, and where that happens, I pursue it as part of your negotiation. Where it does not, we will have discussed the arrangement clearly in advance.
No surprises.
You will know the terms before you are attached to a house.
I believe clarity makes for better representation. When you understand who represents you, what I will do, and how I am paid, you can focus on the decision in front of you with confidence.
Ready to Start with the Right Question?
The first conversation is simply about you: how you live, what you want, and where that might be in Denver. There is no pressure and no obligation, only a clearer picture of what you are looking for. Call me, and let's talk about your next home.
Call Ross at 303-548-4300How We Help Buyers
Local Market Guidance
Understand current inventory, pricing, neighborhoods, and market conditions before you make a move.
Personalized Home Search
Tell us your must-haves, nice-to-haves, budget, lifestyle goals, and timeline so we can help identify the right opportunities.
Saved Search & Listing Alerts
Help buyers stay ahead of new listings, price changes, and homes that match their criteria.
Offer & Negotiation Support
Get guidance when comparing homes, writing offers, reviewing terms, and moving through the buying process.
Popular Search Areas
Explore homes in Colorado's most sought-after communities.
Dream Home Finder Form
Tell us exactly what you're looking for.
Dream Home Finder Form
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Know What Your Buying – Ask the Right Questions
The most frequent and critical questions home buyers should ask spanning financial readiness, property condition, the overall purchasing process, home buying considerations for seniors and hiring a buyer's agent to represent you.
Questions to ask before buying a house
What type of home and neighborhood are best for me?
The location of your new home can affect everything from your commute to work to how much you'll pay in property taxes. When it comes to choosing the right neighborhood, you'll want to consider the following:
- Distance from work, schools, parks, restaurants, and public transportation
- Distance from grocery stores and retail stores, such as post offices, dry cleaners and gyms
- Distance from friends and family
- The property values in the area
- Future development plans
- What the community there is like
How much house can I actually afford?
Your true budget goes beyond the bank's pre-approval amount. You must account for monthly principal, interest, taxes, insurance (PITI), maintenance, and utilities. Many buyers prefer borrowing less than approved to keep their lifestyle comfortable.
How much do I need saved for a down payment and closing costs?
You do not always need 20% down; loans can range from 0% (VA/USDA) to 3.5% (FHA) or 3% (Conventional). Additionally, expect to pay 2% to 5% of the home's purchase price in closing costs.
What credit score and financial requirements do I need?
Minimum credit score requirements vary by loan type—typically 500 to 580 for FHA loans and 620 or higher for conventional loans. Lenders also look closely at your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, ideally keeping it at or below 35%–43%.
How much are closing costs?
Closing costs typically include loan-related fees, such as application processing, origination, title search, appraisal, and other administrative tasks. While your closing costs will vary depending on the type of loan you get, you can expect them to run you between 2% and 5% of the home's purchase price. Your actual closing cost fees are outlined in the initial Loan Estimate, and then Closing Disclosure, which is a document you'll receive within three business days of your closing date. These documents detail lender fees and the amount you'll have to pay at closing, including your down payment. Use Zillow's closing cost calculator to estimate the fees you'll pay at closing on a home purchase.
Questions to ask when looking at houses
How long has the home been on the market, and has the price changed?
A home sitting on the market for a long time or featuring multiple price drops can signal motivated sellers or hidden property issues, which gives you stronger negotiating leverage.
Why is the seller moving?
Knowing the seller's motivation (e.g., job relocation, downsizing, estate sale) helps your real estate agent craft an appealing offer strategy, such as offering flexible closing dates.
What is the age and condition of the roof, HVAC, and major appliances?
Major systems have finite lifespans. Knowing their age helps you anticipate expensive replacements soon after moving in, allowing you to request repairs or credits.
Are there any known structural defects, past damage, or required disclosures?
Sellers are legally required to provide disclosure statements detailing past issues like water damage, mold, roof leaks, or foundation repairs, which should always be verified by an independent home inspector.
What are the ongoing monthly costs beyond the mortgage?
Ask for historical utility averages, current property tax rates, homeowner's insurance estimates, and Homeowners Association (HOA) fees. HOA fees can increase annually and may include surprise special assessments.
What is included in the purchase price?
Do not assume appliances, light fixtures, window treatments, or smart-home devices stay with the house. Your purchase contract must explicitly list all inclusions to avoid disputes at closing.
How long does the entire closing process take?
Once a seller accepts your offer, the closing process typically takes 30 to 45 days. This window covers the home appraisal, formal underwriting, title search, and home inspections.
What are the pros and cons of new construction vs. older homes?
Newer home: Lower maintenance, modern features, but pricier upfront.
Older home: Character, established neighborhoods, but potentially higher repair costs.
Questions Seniors Should Ask or Consider Before Buying a New Home
Is the home designed for single-level living?
Multiple staircases can become a significant safety hazard or physical burden over time. Look for a true single-story layout, or a home where the primary bedroom, full bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room are all located on the main floor.
Are there built-in accessibility or safety features?
Retrofitting a home later can cost thousands. Check for wide doorways and hallways (minimum 32–36 inches for wheelchair or walker access), zero-step entryways, walk-in showers with bench seating, grab bars, and lever-style door handles instead of twisting knobs.
