Using the home selection triangle to decide on a Home in Colorado Springs can really help you with your important decision. Jumping straight into Zillow searches or drive-bys often leads to emotional attachments, affordability doubts, and endless scrolling. Excitement turns to overwhelm fast in our competitive market, where inventory hovers around 1.6 months’ supply (per Pikes Peak Association of Realtors® data).
Slow down and use the Home Selection Triangle—a simple framework balancing Budget, Preferences, and Inventory. Start at the base and work up to avoid regrets.
1. BUDGET (The Foundation – Never Compromise) Determine your total affordable price and monthly payment first. Contact a lender for pre-approval, factoring income, credit, current rates (around 6.5-7% for 30-year fixed as of early 2026), closing costs (2-5%), and extras like HOA dues in areas like Cordera or Broadmoor Bluffs. Tools like the Bankrate Mortgage Calculator help estimate payments. Need lender recs? Reach out and I’ll get you an introduction. I only work with pre-approved clients—it’s non-negotiable, like checking your wallet before Target.
2. PREFERENCES (Your Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves) List priorities: 3-4 bedrooms? Basement for Colorado storage? Neighborhoods like Peyton for affordability or Fountain for military proximity? Schools, trails, or no-HOA freedom? Rank them—e.g., location near Pikes Peak views over gourmet kitchens. Discuss with an agent (vs. solo Zillow hunts) for MLS access to hidden gems. Use the Pikes Peak MLS Market Trends for neighborhood insights.
3. INVENTORY (What’s Actually Available) Search current listings matching your budget and prefs. In Colorado Springs, hot spots like Northgate move in <20 days; compromises might mean waiting or mods (e.g., adding a deck). If nothing fits, adjust prefs—not budget. Track via saved searches on Zillow or Realtor.com.
The triangle shifts based on trade-offs: Stretch preferences for a dream location? Tighten budget for more features? This process allows you to make the decision that involves compromise.
Which triangle side challenges you most? Ready to apply it? Reach out via my contact page or message me directly for a personal walkthrough.
Want to evaluate closing costs? Check out my post: What are Closing Costs When Buying a Home in Colorado Springs?.
I’m Andrew Bacon, a Top Colorado Springs Real Estate Broker in Colorado Springs. I take care of my clients as family and aim to provide them with the necessary information and tools to navigate the complex markets in Colorado and around the US.
As a member of the Pikes Peak & Denver Metro Association of Realtors, I enjoy staying aware of current cultural trends and economic drivers.Check back regularly for new articles on all things real estate along Colorado’s Front Range.
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