Three buckets: down payment, closing costs, and reserves. Here's roughly what each looks like on a median-priced Denver home.
The Denver metro median sale price has recently run in roughly the $600,000–$650,000 range (it varies by neighborhood — see our individual neighborhood guides for local figures). Using $625,000 as a round example:
3% down: ~$18,750
5% down: ~$31,250
10% down: ~$62,500
20% down: ~$125,000
Typically 2%–4% of the purchase price in Colorado: roughly $12,500–$25,000 on a $625,000 home, covering lender fees, title insurance, appraisal, recording and prepaid escrow items.
Many lenders like to see 2–6 months of housing payments left in reserve after closing, especially on jumbo loans or investment properties.
Add it up and a buyer putting 5% down on a $625,000 home might need roughly $45,000–$60,000 in total cash — down payment plus closing costs plus a reserve cushion — though seller concessions, lender credits or down payment assistance can reduce the amount you bring personally.