Area Real Estate News & Market Trends

You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!

Oct. 22, 2026

Stepping Stone Real Estate: Q3 2026 Market Report | Jennifer Riley

Stepping Stone Market Report • Q3 2026

Normalizing, Not Collapsing

Nine homes sold at a $713,267 average with a 98.7% sale-to-list ratio and 38 days on market. Volume is down year over year, but prices are holding and transactions are clean. Here is what the data actually says.

Data period: July 1 to September 30, 2026 • Source: REcolorado MLS • Current activity as of October 14, 2026

Homes Sold

9

Jul 1 to Sep 30, 2026

Avg. Sold Price

$713,267

Q3 2026

Avg. Days on Market

38

Unchanged from Q3 2025

Sale-to-List Ratio

98.7%

Near full asking price

Active Listings

5

$665K to $899K

Under Contract

0

As of Oct 14, 2026

Q3 Year-Over-Year Comparison

This is the first quarter where we can directly compare the same 90-day window in back-to-back years. Q3 2025 vs. Q3 2026 is an apples-to-apples look at where Stepping Stone stands.

Metric Q3 2026 Q3 2025 Change
Homes sold 9 14 -35.7%
Average sold price $713,267 $746,643 -4.5%
Avg. days on market 38 38 No change
Sale-to-list ratio 98.7% 99.2% -0.5 pts

The headline number is volume, not price. Transaction count fell 35.7%, which is notable. But the price drop was only 4.5% and days on market held perfectly flat at 38 days. Fewer sales, roughly stable prices, same absorption rate: that pattern points to a supply constraint or a buyer timing pullback, not a loss of underlying value.

Denver Metro Context

The DMAR September 2026 Market Trends Report put the Denver metro single-family detached median at $635,000, with the close-price-to-list ratio holding above 98% metro-wide.

Stepping Stone's Q3 average of $713,267 sits $78,267 above the Denver metro median. The neighborhood continues to price at a meaningful premium, reflecting its master-planned amenities, Challenger School access, and overall community quality.

Volume softened across the metro, not just here. Smaller, specialized neighborhoods like Stepping Stone show a slowdown more visibly because there are fewer transactions to absorb it. That is a math reality, not a distress signal.

What the Numbers Actually Mean

38 days on market, unchanged year over year, is the most underappreciated number in this report. Days on market is the fastest signal of demand. If buyers were pulling back on Stepping Stone, homes would sit longer. They are not. The neighborhood is absorbing correctly priced inventory at exactly the same pace it did a year ago.

98.7% sale-to-list means sellers are pricing accurately and buyers are paying near full value. The half-point slip from 99.2% last year is noise. No fire sales, no panic discounting. Homes that sold in Q3 sold for what they were listed for, within a typical negotiating margin.

The volume drop deserves honest context. Nine Q3 sales versus 14 last year is a real decline. Some of that is seasonal. Some is rate-related, with buyers waiting on the sidelines. Some may be seller hesitation after spring pricing. None of it indicates the neighborhood has lost its value proposition.

Active Listings as of October 14, 2026

Five homes are on the market in Stepping Stone, averaging $757,800 in list price. Zero are under contract.

Address Beds / Baths Est. Sq. Ft. List Price
10890 Touchstone Loop 3 bd / 3 ba 2,100 $665,000
11000 Shining Star Circle 4 bd / 4 ba 2,500 $675,000
10863 Touchstone Loop 3 bd / 3 ba 2,100 $675,000
14272 Double Dutch Circle 4 bd / 4 ba 4,200 $875,000
13956 Blue Wing Lane 5 bd / 4 ba 2,900 $898,999

Recently Sold Homes

The 12 most recent Stepping Stone sales through October 14, 2026: an average sold price of $767,450 at 31 average days on market. Data from REcolorado.

Address Bd/Ba Sq. Ft. List Sold SP/LP Date
14354 Double Dutch Cir 7/4 4,500 $1,025,000 $975,000 95.1% 10/08/26
15050 Gladshine Dr 4/4 2,398 $615,000 $625,000 101.6% 09/25/26
15085 Gladshine Dr 4/4 2,522 $699,999 $685,000 97.9% 09/16/26
14376 Double Dutch Cir 6/4 4,624 $925,000 $915,000 98.9% 09/09/26
10889 Touchstone Loop 3/3 2,021 $664,000 $644,000 97.0% 09/04/26
14190 Mosaic Dr 4/3 1,939 $650,000 $653,500 100.5% 09/02/26
14718 Domino Dr 4/3 2,481 $730,000 $707,000 96.8% 08/18/26
11006 Shining Star Cir 4/4 2,398 $599,900 $599,900 100.0% 08/14/26
11299 Mission Walk St 5/4 4,200 $1,009,900 $975,000 96.5% 07/31/26
11055 Shining Star Cir 4/4 2,398 $619,000 $615,000 99.4% 07/28/26
13766 Night Owl Ln 6/6 4,334 $975,000 $975,000 100.0% 06/30/26
11194 Mission Walk St 3/4 3,423 $850,000 $840,000 98.8% 06/12/26

Notice the spread. 15050 Gladshine Drive sold for 101.6% of asking while 11299 Mission Walk Street came in at 96.5%. Both are real Stepping Stone sales from the same window. The difference is pricing and preparation, not luck or timing. Homes that enter at the right number find buyers. Homes that stretch it pay later with a price reduction.

For Buyers and Sellers

If You Are Buying

  • 5 active listings, the widest selection since early 2026
  • 0 homes under contract, so no competing offers currently in play
  • Prices from $665K to $899K, homes from 2,100 to 4,200+ sq ft
  • 38-day average means time to decide, but not unlimited time
  • Get pre-approved before you tour. When the right home lists, it moves.

If You Are Selling

  • 98.7% sale-to-list means pricing correctly still works
  • Stable 38-day DOM: well-priced homes are finding buyers
  • Only 5 active competitors, so you know exactly what you are up against
  • The homes that sat longest in Q3 were priced above the data
  • Pre-listing prep and accurate pricing are the two levers that matter

Frequently Asked Questions

How many homes sold in Stepping Stone in Q3 2026?

9 homes sold during Q3 2026 (July 1 through September 30), compared to 14 in Q3 2025. Volume dropped 35.7% year over year, while the average price slipped 4.5% to $713,267. Days on market held at 38, exactly the same as last year.

