Thinking about buying or selling a home in Grand Junction? This category is your go-to resource for the latest real estate insights, market trends, and expert tips. From local neighborhood guides to tips for maximizing your home’s value, we cover everything to help you make confident real estate decisions in the Grand Junction area. Explore our posts and get a clear picture of the market before making your move. Ask me for a tour if you are planning a visit to Mesa County.

When Should I Sell My House?

Are you asking yourself “When should I sell my house”? or “Is THIS a good time to sell a home”? Sellers frequently ask me these questions. What they really want to know is “when is the best time to list my house for sale” because they want a quick sale and the highest price. The Grand Junction spring market usually provides the highest activity but more importantly, is your house ready? I mean really ready? First let’s talk about timing, then preparation.

Historic Real Estate Market

Under historic normal real estate market conditions, there were always very predictable market periods of activity and in-activity. The spring market flurry could start anywhere from the first week of January up to June. I’ve seen active spring markets last for 5 months and I have seen them last two weeks (think 2009).

Most Realtors® will agree that it feels like the spring market instantly turns on and off like a light switch. Many have joked that the spring market starts immediately after Super Bowl Sunday.

Once it starts, an active real estate market will usually cruise along with a slowdown around Memorial Day through the first couple weeks of June as attention shifts to graduations and the start of summer.

The rest of June and July are generally steady except for the week surrounding the 4^th of July holiday. Activity will slow down in the last two weeks of August as people prepare for back to school, and many Realtors® take vacations with their own family.

The fall market takes off after Labor Day weekend in September and starts to slow at the beginning of November. Not surprising, the last two weeks of December have always been slow with people enjoying family and the holidays.

Of course, there are exceptions to the norm, and economic circumstances have a significant effect on the listing and sale of homes. Election years have shown lower activity but then accelerate afterwards, no matter who is currently in office and who won the election!

Here’s a chart from the Colorado Association of REALTORS from March 2024 showing a statewide Single Family Market Overview. Over a year, you can see the increases and decreases in the number of units on the market, pending, sold, etc. You can click on their website to get Mesa County specific reports or other Colorado counties.

Today’s Real Estate Market

This year is no exception with market activity coming to life in March and April, more people began to list homes for sale. I feel the rate of home showings for the rest of the year will follow normal ebbs and flows.

Any time there is limited inventory is a GREAT time to list your home. Buyers are out there waiting for homes to come on the market. Years ago, I would have estimated that four out of ten showings on a home would be from serious “I need to buy right now” buyers. The remaining six showings were people just starting to look or only “shopping” not ready to buy. Today, that ratio is more like 8 serious ready-to-move buyers out of every 10 home showings. This bodes well for sellers. It doesn’t take 50 showings to fetch a great offer on your home!

Preparing Your Property for the Market

Home prepared for the market.

I could write a whole post explaining the detailed advice I provide as a licensed real estate professional when it comes to preparing a home for the market. I want the absolute best for every client, every time. Each client deserves my full attention and my full list of enhanced services. No matter what price point their home will be listed for on the MLS.

There are several “must do” items, however sometimes I say, “Skip it, save your money”. During a consultation, I address home inspections, appraisals, home staging, cleaning and repairs, updates, etc. The thing is, each property truly IS unique. I prefer to meet with my clients in person and explain my services and advice specific to THEIR property. In fact, that initial meeting with homeowners’ lights me up. I get energized by helping create a detailed plan for success. I enjoy hearing a seller’s story. I ask a lot of questions so I can fully understand their objectives and their timeline. So, when I started this post about when should I sell my house, what I want you to think about first is if your home is truly READY for the market. Then we can talk about when to list it for sale.

If you are considering selling your property, call me for honest advice and guidance you can count on. I have been listing and selling homes since 2001. Let me put my real estate experience to work for you!

You can read the many reviews and recommendations I have received over the years here on my website. I pulled together client notes and paper surveys I have collected from past clients as well as online reviews. Let them explain how I do business and my character. 😊

Paul Aspelin Reviews and Recommendations

Text/Call 612-306-9558

PAUL ASPELIN, Realtor®
GRI, SRES®, CNE

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© 2024 Paul Aspelin, REALTOR®. MovetoGrandJunction.com Copyright protected. All rights reserved.

by Paul Aspelin, Relocation & Listing Expert

Grand Junction Real Estate

Paul Aspelin Reviews and Recommendations

by Paul Aspelin, Relocation & Listing Expert

Grand Junction Real Estate

Grand Junction Mortgage Lender

Why work with a local Grand Junction Mortgage Lender?

