Hot homes: 5 Denver-area listings starting at $689K

Riding the home-buying wave, many pandemic-era house hunters set themselves up for disappointment as prices skyrocketed, inventory fell and competition grew ferocious in Denver and markets beyond.

What they're saying: "The pandemic has turned out to be a historically miserable time to buy a home ... [as] expectations ran headlong into the reality of shopping in a frenzied sellers' market where the pickings were slim and the prices astronomical," the New York Times reports.

Driving the news: A Zillow survey released this month showed about 75% of recent buyers conveyed some regret associated with their home purchase. Many wished they'd been more patient with the process or considered alternatives.

• Approximately one-third of respondents said they regret buying a house that needed more work than they budgeted for; 31% said they wanted a bigger home than what they got; 21% said they spent more than they would have liked.

For one of the biggest investments of your life, take a moment to mull over these listings below:

3112 S. Monaco Cir. — $689,000

Why we love it: Light and bright with southern exposure flooding the back of this ranch-style home.

• Neighborhood: Hampden
• Realtor: Ryan Watzke — REMINGO
• Specs: 4 beds, 3 baths, 3,141 square feet
• Notable features: Built in 1965. Covered front porch with two attached garage spaces. Exposed brick and smart thermostat.

4719 W. Hayward Pl. — $915,000

Why we love it: The covered porch welcomes you into this quaint, but modern Victorian home, built in 1892, that saw a complete renovation in 2019. Plus, if you like exposed brick — there's lots of it in the dining area.

• Neighborhood: West Highlands
• Realtor: Mark and Ann Spoor — milehimodern
• Specs: 3 beds, 2 baths, 1,582 square feet
• Notable features: Kitchen features stainless steel appliances, open shelving and center island. Flexible bedrooms, spa-like bath with double vanities and a walk-in shower in primary suite. Glass-paneled door leads to backyard deck off second level. New garage added in 2019.

8772 E. 24th Ave. — $1,035,000

Why we love it: Double ovens — a foodie's dream! Enjoy the 18-foot ceilings and $130,000 worth of remodeling and high-end finishes.

• Neighborhood: Central Park
• Realtor: Jeffrey Grob — Homie Colorado
• Specs: 5 beds, 3 baths, 4,466 square feet

• Notable features: Built-in microwave, five-burner gas range, new quartz counters.

654 Stagecoach Blvd. — $1,150,000

Why we love it: Sitting on 3 acres of forest, this mountain retreat was thoughtfully designed to take in the surrounding beauty, complete with decks and mountain views.

• Neighborhood: Evergreen
• Realtor: Sara Schmidt — Corcoran Perry & Co.
• Specs: 3 beds, 4 baths, 5,424 square feet
• Notable features: Kitchen boasts new granite countertops, Viking appliances, a pantry and wine cooler. Heated floors on second level. Newly finished bonus room with walk-out to backyard and wet bar. Fresh carpet, paint and light fixtures throughout.

501 Forest St. — $2,950,000

Why we love it: The at-home gym — complete with a workout bike, flat-screen TV and rubber floor matting — is only made better by the heated lap pool and hot tub that greet you outside post-workout.

• Neighborhood: Hilltop
• Realtor: Jeff Hendley — Compass
• Specs: 5 beds, 5 baths, 6,089 square feet
• Notable features: 700-bottle temperature-controlled wine closet. Oversized primary suite with stone-finished floor-to-ceiling fireplace separating the sleeping area from the 5-piece bathroom. Large, multi-head shower, wrap-around walk-in closet, jetted tub, two vanities, rooftop terrace. Movie theater.

This story first appeared in the Axios Denver newsletter, designed to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news unfolding in their own backyard. Subscribe here.