What was the average sold price in Stepping Stone in Q3 2026?

$713,267, down from $746,643 in Q3 2025, a 4.5% decrease. For context, the Denver metro single-family detached median in September 2026 was $635,000, putting Stepping Stone's average $78,267 above the metro benchmark.

How long did homes take to sell in Stepping Stone in Q3 2026?

38 days on average, identical to Q3 2025. That consistency is a meaningful sign that buyer demand for Stepping Stone has not weakened. The neighborhood is absorbing inventory at the same pace year over year.

Are homes selling above asking price in Stepping Stone?

The Q3 2026 average sale-to-list ratio was 98.7%, down slightly from 99.2% in Q3 2025. Recent sales range from 95.1% to 101.6%. Correctly priced homes are still achieving full asking price or close to it. Overpriced homes are the ones that negotiate down.

Is it a good time to sell a home in Stepping Stone?

The fundamentals still support selling. A 98.7% sale-to-list ratio and stable 38-day DOM show transactions are closing cleanly. With only 5 active listings and 0 under contract, seller competition is lower than it was in spring. Price it right, prepare the home well, and the market will respond.

What homes are currently for sale in Stepping Stone?

As of October 14, 2026: 10890 Touchstone Loop ($665,000), 11000 Shining Star Circle ($675,000), 10863 Touchstone Loop ($675,000), 14272 Double Dutch Circle ($875,000), and 13956 Blue Wing Lane ($898,999). Contact Jennifer at 303.204.8423 for showings or current availability.

What Is Your Stepping Stone Home Worth?

Jennifer Riley lives in and specializes in Stepping Stone. She tracks every sale, every listing, and every shift in the market. If you are thinking about buying or selling, start with a conversation.

Call 303.204.8423 Email Jennifer

Data source: REcolorado MLS. Q3 2026 data covers July 1 to September 30, 2026. Current activity as of October 14, 2026. Denver metro context from the DMAR September 2026 Market Trends Report. All data deemed accurate but not guaranteed; information may not reflect all MLS activity. Jennifer Riley is a licensed REALTOR® with RE/MAX Professionals.

Posted in Stepping Stone
Oct. 14, 2026

Denver Metro Real Estate: October '26 - What's Going On?

What’s REALLY happening in the October Denver real estate market? 🧐👇

Watch the video here!

If you’ve been reading the headlines, you know the market feels different right now. Here is the honest breakdown of what the numbers actually mean for buyers and sellers in the Denver metro area this month:

Interest Rates Are Higher:
Higher borrowing costs mean buyers are watching their monthly numbers closely, requiring more strategic offer terms.

Closings Are Down:
Overall transaction volume is lower than this time last year. Sales are moving at a steadier, more deliberate pace rather than a frantic scramble.

Buyers Have More Negotiating Power:
With more options on the market, buyers have room to negotiate price reductions, inspection credits, and seller-paid rate buydowns.

Sellers Must Be Listing-Ready:
Buyers aren't settling. To stand out and sell at top dollar, homes need to be properly prepared, beautifully presented, and priced accurately for today’s active competition.

Navigating a shifting market isn't about waiting, it’s about having the right strategy in place. Whether you're planning your next move or just keeping tabs on your neighborhood’s home value, I’m always here to walk you through the numbers.

💬 What’s your biggest real estate question right now? Drop it below or shoot me a text at: 303-204-8423

Sept. 24, 2026

Denver's Real Estate Market: What's Happening?

The Denver Metro housing market is not moving in just one direction—and the type of home you own matters.

Single-family homes, condos and townhomes are experiencing very different pricing and days-on-market trends as we enter the fall real estate market.

If you’re considering buying or selling before Thanksgiving in Denver, Parker, Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, Aurora or Central Park, comment MARKET or send me a message. I’ll help you understand what is happening in your specific neighborhood and create the right strategy for your move.

Watch the video here.

Sept. 22, 2026

Volume Dropped. Prices Didn't. Stepping Stone Fall 2026 Market Report | Jennifer Riley

Stepping Stone, Parker, CO — August 2026 Market Report

Volume Dropped. Prices Didn't. What Fall 2026 Is Actually Telling Stepping Stone Sellers.

Published September 2026  •  Jennifer Riley, REALTOR®  •  Data: REcolorado & DMAR

Denver metro closed sales cratered 19% in August. The Stepping Stone four-month snapshot shows the same slowdown in volume -- 4 sales in May, 4 in June, then 2 and 2 in July and August. But here is what matters: prices did not follow. The four-month average sold price is $795,575 with a 101% sale-to-list ratio and a high sale of $998,000. This is a volume story, not a value story. And that distinction is everything for sellers deciding what to do this fall.

Fewer buyers are active in the fall market. The ones who are active are still paying full price -- and sometimes more. The right response to this market is not a price cut. It is correct positioning, strong presentation, and patience. Sellers who understand the difference between a volume slowdown and a value collapse are the ones who win in fall 2026.

The four-month story: what the volume chart is saying

Jennifer's mailer this month shifted to a four-month snapshot (May through August) -- and that format tells a more honest story than a single month ever could. Here is what that picture looks like:

Stepping Stone homes sold by month (May – Aug 2026)

4
May
4
Jun
2
Jul
2
Aug

12 total sales, May 1 – August 31, 2026  •  Source: REcolorado

The volume drop from summer to fall is completely normal -- and it is happening metro-wide. DMAR's August 2026 report showed Denver metro closed sales fell 18.99% from July, the steepest single-month decline of the year. Stepping Stone's pattern mirrors that exactly. What is not normal is when volume drops drag prices down with them. That is not happening here.

The four-month average sold price is $795,575 with a 101% sale-to-list ratio. Homes are still selling above asking price on average, even as fewer of them are transacting. The high sale hit $998,000 -- the upper end of the market is active and paying premium prices when the home is right. Volume is seasonal. Value is not.

Stepping Stone vs. Denver Metro: August 2026

Stepping Stone — 4-month avg.

$795,575Average sold price

Stepping Stone — 4-month avg.

101.0%Sale-to-list ratio

Stepping Stone — 4-month avg.