Guest Post written by Nicole Sears of Fairway Home Mortgage

Are you considering a relocation and home purchase in Grand Junction, Colorado? Finding the right local Grand Junction Mortgage Lender is essential for a smooth transition. Whether you need to further understand first-time homebuyer mortgage requirements, or home mortgages for self-employed people, a local Grand Junction home loan expert can help guide the way.

Looking for a trusted Grand Junction Mortgage Lender?
Work directly with Nicole Sears at Fairway Home Mortgage on Main Street — local expertise and personalized service for your home loan needs.

Fairway Home Mortgage is located on the corner of Main Street and 6th Street in downtown Grand Junction, Colorado

As a mortgage expert who made the transition from Denver to Grand Junction, Colorado eight years ago, I understand the complexities and excitement that come with such a significant decision. In this guide, we’ll explore the relocation journey to Grand Junction and how a local Grand Junction lender can help. Everything from navigating first-time homebuyer mortgage requirements to understanding home mortgages for self-employed people can be overwhelming without the help of a local professional.

Making Your Home Loan Simple and Stress-Free in Grand Junction

When it comes to securing a home loan, many people become frozen in their circumstances. It’s common to feel a bit overwhelmed with the mortgage process when buying a new home. This is one of the reasons it is so important to partner with a local mortgage expert. You’re already dealing with everything else that comes along with your relocation to Grand Junction, allow me to help make this transition seamless and tailored to your needs. It’s my specialty!

Seven tips for starting the Home Loan Process when relocating to Grand Junction, Colorado

Professional Advice:

Seek guidance from a local lender like myself that is familiar with the Grand Junction market nuances. Our dedicated team at Fairway Home Mortgage is committed to assisting you at every step, from pre-approval to closing, fostering lasting relationships beyond transactions.
Start Early:

Initiate your mortgage journey in advance to explore available options and make informed decisions aligned with your financial goals. Our goal is to provide clarity on interest rates, down payments, closing costs, and programs you may be eligible for. This all ensures a smooth and transparent process.
Secure a Transfer or Job Offer Letter:

Dispelling the myth that homeownership requires years with the same employer, you can initiate the process with a solid job offer. At Fairway Home Mortgage, we specialize in facilitating smooth transitions, ensuring you secure your dream home even before your first day on the job.
Remote Work Success:

For remote workers transitioning to Grand Junction, our expertise lies in navigating the intricacies of remote employment and facilitating a seamless move. Our diverse mortgage programs cater to varying needs, offering solutions tailored to individual circumstances.
First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Requirements

: Buying your first home should be an exciting time, however most first-time buyers are unsure of the process and don’t know where to start. Working with a trusted local lender ensures personalized guidance and support every step of the way. We are here to help navigate the path to homeownership and ensure you’re aware of all available loan and down payment opportunities specific to the Grand Junction area.
Home Mortgages for Self-Employed People:

Many people believe that lenders view their self-employment status as a barrier to obtaining a mortgage. However, with the guidance of a knowledgeable mortgage expert, self-employed individuals can discover tailored solutions and specialized programs designed to accommodate their unique financial circumstances. We are experts in calculating and maximizing self-employed income and empowering self-employed individuals to achieve their homeownership goals with confidence.
Diverse Mortgage Programs:

Whether you’re one of the many self-employed people, a remote worker, first-time homebuyer, retired or military, our mortgage programs encompass Conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans, designed to meet your specific requirements. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the ideal financing solution for your unique situation.

Embarking on the journey to homeownership may seem daunting, but when you work with a local Grand Junction Mortgage expert, it becomes manageable.

Your Trusted Partner in Homeownership and Relocation

At Fairway Home Mortgage, we prioritize building lasting connections with our clients. Beyond being a mortgage lender, I consider myself a friend and partner in your homeownership journey.

Whether you’re curious about mortgages, local amenities, or outdoor activities, I’m here to assist you. As someone who has undergone a similar relocation journey, I understand the importance of having a relatable resource.

