Hot homes: 5 houses for sale in Denver starting at $520,000

The ferocious housing market started to relax slightly last month, as hopeful buyers paused to consider the pricey and competitive options available to land their dream homes.

The big picture: The National Association of Realtors recently said existing-home sales slipped 2% in August from the prior month. Here's hoping that means smooth sailing on your house hunting journey. Check out our residential eye candy this week:

4908 Raleigh St. — $520,000

Why we love it: Surrounded by two nearby lakes, a golf course and Tennyson Art District, this recently remodeled home features custom patina metal work details and a serene sunroom.

Neighborhood: Berkeley

Realtor: Melinda Yeary, Compass

Specs: 2 beds, 1 bath, 1,434 square feet

Notable features: Custom metal work from a former restaurant, roll-door garage, cedar closet and bright, bonus heated room at entryway.

3417 W. 33rd Ave. — $719,000

Why we love it: This revamped Victorian built in 1885 is just two blocks from Highland Square with a spacious, well-landscaped backyard with a patio space that's perfect for entertaining.

Neighborhood: West Highland

Realtor: Dudley Clark, Corcoran Perry & Co

Specs: 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,349 square feet

Notable features: Oversized 2-car garage, lots of closet space, brand new hail-resistant roof.

1777 Larimer St., #1408 — $795,000

Why we love it: This condo in the Windsor building is the perfect home for a Colorado urbanite. If you're not out on the town enjoying the city scene, enjoy shared amenities and including a terrace with grills, fire pit and a fragrant herb garden.

Neighborhood: LoDo

Realtor: Jenny Usaj, USAJ Realty

Specs: 2 beds, 2 bath, 1,909 square feet

Notable features: The living room holds a fireplace and two Juliet balconies provide mountain views. Community perks include fire pits, tennis and pickleball courts, a community room with billiards.

1590 Little Raven St., Unit 408 — $2,600,000

Why we love it: This newly renovated condo overlooking Riverfront Park doesn't let you forget the three Ls: lifestyle, location and luxury.

Neighborhood: Riverfront Park

Realtor: Justin Joseph, LIV Sotheby's International Realty

Specs: 3 beds, 3 baths, 2,832 square feet

Notable features: Oak floors, walls of windows leading to an oversized terrace, custom-built cabinetry, built-ins and closets.

25 S. Elm St. — $6,400,000

Why we love it: This custom home crafted by Squibb Estates celebrates the Colorado climate with multiple indoor-outdoor access points throughout.

Neighborhood: Hilltop

Realtor: Karen Nichols and Corrie Lee, milehimodern

Specs: 6 beds, 11 baths, 7,495 square feet

Notable features: Lower-level movie theater, custom outdoor kitchen, 10-car garage with lift and heated driveway.