23 daysAverage days on market

Denver Metro — August 2026

$594,495Median closing price

Denver Metro — August 2026

-18.99%Closed sales vs. July

Denver Metro — August 2026

27 daysMedian days in MLS

Sources: REcolorado data compiled by Jennifer Riley (May 1 – Aug 31, 2026); DMAR August 2026 Market Trends Report, ColoradoBiz (Sept. 3, 2026).

The Denver metro median price of $594,495 in August was down just 1.74% from July and nearly flat year over year. DMAR's Market Trends Committee chair put it plainly: "Uncertainty has dominated the conversation, but it hasn't translated into real instability in this market." Stepping Stone's average sold price of $795,575 sits $201,080 above the metro median -- a premium that reflects the neighborhood's consistent appeal to buyers who want quality, community, and long-term value.

What the 101% sale-to-list ratio means in a slow volume market

This is the number that matters most for fall sellers and it deserves a careful read.

A 101% sale-to-list ratio in a slower market does not mean buyers are bidding wars on everything. It means the homes that are selling -- the ones that are correctly priced, well-presented, and well-marketed -- are still commanding full price or better. The homes that are not selling are the ones testing prices above what the comps will support. In a lower-volume market, overpriced homes do not just sit a little longer. They sit a lot longer, and they eventually sell below what they would have if priced correctly from the start. The gap between a well-priced listing and an overpriced one is wider in fall than it was in spring.

Stepping Stone currently has only 4 active listings, with an average list price of $784,750. Three homes are under contract. That is a lean supply picture -- which means a correctly priced, move-in ready home entering the market right now faces very limited direct competition. The buyer pool is smaller in fall, but so is the inventory they are choosing from.

Recently sold homes in Stepping Stone (May – September 2026)

Address Bed Bath Sq. Ft. List Price Sold Price Sold Date
14376 Double Dutch Circle ● New 6 4 4,624 $925,000 $915,000 09/09/26
10889 Touchstone Loop ● New 3 3 2,021 $664,000 $644,000 09/04/26
14190 Mosaic Drive ● New 4 3 1,939 $650,000 $653,500 09/02/26
14718 Domino Drive ● New 4 3 2,481 $730,000 $707,000 08/18/26
11006 Shining Star Circle ● New 4 4 2,398 $599,900 $599,900 08/14/26
11299 Mission Walk Street 5 4 4,200 $1,009,900 $975,000 07/31/26
11055 Shining Star Circle 4 4 2,398 $619,000 $615,000 07/28/26
13766 Night Owl Lane 6 6 4,334 $975,000 $975,000 06/30/26
11194 Mission Walk Street 3 4 3,423 $850,000 $840,000 06/12/26
14760 Domino Drive 4 4 2,886 $715,000 $690,000 06/08/26
10887 Pastel Point 4 3 2,508 $725,000 $725,000 06/04/26
14250 Double Dutch Circle 5 3 4,043 $835,000 $847,500 05/28/26

Source: REcolorado, May 28 – September 14, 2026. Green dots indicate sales new to this report. Information deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

Currently active listings in Stepping Stone

Address Bed Bath Est. Sq. Ft. List Price
10890 Touchstone Loop 3 3 2,200 $665,000
11000 Shining Star Circle 4 4 2,500 $700,000
14272 Double Dutch Circle 4 4 4,200 $875,000
13956 Blue Wing Lane 5 4 2,900 $899,000

Active as of September 14, 2026. Three homes currently under contract. Average active list price: $784,750.

What to do right now

If you are thinking about selling

  • Only 4 active listings in Stepping Stone -- your competition is as thin as it has been all year
  • The 101% SP/LP ratio means correctly priced homes are still getting full value
  • 3 homes under contract signal that buyers are actively moving even in the slower season
  • Fall is not the enemy -- overpricing is. Get the price right from day one and the season does not matter
  • Get a free, data-driven valuation at SteppingStoneHomeValue.com before you decide

If you are thinking about buying

  • 4 active listings gives you genuine options without the frenzied competition of peak season
  • Average active list price of $784,750 is slightly below the four-month average sold price -- pricing is rational right now
  • Median days on market of 23 still means good homes do not sit -- come pre-approved
  • Physician buyers: fall residency and fellowship transitions make this peak buying season for your timeline
  • Mortgage rates in mid-6% range -- physician loans with 0% down remain the strongest tool available

Frequently asked questions

Is the real estate market slowing down in Parker, CO in fall 2026?

Transaction volume has slowed -- this is a normal seasonal pattern that is playing out metro-wide, with Denver closed sales falling nearly 19% from July to August. But prices in Stepping Stone have held steady. The four-month average sold price is $795,575 with a 101% sale-to-list ratio, meaning homes that are correctly priced are still selling at or above asking price even in the slower season.

What is the average home price in Stepping Stone, Parker, CO in fall 2026?

Based on REcolorado data from May through August 2026, the four-month average sold price in Stepping Stone is $795,575. The range runs from $599,900 to $998,000 across 12 sales. The average active list price as of September 14, 2026 is $784,750 across 4 current listings.

Should I sell my Stepping Stone home in fall or wait until spring?

The data does not make a strong case for waiting. Stepping Stone currently has only 4 active listings, which means a well-prepared home enters a market with limited competition. The 101% sale-to-list ratio shows buyers are still paying full price for correctly positioned homes. Waiting until spring means carrying costs through fall and winter, and betting that the spring 2027 market is meaningfully better than the one that exists right now -- with no guarantee that it will be.

What happened to Denver home sales in August 2026?

Denver metro closed sales fell 18.99% from July to August 2026, according to DMAR's August 2026 Market Trends Report. The median closing price was $594,495, down just 1.74% from July and nearly unchanged from a year earlier. Homes spent a median of 27 days in the MLS. DMAR's Market Trends Committee noted that economic uncertainty is weighing on transaction volume but has not translated into real price instability.

How does Stepping Stone compare to the broader Parker market in fall 2026?

Stepping Stone's four-month average sold price of $795,575 sits above the broader Parker citywide median, reflecting the neighborhood's consistent premium positioning. Stepping Stone's 101% sale-to-list ratio and 23-day average days on market also compare favorably to the metro average of 27 days in MLS for August. Jennifer Riley publishes dedicated Stepping Stone data directly from REcolorado each month -- contact her for a current neighborhood analysis specific to your home or search.

