5280 magazine recently ran an article entitled "14 neighborhoods where it's safe to buy (even now). In your stated price range, I would seriously consider Highland and West Highland, Congress Park and Berkely. Not mentioned in the article (but really worth a look) is Eisenhower Park (good upside potential as the neighborhood goes through redevelopment). IF you want to look outside the city, Highlands Ranch is worth a serious look (lots to choose from in your price range, some very good value).
Not sure 2 years is long enough to expect great appreciation, but these neighborhoods (and others) represent good value and upside potential.
I strongly suggest that you find a reputable Realtor that can give you insight into the Denver market, statistics on current trends, neighborhood basics and insight and other valuable information allowing you to make an informed decision.

Chuck Strauss
720-318-7598

Hi Kathryn,

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If you are only going to be in Denver for 2 years-- perhaps rent for that time. You most likely -- will be paying just interest for the first 2 years on the mortgage-- and you need to think about having equity in the house-- in order to pay to sell it-- when the time comes (within 2 years).

Kathryn Carlson, Licensed Real Estate Broker Owner ,
Bachelor of Science, Realtor, Accredited. Luxury Home Specialist, e-Pro Certified
Memberships: National Association of Realtors,
Colorado Association of Realtors, Denver Board of Realtors, Council of Residential Specialists,
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Homes and Lifestyles of Colorado
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You should stay with single family detached properties, they appreciate faster and the demand will always be greater. I see the most upside, over the next 5 years, in the DSE area of the local MLS system, great schools, public and private, and really strong, high end neighborhoods to support growth. There are also some great things happening just North West of Downtown, two years might not be enough time for these areas, but $250K would be a great price. Basements are almost a standard feature in Colorado homes, I would avoid homes without one. Attached garages are more desirable. Split level homes are harder to sell. The demand for Ranch style floor plans is only going to increase. If you buy in the city of Denver, your lot size should be over 6250 square feet. If your lot is less than 6250, a new house can not be built on the lot and this limits resale. Snow always melts faster on the South side of the house. Pools are not typically seen as assets. We have soil issues, so I like homes that have at least 5 years of occupied history. Be sure you have 2 years and borrow accordingly. Hire somebody that knows what they are doing.

Hi Lindsay,

My name is Javier and I currently work for United Country Real Estate in Berthoud. I am a recent graduate from Colorado State University. I will alse be attending graduate school here a couple of months. I will be attending The University of Denver. Were is your husband attending graduate school.. I have lived in Denver for two years in the past. I am very familiar with the state. The current colorado market tends to be steady on price growth. It is definetly a buyers market currently and no matter where you buy if you do your reserach with the help of your agent, although is hard to predict the market, it is almost certain that you will be building some good equity in the next two to three years. I would be more than happy to direct you, guide you and answer any questions that you and your husband might have. Its hard to serach for locations specially if you are out of state. I moved to Colorado from Mexico in 2000 and lived here ever since. I trully love this state. So much culture and richness in the people. Its great. I am focusing my graduate program in Real Estate and Construction Management. You can reach me on my cell phone at 303.596.6012 or my direct line at 970.344.1504 or my email, javiermadrigal7@gmail.com.
Hope to hear from you soon and best of luck to you!

Javier

It's too difficult to speculate on how the market will be in two years. I would instead concentrate on your price range affordability and where you would want to live because if you want to live there chances are others will too. Take into consideration the other properties on the street and neighborhood. Are there HOA's which can protect the integrity of the neighborhood? Do the neighbors seem to care about the upkeep of their homes? Also consider you can rent out your old property when you purchase another one... there are lots of variables with that, but it is also a possibility.

If you really want to turn a house around that fast, look for bargains that need little to no work (paint, new fixtures, etc), but still a house that you will enjoy living in is always most important. There are definitely possibilities in your price range, depending on what you want and where. Any house can potentially make money, just find the best bargain you can compared to other properties in the neighborhood.

Consider if you'd like to live closer to the mountains or if you're more a city person. Also where you'll work might be a factor for traveling to/from work.

You will love it here!

I have a few articles on Denver and the appreciating markets that I could email to you (I can not attched to this answer format). With that said where will you and your husband be attending school? If in the Denver Metro Area I would suggest looking at The Highlands area as it appears to be very hot......articles I have will support that. I would be more than happy to send listings and as new listing come on the market, if you would like...or you could viist: http://www.homepages.com/joellenufner

I hope this helps

My sister will be relocating out of Denver in the next few months...they also have no kids, perhaps you could consider their home?