What features should I look for in a home that can meet my needs as I age?
Picture an ordinary day in the home: coming through the door, carrying groceries, using the bathroom, doing laundry, and getting to the bedroom. Features worth considering include fewer entry steps, essential rooms on one level, good lighting, comfortable walking space, and manageable upkeep.
Also consider transportation, access to the places you visit, and proximity to people you rely on. A home's appearance alone does not establish accessibility or suitability. If you use mobility equipment or anticipate changes, ask an occupational therapist or accessibility professional to assess your specific needs. King Real Estate Group can help translate your housing priorities into a focused property search.
Resources: CDC — Home fall prevention checklist, National Institute on Aging — Planning to remain at home
What are the true, non-mortgage monthly costs of this property?
On a fixed retirement income, surprise expenses can heavily strain your budget. Request a detailed breakdown of property taxes, homeowners' insurance, and average utility bills. If it is a larger home, your heating and cooling costs might be higher than expected.
Are there upcoming HOA fee increases or special assessments?
Condos, townhomes, and 55+ active adult communities often charge monthly Homeowners Association (HOA) fees. Ask to review the HOA's financial reserves and meeting minutes to see if a major project (like a new roof or repaving) is planned, which could trigger a massive, one-time "special assessment" fee.
Who handles exterior maintenance, landscaping, and snow removal?
One of the biggest perks of downsizing is escaping grueling yard work. Clarify exactly what the HOA covers. In some communities, they handle everything outside your walls; in others, you are still responsible for your own lawn, gutters, and driveway shoveling.
How energy-efficient are the home's major systems?
A brand-new or highly efficient HVAC system, modern water heater, and updated insulation will drastically keep monthly bills down and shield you from costly, unexpected emergency repairs early in your residency.
How close is the home to healthcare, groceries, and daily essentials?
Evaluate the neighborhood's long-term convenience. Are top-tier hospitals, specialized medical offices, pharmacies, and grocery stores within a 5-to-10-minute drive? If you eventually prefer not to drive, is there reliable public transit or a high density of rideshare drivers in the area?
What is the social fabric and age mix of the immediate neighborhood?
Downsizing can sometimes feel isolating if you leave a long-term community. Decide whether you prefer the quiet predictability and structured social calendars of an age-restricted 55+ community, or the diverse energy of a standard, multi-generational neighborhood.
Will my current "must-keep" furniture actually fit this floor plan?
Moving from a large family home to a smaller space requires strict spatial editing. Measure your prized possessions (like a dining set or heirloom wardrobe) before buying. Ensure the new home has adequate, easily accessible storage (like a walk-in pantry or main-floor closets) so you don't end up paying for an external storage unit.
What are the tax implications of selling my current home?
If you have lived in your current home for decades, it may have appreciated significantly. Ask a tax professional if you qualify for the IRS capital gains exclusion (up to $250,000 for single filers or $500,000 for married couples) to ensure you keep the maximum amount of equity from your sale.
What is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist®, and how can one help?
A Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) is a real estate professional with specialized education focused on serving adults age 50 and older through housing and lifestyle transitions. That can be helpful when a move involves a long-time home, family coordination, downsizing, or changing housing priorities.
Ross King, Broker / Owner of King Real Estate Group, holds the SRES® designation. He can help you understand property options, organize the real estate timeline, and identify questions for other professionals. The designation does not make someone a healthcare provider, attorney, tax adviser, or senior placement specialist. The goal is to make informed housing decisions with patience and respect for your preferences.
Resources: SRES® — Specialized real estate education for serving adults over 50, King Real Estate Group — Housing and real estate support
Working with a Buyer's Agent
What does a buyer's agent actually do?
A buyer's agent represents the buyer's interests alone. That includes advising on neighborhood fit and pricing, researching a property's history before an offer is written, structuring an offer that competes without overpaying, negotiating inspection findings, coordinating lenders and inspectors, and managing deadlines through closing.
Do I need a written agreement to tour homes with a buyer's agent in Colorado?
Yes. Buyers now sign a written buyer agency agreement before touring homes with an agent. The agreement sets out the services the agent will provide, the length of the arrangement, and how the agent's compensation is handled, so the terms are clear before the search begins.
Who pays for the buyer's agent in Colorado?
Buyer-agent compensation is negotiated rather than fixed. In many Colorado transactions the seller offers to cover some or all of it, and the buyer's agent pursues that as part of the negotiation. Where a seller does not, the arrangement is agreed with the buyer in advance through the buyer agency agreement. The terms are always settled before an offer is written.
Planning to relocate to Denver? How does the process start?
It starts with a consultation covering lifestyle, commute, budget and long-term plans, followed by guided neighborhood tours across the parts of the Denver metro that fit those priorities. Relocating buyers see the areas in person and learn how each one differs before looking at individual homes, so the eventual choice is made with local knowledge rather than online research.
Which Denver neighborhoods should I consider?
It depends on what matters most — commute, schools, walkability, lot size, architecture or long-term value. Cherry Creek North, Hilltop, Washington Park, Bonnie Brae and Observatory Park suit different buyers for different reasons, as do Greenwood Village, Cherry Hills Village, Lone Tree and the foothills communities. The neighborhood tour is designed to answer this question properly rather than in the abstract.