Stepping Stone data: REcolorado, May 28 – September 14, 2026. Information deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Denver Metro data: DMAR August 2026 Market Trends Report, as reported by ColoradoBiz, September 3, 2026. Jennifer Riley, PREN Colorado, and RE/MAX Professionals are not affiliated with the Stepping Stone Homeowners Association.

What is your Stepping Stone home worth right now?

Jennifer Riley is a Stepping Stone resident and your hyperlocal market expert. Get a free, data-driven home valuation based on current REcolorado sold data -- not an automated estimate.

Posted in Stepping Stone
Sept. 22, 2026

Volume Dropped. Prices Didn't. Stepping Stone Fall 2026 Market Report | Jennifer Riley

Stepping Stone, Parker, CO — August 2026 Market Report

Volume Dropped. Prices Didn't. What Fall 2026 Is Actually Telling Stepping Stone Sellers.

Published September 2026  •  Jennifer Riley, REALTOR®  •  Data: REcolorado & DMAR

Denver metro closed sales cratered 19% in August. The Stepping Stone four-month snapshot shows the same slowdown in volume -- 4 sales in May, 4 in June, then 2 and 2 in July and August. But here is what matters: prices did not follow. The four-month average sold price is $795,575 with a 101% sale-to-list ratio and a high sale of $998,000. This is a volume story, not a value story. And that distinction is everything for sellers deciding what to do this fall.

Fewer buyers are active in the fall market. The ones who are active are still paying full price -- and sometimes more. The right response to this market is not a price cut. It is correct positioning, strong presentation, and patience. Sellers who understand the difference between a volume slowdown and a value collapse are the ones who win in fall 2026.

The four-month story: what the volume chart is saying

Jennifer's mailer this month shifted to a four-month snapshot (May through August) -- and that format tells a more honest story than a single month ever could. Here is what that picture looks like:

Stepping Stone homes sold by month (May – Aug 2026)

4
May
4
Jun
2
Jul
2
Aug

12 total sales, May 1 – August 31, 2026  •  Source: REcolorado

The volume drop from summer to fall is completely normal -- and it is happening metro-wide. DMAR's August 2026 report showed Denver metro closed sales fell 18.99% from July, the steepest single-month decline of the year. Stepping Stone's pattern mirrors that exactly. What is not normal is when volume drops drag prices down with them. That is not happening here.

The four-month average sold price is $795,575 with a 101% sale-to-list ratio. Homes are still selling above asking price on average, even as fewer of them are transacting. The high sale hit $998,000 -- the upper end of the market is active and paying premium prices when the home is right. Volume is seasonal. Value is not.

Stepping Stone vs. Denver Metro: August 2026

Stepping Stone — 4-month avg.

$795,575Average sold price

Stepping Stone — 4-month avg.

101.0%Sale-to-list ratio

Stepping Stone — 4-month avg.

23 daysAverage days on market

Denver Metro — August 2026

$594,495Median closing price

Denver Metro — August 2026

-18.99%Closed sales vs. July

Denver Metro — August 2026

27 daysMedian days in MLS

Sources: REcolorado data compiled by Jennifer Riley (May 1 – Aug 31, 2026); DMAR August 2026 Market Trends Report, ColoradoBiz (Sept. 3, 2026).

The Denver metro median price of $594,495 in August was down just 1.74% from July and nearly flat year over year. DMAR's Market Trends Committee chair put it plainly: "Uncertainty has dominated the conversation, but it hasn't translated into real instability in this market." Stepping Stone's average sold price of $795,575 sits $201,080 above the metro median -- a premium that reflects the neighborhood's consistent appeal to buyers who want quality, community, and long-term value.

What the 101% sale-to-list ratio means in a slow volume market

This is the number that matters most for fall sellers and it deserves a careful read.

A 101% sale-to-list ratio in a slower market does not mean buyers are bidding wars on everything. It means the homes that are selling -- the ones that are correctly priced, well-presented, and well-marketed -- are still commanding full price or better. The homes that are not selling are the ones testing prices above what the comps will support. In a lower-volume market, overpriced homes do not just sit a little longer. They sit a lot longer, and they eventually sell below what they would have if priced correctly from the start. The gap between a well-priced listing and an overpriced one is wider in fall than it was in spring.

Stepping Stone currently has only 4 active listings, with an average list price of $784,750. Three homes are under contract. That is a lean supply picture -- which means a correctly priced, move-in ready home entering the market right now faces very limited direct competition. The buyer pool is smaller in fall, but so is the inventory they are choosing from.

Recently sold homes in Stepping Stone (May – September 2026)

Address Bed Bath Sq. Ft. List Price Sold Price Sold Date
14376 Double Dutch Circle ● New 6 4 4,624 $925,000 $915,000 09/09/26
10889 Touchstone Loop ● New 3 3 2,021 $664,000 $644,000 09/04/26
14190 Mosaic Drive ● New 4 3 1,939 $650,000 $653,500 09/02/26
14718 Domino Drive ● New 4 3 2,481 $730,000 $707,000 08/18/26
11006 Shining Star Circle ● New 4 4 2,398 $599,900 $599,900 08/14/26
11299 Mission Walk Street 5 4 4,200 $1,009,900 $975,000 07/31/26
11055 Shining Star Circle 4 4 2,398 $619,000 $615,000 07/28/26
13766 Night Owl Lane 6 6 4,334 $975,000 $975,000 06/30/26
11194 Mission Walk Street 3 4 3,423 $850,000 $840,000 06/12/26
14760 Domino Drive 4 4 2,886 $715,000 $690,000 06/08/26
10887 Pastel Point 4 3 2,508 $725,000 $725,000 06/04/26
14250 Double Dutch Circle 5 3 4,043 $835,000 $847,500 05/28/26

Source: REcolorado, May 28 – September 14, 2026. Green dots indicate sales new to this report. Information deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

Currently active listings in Stepping Stone

Address Bed Bath Est. Sq. Ft. List Price
10890 Touchstone Loop 3 3 2,200 $665,000
11000 Shining Star Circle 4 4 2,500 $700,000
14272 Double Dutch Circle 4 4 4,200 $875,000
13956 Blue Wing Lane 5 4 2,900 $899,000

Active as of September 14, 2026. Three homes currently under contract. Average active list price: $784,750.

