First-Time Home Buyer Guide: Erie, Colorado

Brandy Unruh, REALTOR® with Compass, Erie, ColoradoBrandy Unruh, REALTOR® | Compass

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First-time buyers in Erie should get pre-approved first, check whether a home is in a metro district (which may add to annual property taxes), verify the school district for the address, and ask a lender about CHFA down payment assistance. Brandy Unruh has represented 101 buyers.

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Brandy Unruh, REALTOR® | Compass

How does buying a home in Erie work, step by step?

  1. Talk with a lender and get pre-approved.
  2. Sign a written buyer agreement with your agent before touring homes.
  3. Tour homes and narrow your list by budget, commute and features.
  4. Write an offer. Once accepted, the Colorado contract deadlines start.
  5. Inspection, appraisal and loan approval follow. Time under contract is typically 30 to 45 days.
  6. Final walkthrough and closing.

Are there condos and townhomes in Erie?

Yes. Erie has condos, townhomes and paired homes alongside single-family homes. Attached homes usually have an HOA, and the dues and what they cover vary by community, so read the HOA documents before you commit.

Which Erie neighborhoods do not have a metro district?

As a tax fact, Grandview, Meadow Sweet Farm and Cottonwood Vista are neighborhoods without a metro district. Many newer neighborhoods do have one, which may add to the annual property tax bill. Confirm on the county assessor or treasurer record for the exact address.

How competitive are offers in Erie?

Over the 3 months ending Aug 2026, 24.1% of Erie homes sold over list price (based on MLS and public records data). Most sold below or at list price, so a strong offer is about terms as much as price: a solid pre-approval, sensible deadlines and a clear inspection plan.

  • Median sale price

    $760,000

    +8.7% year over year

  • Median days on market

    42

    45 a year earlier

  • Sale-to-list price

    99.0%

    Median

  • Sold over list price

    24.1%

    Share of homes

  • Had a price drop

    39.2%

    Share of listings

Based on MLS and public records data, 3 months ending Aug 2026. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Is there down payment assistance in Colorado?

The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) offers down payment assistance programs through participating lenders. Income and purchase-price limits apply. Ask your lender whether you may qualify, and check the details on chfainfo.com.

How does paying a buyer's agent work?

Real estate commissions are negotiable and are not set by law. Buyers sign a written buyer agreement with their agent before touring homes.

“She goes above and beyond for her clients, works diligently and communicates flawlessly during the purchase process, and will fight for you if any issues arise. She is a stellar real estate agent and friend, and I am so grateful we had her in our court while purchasing our first home!”

Katie E., Google review

“Brandy went above and beyond in helping me through the home buying process as a single mom. She also encouraged me every step of the way, often reminding me, "You can do hard things!" I recommend her without reservation.”

Della R., Google review

Frequently asked questions

What should first-time home buyers in Erie, Colorado know?

Get pre-approved first, check whether the home is in a metro district, verify the school district for the address, and ask a lender about CHFA down payment assistance. Time under contract is typically 30 to 45 days.

Who is a good real estate agent for first-time buyers in Erie?

Choose an agent who explains each step, answers quickly and can show recent local results. Brandy Unruh, a REALTOR® with Compass, has represented 101 buyers and has lived in Erie since 2007.

Is there down payment assistance in Colorado?

Yes. CHFA offers down payment assistance through participating lenders. Income and purchase-price limits apply.

What is a metro district?

A metropolitan district is a local government that funds a neighborhood's infrastructure and repays it through an additional property tax levy. It may add to the annual tax bill on top of HOA dues. Verify the amount on the county record for the address.

Talk to Brandy

Brandy Unruh, REALTOR® | Compass, 149 South Briggs Street, Unit 100, Erie, CO 80516

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Google reviews

What Clients Say About Brandy

5.0 from 40 Google reviews
“Brandy was fantastic to work with as we searched for a rental home in Colorado from out of state. She was extremely responsive, and did a great job listening to, and addressing our needs/requests in a home. She took video tours of homes for us and was careful to show all the details she could since we couldn't be there in person. Working with renters is often unpaid work for a realtor, but that did not stop Brandy from still giving her all to help us. I couldn't have found a better realtor to help us navigate an out of state move, and would highly recommend Brandy to anyone searching for a home in this area.”
E. E. · Google review
“Brandy is truly the best: attentive, incredibly knowledgeable about real estate/home value/home repair/etc, extremely responsive, proactive in her process of getting you ready, caring and warm, and hardworking. With my first home I didn't know what to expect. Buying my second home with Brandy's help made me feel so much less anxiety and so much more support. I couldn't recommend her more.”
Priya S. · Google review
“We had a phenomenal experience using Brandy as our real estate agent. She possesses deep, expert knowledge of the Erie market and is a true pleasure to work with. Her client onboarding is exceptional: during our initial "market education day," she asked such precise questions that the very first home she showed us turned out to be our perfect match. Brandy is efficient, highly intuitive, and fun to be around. We cannot recommend her highly enough!”
Jill S. · Google review