Ready to embark on your homeownership journey in Grand Junction? Reach out with any questions or inquiries. I’m not just your mortgage lender—I’m your partner in turning homeownership dreams into reality.

Get Started with Nicole

Get a sense of your potential home loan by running some numbers with our online mortgage calculator:

Explore the Fairway Home Mortgage Calculator →

Pro Tips: Choosing the Right Grand Junction Mortgage Lender

Finding the right Grand Junction mortgage lender can make a huge difference in your home buying experience. Here are some expert tips:

Look for Local Expertise – A lender who knows the Grand Junction market can provide insights into neighborhoods, property values, and local programs that national lenders may not offer.
Check Program Options – The right Grand Junction mortgage lender will offer a variety of loan programs, including Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA, and will tailor solutions to first-time buyers, self-employed individuals, and remote workers.
Communication Matters – Choose a lender who responds quickly, explains processes clearly, and makes you feel supported at every step. Your mortgage lender should be a partner, not just a processor.
Transparency on Costs – A reputable Grand Junction mortgage lender will break down interest rates, closing costs, and any fees upfront so there are no surprises.
Leverage Relocation Experience – If you’re moving to Grand Junction from another city, find a lender who has experience helping out-of-town buyers navigate the unique challenges of a relocation.
Trust Referrals from Local Experts – Working with a trusted Grand Junction real estate professional can help you connect with a lender who has proven experience and reliability

“Working with a knowledgeable Grand Junction mortgage lender like Nicole Sears at Fairway Home Mortgage comes highly recommended. In my experience helping buyers relocate to Grand Junction, Nicole consistently provides a smooth, stress-free financing process, tailored to each client’s unique situation. Her local expertise, range of mortgage programs, and personal approach make her a top choice for anyone looking to purchase a home in the Grand Junction area. I confidently recommend Nicole to all my clients—whether they are local buyers or relocating— you’ll be glad you reached out to her.”
— ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Paul Aspelin, Top Grand Junction Relocation Realtor®

What are the most important things to consider when getting a mortgage in Grand Junction, Colorado?

Grand Junction is a relationship city through and through. Both the agents and the sellers here want to know who’s on the other side of the deal and having a trusted local lender can make your offer a whole lot stronger. When a listing agent sees a familiar name and knows they can reach me directly, not a call center, it gives them confidence your loan is solid and your closing is going to go smoothly. I always tell my buyers… Your mortgage isn’t just a loan; it’s part of your negotiation strategy and having a local lender can genuinely give you an edge here.

What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage in Grand Junction?

The basics are pretty much the same no matter where you’re coming from.

Most people will need two years of W-2’s
Your most recent month of pay stubs
A couple months of bank statements
A copy of your ID

Pro Tip: If you’re relocating for work, a solid job offer letter works just fine. And if you’re retiring or already retired, your “income” just looks different. Things like your Social Security award letter, pension info, or statements from your retirement accounts will be needed.

Are there any local or state programs to help first-time homebuyers in Grand Junction?

Yes! Colorado has some awesome programs and Mesa County has a few specific to our area. Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, https://www.chfainfo.com, offers down-payment assistance and competitive rates for first-time buyers. There are also local grants that pop up throughout the year.

How long does it take to get approved for a mortgage in Grand Junction?

We can absolutely move fast when we need to. I’ve done plenty of same-day pre-approvals when life throws a curveball or the perfect house pops up. But honestly, my favorite way to start is with a quick discovery call. I want to hear about your goals, your timeline, and what “comfortable” looks like for you so we can build the right strategy from the start. It’s never too early to begin the process. But if you’re on a tight timeline, don’t worry, we can shift into high gear easily.

Can I get a mortgage in Grand Junction if I’m relocating from out-of-state?

Yes, absolutely. I work with a ton of buyers who are moving here from other states, and the process is usually much easier than people expect. As long as you have a job lined up, a remote position, or retirement income, we can move forward just like a local buyer.

The biggest thing is staying connected. I walk you through each step, so you never feel like you’re trying to buy a house from a thousand miles away with no idea what’s going on. Whether you’re coming from Denver, Dallas, or somewhere else, we can make this smooth and stress-free.