What to do right now

If you are thinking about selling

  • Only 4 active listings in Stepping Stone -- your competition is as thin as it has been all year
  • The 101% SP/LP ratio means correctly priced homes are still getting full value
  • 3 homes under contract signal that buyers are actively moving even in the slower season
  • Fall is not the enemy -- overpricing is. Get the price right from day one and the season does not matter
  • Get a free, data-driven valuation at SteppingStoneHomeValue.com before you decide

If you are thinking about buying

  • 4 active listings gives you genuine options without the frenzied competition of peak season
  • Average active list price of $784,750 is slightly below the four-month average sold price -- pricing is rational right now
  • Median days on market of 23 still means good homes do not sit -- come pre-approved
  • Physician buyers: fall residency and fellowship transitions make this peak buying season for your timeline
  • Mortgage rates in mid-6% range -- physician loans with 0% down remain the strongest tool available

Frequently asked questions

Is the real estate market slowing down in Parker, CO in fall 2026?

Transaction volume has slowed -- this is a normal seasonal pattern that is playing out metro-wide, with Denver closed sales falling nearly 19% from July to August. But prices in Stepping Stone have held steady. The four-month average sold price is $795,575 with a 101% sale-to-list ratio, meaning homes that are correctly priced are still selling at or above asking price even in the slower season.

What is the average home price in Stepping Stone, Parker, CO in fall 2026?

Based on REcolorado data from May through August 2026, the four-month average sold price in Stepping Stone is $795,575. The range runs from $599,900 to $998,000 across 12 sales. The average active list price as of September 14, 2026 is $784,750 across 4 current listings.

Should I sell my Stepping Stone home in fall or wait until spring?

The data does not make a strong case for waiting. Stepping Stone currently has only 4 active listings, which means a well-prepared home enters a market with limited competition. The 101% sale-to-list ratio shows buyers are still paying full price for correctly positioned homes. Waiting until spring means carrying costs through fall and winter, and betting that the spring 2027 market is meaningfully better than the one that exists right now -- with no guarantee that it will be.

What happened to Denver home sales in August 2026?

Denver metro closed sales fell 18.99% from July to August 2026, according to DMAR's August 2026 Market Trends Report. The median closing price was $594,495, down just 1.74% from July and nearly unchanged from a year earlier. Homes spent a median of 27 days in the MLS. DMAR's Market Trends Committee noted that economic uncertainty is weighing on transaction volume but has not translated into real price instability.

How does Stepping Stone compare to the broader Parker market in fall 2026?

Stepping Stone's four-month average sold price of $795,575 sits above the broader Parker citywide median, reflecting the neighborhood's consistent premium positioning. Stepping Stone's 101% sale-to-list ratio and 23-day average days on market also compare favorably to the metro average of 27 days in MLS for August. Jennifer Riley publishes dedicated Stepping Stone data directly from REcolorado each month -- contact her for a current neighborhood analysis specific to your home or search.

Stepping Stone data: REcolorado, May 28 – September 14, 2026. Information deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Denver Metro data: DMAR August 2026 Market Trends Report, as reported by ColoradoBiz, September 3, 2026. Jennifer Riley, PREN Colorado, and RE/MAX Professionals are not affiliated with the Stepping Stone Homeowners Association.

What is your Stepping Stone home worth right now?

Jennifer Riley is a Stepping Stone resident and your hyperlocal market expert. Get a free, data-driven home valuation based on current REcolorado sold data -- not an automated estimate.

Posted in Stepping Stone
Sept. 17, 2026

Match Day 2027: What To Do Now to Prep

 

Your Match Day Move Is Still Months Away. Here’s What I’d Be Doing Now.

 

Match Day may feel far away right now, but if you’re a medical student preparing to participate in the Match, it’s not too early to start thinking about what happens after you find out where you’ll be training.

 

Waiting until Match Day to think about your move can make an already overwhelming time even more stressful.

 

The good news? You don’t need to have everything figured out yet. But there are a few things you can start doing now that will make your residency relocation much easier when the time comes.

Start Thinking About Your Lifestyle

 

You may not know where you’ll match, but you probably already know a lot about how you want to live.

Do you want to be close to the hospital? Would you rather have a little more space and a longer commute? Are walkability, outdoor access, restaurants, or being near other residents important to you?

 

Start paying attention to what matters most. Once you know where you’ll be training, having a clearer idea of your priorities will make choosing a neighborhood much easier.

 

Understand Your Housing Options

 

You’ll likely have a lot of decisions to make once you match: rent or buy, apartment or house, furnished or unfurnished, roommates or living alone.

 

You don’t have to make those decisions today. But understanding your options now can help you avoid making a rushed decision later.

 

If buying a home is something you’re considering, it’s also worth learning about physician loan options before you match. Physician mortgage programs can offer benefits designed specifically for medical professionals, and eligibility, down payment options, loan limits, and other requirements can vary by lender and program. Learning what may be available ahead of time can help you understand your options before you’re trying to make a housing decision on a tight timeline.

 

Think Beyond the Hospital

 

Your residency will be a huge part of your life, but it won’t be your entire life.

When you eventually choose where to live, think about where you’ll come home after a long shift, where you’ll get your coffee, how you’ll spend your days off, and whether the neighborhood supports the life you want outside the hospital.

That matters more than many residents realize.

 

Build Your Team Early

 

One of the best things you can do before you match is know who you’ll call when you need help.

A physician-focused real estate professional can help you understand neighborhoods, housing options, commute considerations, and the local market once you know where you’re headed. You don’t need to be ready to buy (or even know whether you want to rent or buy) to start the conversation.

 

Matching is exciting. It’s also the beginning of a major life transition.

 

The goal isn’t to have your entire move planned months in advance. It’s simply to give yourself a head start so that when you find out where you’ll be training, you’re making decisions with a plan instead of scrambling to figure everything out at once.

 

At PREN, we believe physician relocation should start long before the moving truck does. If matching and residency are on your horizon, we’re here to help you start thinking through what comes next.

 

Head to: PhysicianRealEstateNetwork.com to fill out our contact form and let’s get some of your questions answered now.

 

Aug. 14, 2026

Stepping Stone Outperforms a Cooling Denver Metro | July 2026 Market Report | Jennifer Riley

Stepping Stone, Parker, CO — July 2026 Market Report

Stepping Stone Is Outperforming a Cooling Metro. Here Is What That Means.

Published August 2026  •  Jennifer Riley, REALTOR®  •  Data: REcolorado, January 1 – August 11, 2026

The Denver metro real estate market cooled noticeably in July -- closed sales fell, median days on market ticked up, and sellers began adjusting expectations. Stepping Stone told a different story. With 25 homes sold year-to-date, an average sold price of $807,952, and a 100% sale-to-list ratio, the neighborhood is holding its ground while the broader market softens. Here is the full picture and what it means if you are buying or selling in Parker this fall.

Stepping Stone's average sold price rose from $799,705 in June to $807,952 in August -- a $8,247 increase -- while the Denver metro median price slipped 2% month over month to $605,000. The neighborhood is not just holding steady. It is appreciating while the broader market cools.

Stepping Stone year-to-date: August 11, 2026

Total sold YTD

25

Jan 1 – Aug 11, 2026

Avg. sold price

$807,952

Up from $799,705 in June

Avg. days on market

29

Down from 31 in June

Sale-to-list ratio

100.0%

Homes selling at full ask

Active listings

7

Avg. list: $796,285

Under contract

3

As of August 11, 2026

Source: REcolorado data compiled by Jennifer Riley. YTD covers January 1 – August 11, 2026. Recent sold data covers April 28 – August 11, 2026.

Denver Metro context: July 2026

Median sold price

$605,000

+3% YoY, -2% MoM

Closed sales

3,667

-11.8% from June

Median days in MLS

21-22

Up 3 days from June

New listings

5,447

-5.3% from June

Active inventory

13,115

+2.9% from June

Parker median price

~$670K

~32 days on market

Sources: DMAR July 2026 Market Trends Report; REcolorado July 2026 Market Watch; ZBell Denver Metro Market Report.

Stepping Stone vs. Denver Metro: the divergence story

Metric Denver Metro (July 2026) Stepping Stone (YTD Aug 2026)
Avg. / median sold price $605,000 median $807,952 avg.
Price trend -2% month over month +$8,247 since June
Days on market 21-22 days (median) 29 days avg. (down from 31)
Sale-to-list ratio ~99% 100.0%
Closed sales trend -11.8% from June 25 sold YTD, consistent pace
Active inventory trend Rising (+2.9% from June) Tightening (10 to 7 active)

The most important number in this table is active inventory. While the Denver metro saw active listings rise 2.9% in July, Stepping Stone's active inventory dropped from 10 listings to 7. Fewer homes competing for the same pool of buyers means less downward pricing pressure and more seller leverage -- exactly the opposite of what is happening metro-wide right now.

Recently sold homes in Stepping Stone

Address Bed Bath Sq. Ft. List Price Sold Price Sold Date
11299 Mission Walk Street 5 4 4,200 $1,009,900 $975,000 07/31/26
11055 Shining Star Circle 4 4 2,398 $619,000 $615,000 07/28/26
13766 Night Owl Lane 6 6 4,334 $975,000 $975,000 06/30/26
11194 Mission Walk Street 3 4 3,423 $850,000 $840,000 06/12/26
14760 Domino Drive 4 4 2,886 $715,000 $690,000 06/08/26
10887 Pastel Point 4 3 2,508 $725,000 $725,000 06/04/26
14250 Double Dutch Circle 5 3 4,043 $835,000 $847,500 05/28/26
13950 Box Turtle Loop 5 5 3,194 $750,000 $960,000 05/19/26
14088 Night Owl Lane 6 5 4,763 $1,050,000 $998,000 05/15/26
11057 Shining Star Circle 3 3 2,277 $614,500 $614,500 05/01/26
14048 Pastel Lane 3 3 2,195 $699,500 $685,000 04/30/26
11405 Box Turtle Court 5 5 3,703 $900,000 $900,000 04/28/26

Source: REcolorado, April 28 – August 11, 2026. Information deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

Currently active listings in Stepping Stone

Address Bed Bath Est. Sq. Ft. List Price
15050 Gladshine Drive 4 4 2,300 $615,000
14027 Touchstone Street 3 3 1,900 $639,999
10889 Touchstone Loop 3 3 2,000 $664,000
15085 Gladshine Drive 4 4 2,500 $699,999
14317 Double Dutch Loop 6 4 4,600 $950,000
14272 Double Dutch Circle 4 4 4,200 $950,000
14368 Double Dutch Circle 7 4 4,400 $1,055,000

Active as of August 11, 2026. There are also 3 homes currently under contract. Average active list price: $796,285.

What this means for you right now

If you are selling

  • Active inventory dropped from 10 to 7 -- your competition just got thinner
  • The 100% sale-to-list ratio means correctly priced homes are hitting full ask
  • Average sold price rose $8,247 since June -- the neighborhood is appreciating even as the metro cools
  • 3 homes under contract signals active, motivated buyers right now
  • Fall is coming -- sellers who move in August and September avoid the slower October-November window

If you are buying

  • Only 7 active listings -- limited options mean less time to deliberate on the right home
  • The metro cooling gives you slightly more negotiating room than spring, but not in Stepping Stone's tightest price bands
  • Parker citywide median is ~$670K with ~32 days on market -- more options at lower price points than Stepping Stone
  • Physician buyers: fall residency starts mean now is peak buying season for your timeline
  • Mortgage rates in the low-to-mid 6% range -- physician loan programs with 0% down remain a significant advantage

Frequently asked questions

What is the average home price in Stepping Stone, Parker, CO in 2026?

Year-to-date through August 11, 2026, the average sold price in Stepping Stone is $807,952, based on REcolorado data compiled by Jennifer Riley. This is up from $799,705 as of June 10, reflecting continued price appreciation even as the broader Denver metro market cooled in July. The full range runs from $600,000 to $1,135,000 across 25 homes sold year-to-date.

Is the Parker, CO real estate market cooling in 2026?

The broader Denver metro showed cooling signs in July -- closed sales fell 11.8% from June, active inventory rose 2.9%, and the median days in MLS ticked up to 21-22 days. Parker citywide has a median price of approximately $670,000 with about 32 days on market. Stepping Stone, however, is bucking that trend: average prices rose from June to August, active inventory tightened from 10 to 7 listings, and the sale-to-list ratio held at 100%.

How many homes are for sale in Stepping Stone right now?

As of August 11, 2026, there are 7 active listings in Stepping Stone ranging from $615,000 to $1,055,000, with an average active list price of $796,285. There are also 3 homes currently under contract. This is meaningfully tighter inventory than earlier in the year, when 10 homes were active simultaneously.

Is it a good time to sell a home in Stepping Stone in fall 2026?

The data makes a strong case for moving sooner rather than later. Active inventory in Stepping Stone has dropped from 10 listings to 7, reducing seller competition. The 100% sale-to-list ratio and rising average sold price signal that buyer demand is holding. Historically, October and November bring softer buyer activity in the Parker market -- sellers who list in August and September capture the tail end of the peak season before conditions shift.

What is the Denver metro median home price in July 2026?

According to DMAR's July 2026 Market Trends Report and REcolorado's July Market Watch, the Denver metro median closed price in July 2026 was $605,000 -- up 3% year over year but down 2% from June. Homes spent a median of 21-22 days in MLS, and closed sales fell 11.8% from June, signaling a seasonal slowdown in the broader market.

Stepping Stone data based on listings from REcolorado, January 1 – August 11, 2026. Information deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Jennifer Riley, PREN Colorado, and RE/MAX Professionals are not affiliated with the Stepping Stone Homeowners Association. Denver metro data sourced from DMAR July 2026 Market Trends Report and REcolorado July 2026 Market Watch Report.

Find out what your Stepping Stone home is worth right now

Jennifer Riley is a Stepping Stone resident and your hyperlocal market expert. Get a free, data-driven home valuation based on current REcolorado sold data -- not an algorithm.

Posted in Stepping Stone
Aug. 12, 2026

How Buyers & Sellers Can Win Right Now in Denver - August 2026 Market Update

What’s Really Happening in the Denver Real Estate Market? (And How Buyers and Sellers Can Win Right Now)

If you've been following the Denver housing market, you know that navigating today's real estate trends requires a strategic approach. Whether you're looking to buy a home in Denver or curious about how to sell your Denver house for top dollar, the rules of engagement have shifted—creating distinct opportunities for both sides of the transaction.

Here is a quick look at what’s actually happening on the ground in the Denver metro area and how you can position yourself to win.

For Denver Home Sellers: Why Strategic Pricing is Key

In today's Denver real estate market, buyers are more selective and value-focused than ever. The secret to a fast, successful home sale? Pricing accurately from day one.

  • The Reality: Homes that are competitively priced for current neighborhood trends are selling quickly and cleanly.

  • The Strategy: Overpricing and relying on subsequent price reductions often leads to extended days on market and reduced buyer leverage. Setting the right list price from the start captures active, qualified buyers immediately and secures the best terms.

For Denver Home Buyers: How Patience Unlocks Negotiation Power

If you’ve been shopping for homes for sale in Denver, increased inventory and a more balanced market pace are working in your favor.

  • The Reality: The era of rushing into offers within hours of a listing hitting the MLS is behind us.

  • The Strategy: Today’s buyers who remain patient have gained significant negotiation leverage. From securing inspection repairs and seller concessions to negotiating closing costs or interest rate buydowns, having the right game plan allows you to land your ideal home on terms that fit your long-term budget.

Watch the Full Video Analysis

Want a deeper dive into for navigating Denver real estate this season? I've got you covered.

▶️Click here to watch Jennifer's breakdown

July 15, 2026

What Stepping Stone's Early Summer Numbers Are Really Telling Sellers | Jennifer Riley

Stepping Stone, Parker, CO — June 2026 Market Analysis

The Window Is Open. But It Won't Stay That Way.

Published July 2026  •  Jennifer Riley, REALTOR®  •  Data source: REcolorado, January 1 – June 10, 2026

The early summer numbers for Stepping Stone are telling a clear story -- but most homeowners aren't reading it correctly. Yes, demand is strong. Yes, homes are selling at or above asking price. But a quiet shift is underway in the data that every Stepping Stone seller needs to understand before they decide to wait until fall.

The sellers who win in Stepping Stone this summer are the ones who move now, priced correctly, and prepared to compete. The ones who wait are betting on a fall market that historically works against them. Here is exactly what the numbers say -- and what they don't.

Three signals in the data -- and what each one really means

Green light

100.2%

Average sale-to-list ratio. Demand is real. Correctly priced homes are not just selling -- they are selling at asking or above. One home hit 128% of list price. Buyers are still competing when the product is right.

Yellow flag

$21,184

Gap between avg. list price ($820,889) and avg. sold price ($799,705). Some sellers are already pricing above what the market will bear. That gap is a warning sign -- overconfident pricing is quietly starting to creep in.

Watch closely

104 days

Highest days on market in the period. The fastest home sold in 3 days. The slowest took 104. That is not a market condition gap -- that is entirely a pricing and preparation gap. The slow ones sat because they deserved to.

What "100.2% sale-to-list" actually tells you

Most homeowners hear "homes are selling above asking price" and think that means they can push their list price higher. That is the wrong read.

A 100.2% average sale-to-list ratio means the market is rewarding accurate pricing -- not inflated pricing. The homes that sold above asking were priced correctly to begin with, which generated competition and drove the final number up. The homes that sold below asking were overpriced from day one, which burned days on market and required a price cut to eventually close. Same neighborhood. Opposite outcomes. The difference was the starting price.

This distinction matters enormously right now because the active listing average of $820,889 sits $21,184 above the year-to-date average sold price of $799,705. That gap tells you some sellers are already making the mistake of pricing into the ceiling rather than into the comps. In a market where buyers have 10 active listings to choose from, the overpriced home does not get a second look -- it just sits while the correctly priced home next door goes under contract in a week.

Why the timing argument for waiting until fall doesn't hold up

The conventional wisdom is "wait until spring." But for Stepping Stone sellers, the relevant question is what happens between now and spring -- and the answer is not reassuring if you are planning to wait. Late summer and fall typically bring softer buyer demand, more days on market, and a higher likelihood of price reductions metro-wide. The sellers competing in October are competing in a different market than the one that exists right now.

Consider what the current data is showing:

  • 21 homes have already sold this year in Stepping Stone -- that is consistent, active buyer demand through a full six months
  • Only 2 homes are currently under contract -- meaning the active pool of 10 listings has limited immediate competition for buyer attention
  • The fastest sale in this period closed in 3 days -- buyers who are ready are acting fast when the right home appears
  • Physician relocation buyers tied to the Anschutz Medical Campus, Douglas County hospitals, and fall residency start dates are actively searching right now -- this is peak season for that buyer pool

The window is not closing tomorrow. But the sellers who are going to capture the strongest outcomes this year are the ones who are in the market now -- not the ones who are waiting to see what happens.

The difference between a 3-day sale and a 104-day sale

Both of these happened in the same neighborhood, in the same six-month window, in the same market conditions. The spread is not luck. Here is what separates them:

The 3-day sale

  • Priced within the current sold comp range from day one
  • Professional photography and presentation ready before going live
  • Clean, move-in ready condition with no deferred maintenance flags
  • Listed at a moment of active buyer demand
  • Agent with hyperlocal knowledge who knew exactly where to price it

The 104-day sale

  • Likely priced above what current comps supported
  • Sat long enough to accumulate "days on market" stigma with buyers
  • Required a price reduction to eventually generate interest
  • Final sale price almost certainly lower than it would have been at correct initial pricing
  • Seller lost months of carrying costs and market momentum

The summer selling timeline for Stepping Stone

  • Now through early August -- Peak window Active buyer demand, physician relocation buyers at peak seasonal activity, limited competing inventory, fastest absorption rates of the year. This is the window.
  • August through September -- Transition zone Buyer pool starts to contract as summer ends. Families with school-age children have already made their moves. Days on market begin to lengthen. Sellers entering the market now face more competition from listings that did not sell in summer.
  • October through November -- Difficult season Historically the softest buyer demand period of the year in the Parker market. Homes that do sell tend to close below their summer comp equivalents. Price reductions are more common. Not impossible -- but harder, slower, and typically less profitable.
  • Spring 2027 -- The "next spring" bet Sellers who wait for next spring are carrying their home through fall and winter, paying carrying costs, and betting that the spring 2027 market is meaningfully better than the summer 2026 market that exists right now. That is a bet with real cost and no certainty of payoff.

What a correctly priced, well-presented Stepping Stone home looks like right now

The average sold price of $799,705 with a 100.2% sale-to-list ratio tells you the market will pay full price -- and sometimes more -- for the right home. The key word is "right." Right means priced accurately against current comps (not against what you paid, not against what you need, and not against what the neighbor listed at). Right means professionally staged and photographed before the first showing. Right means no deferred maintenance creating inspection leverage for buyers. Get those three things right and the 100.2% average is achievable. Miss any of them and you are on a path toward the 104-day side of the ledger.

Jennifer Riley's free home valuation at SteppingStoneHomeValue.com is based on current REcolorado sold data -- not an algorithm estimate -- and gives you an accurate picture of where your specific home sits in today's market before you make any decisions.

Frequently asked questions

Is it a good time to sell a home in Stepping Stone in summer 2026?

Yes -- with important caveats. The early summer data shows strong demand, a 100.2% average sale-to-list ratio, and homes selling in as few as 3 days. But the market is also revealing a gap between overconfident list prices and actual sold prices. Correctly priced, well-presented homes are performing well. Overpriced homes are sitting. Summer is the peak window -- the market typically softens in fall and winter.

Why do some Stepping Stone homes sell in 3 days while others take 104 days?

The gap is almost entirely attributable to pricing and presentation, not market conditions. Both extremes occurred in the same neighborhood during the same period. Homes priced accurately against current sold comparables and presented with professional staging and photography generate immediate buyer interest and competition. Homes priced above what the market supports accumulate days on market, develop a stigma with buyers, and typically close below where they would have if priced correctly from day one.

What does a 100.2% sale-to-list ratio mean for Stepping Stone sellers?

It means the market is rewarding accurate pricing -- not that sellers can push their list price above market value and expect buyers to follow. The homes that sold above asking were priced correctly to begin with, which created competition and drove the final price up. The data point to use is the average sold price of $799,705, not the average active list price of $820,889 -- that $21,184 gap is where sellers are currently making pricing mistakes.

Should I wait until spring 2027 to sell my Stepping Stone home?

Only if you have a specific reason that makes waiting worthwhile. The summer 2026 market in Stepping Stone has active buyer demand, limited competing inventory, and physician relocation buyers at peak seasonal activity. Waiting through fall and winter means carrying costs, softening demand, and a bet that spring 2027 is meaningfully better than the window that exists right now. For most sellers who are ready, the case for waiting is weaker than it appears.

How do I find out what my Stepping Stone home is worth in today's market?

Jennifer Riley provides free home valuations based on current REcolorado sold data at SteppingStoneHomeValue.com. This is not an algorithm estimate -- it is a data-driven analysis of what comparable homes in your specific part of Stepping Stone have actually sold for, giving you an accurate baseline for any pricing conversation.

Data based on listings from REcolorado, January 1 – June 10, 2026. Information deemed accurate but not guaranteed. Jennifer Riley, PREN Colorado, and RE/MAX Professionals are not affiliated with the Stepping Stone Homeowners Association.

Find out what your Stepping Stone home is worth right now

Jennifer Riley is a Stepping Stone resident and your hyperlocal market expert. Get a free, data-driven home valuation before the summer window closes.

Posted in Stepping Stone
July 9, 2026

July 2026 | Denver Real Estate

 

If you think the Denver real estate market has slowed down, you wouldn’t be wrong…but there is so much more to the story. 🔍

If you are trying to buy or sell a home in Colorado right now, broad headlines won’t give you the clear picture you need to make a move.  While the breakneck pace of recent years has shifted, "slowing down" doesn't give you the whole truth. Today's housing market is highly nuanced, and your strategy completely changes depending on your price point, home type, and specific neighborhood.

I just posted a deep-dive market update answering exactly what is happening in our local real estate market right now, what it means for your purchasing power, and how to use the current data to your advantage.

Head over to my YouTube channel to watch the full video.

If you're new here, hi! I'm Jennifer Riley and I serve clients in the greated Denver area. Buying, selling, investing - I'm here to walk you through it all in a way that centers your needs and wants. Reach out anytime and feel free to jump over to my Instagram page to follow along!