Real Estate for Air Traffic Controllers, From a Former Controller
Matthew Starr spent 15 years as an air traffic controller before founding the New Horizons Real Estate Team. Whether you're new to Denver Center, moving up as a CPC or transferring out, we know your schedule, your pay and your timeline.
Claim Your Controller Discount Call or Text 720-432-8695Why Controllers Work With Us
The Controller Discount
As an air traffic controller, you receive over 30% in discounted services from New Horizons Real Estate.
When You Sell
Save over 30% of agent fees when we list your home, whether you're moving up or transferring to another facility.
When You Buy
30% of the agent fee paid by the seller is applied toward concessions you can use, such as a rate buydown.
Discount eligibility and terms are available on request; concessions are subject to your loan program and the purchase contract.
Tools for Controllers
Controller Back Pay Estimator
Estimate your 2026 retroactive pay from the FAA-NATCA raise using two numbers from your pay stub.
Controller Relocation Calculator
Moving to ZDV, D01 or DEN? See your Denver-area locality pay, how much home you can afford and which towns fit.
Rent vs. Buy Calculator
Still renting during training? Compare costs, equity and the break-even year with current rates, taxes and insurance.
Home Equity Calculator
Already own? Estimate what your home is worth today and how much equity you have for a move-up or transfer.
What's My Home Worth?
Get a free home value estimate, then ask us for a pricing analysis based on recent comparable sales.
Longmont Market Report
Live prices, inventory and recent sales for the city that's home to ZDV, plus reports for every nearby town.
Longmont Homes for Sale
Every active listing in Longmont, updated throughout the day.
Starter Homes
Condos, townhomes and smaller homes under $450K in Longmont and nearby towns, a good fit for new controllers.
Lifestyle Searches
Moving up after certification? Browse new construction, golf course, pool, acreage and luxury homes by town.
Guides for Controllers
Welcome to ZDV
A newcomer's guide to Longmont and Colorado: where controllers live, local favorites, music, sports and the things you have to do at least once.
ZDV First-Time Home Buyer Guide
Rent or buy, what lenders see on an FAA paycheck by training stage, loan options, CHFA down payment help and a timeline.
Home Buyer's Guide
The 8 steps to buying in Northern Colorado, upfront costs and printable home tour and inspection checklists.
Home Seller's Guide
Transferring or moving up? Pricing, Colorado seller costs and disclosures, and prep, showing and moving checklists.
The True Cost of Owning in Colorado
Property taxes, metro districts, HOA dues, hail and insurance, and radon: what to budget beyond the mortgage.
First-Time Buyer Down Payment Guide
How much you really need, low down payment loans and how to save for your first home.
Relocating to Colorado
Coming from the Academy or transferring from another facility? Start here. Each town guide covers utilities, Colorado DMV deadlines, schools, neighborhoods by price and a first-90-days checklist you can print.
Longmont Relocation Guide
City utilities on one bill, St. Vrain Valley Schools, neighborhoods by price and getting around.
30 Colorado Relocation Guides
Every town from Fort Collins to the Denver metro in one place, each with a printable PDF.
Moving to Northern Colorado
Compare towns side by side, plus state taxes, DMV deadlines and insurance tips for your move.
Where Controllers Live
Shift work makes the commute matter. Here's where controllers often look, depending on the facility.
| Facility | Nearby towns to consider | Relocation guides |
|---|---|---|
| Denver Center (ZDV), Longmont | Longmont, Niwot and Hygiene are minutes away; Mead, Firestone, Frederick, Berthoud, Lyons and Gunbarrel are a short drive | Longmont, Niwot, Hygiene, Mead, Firestone, Frederick, Berthoud, Lyons, Gunbarrel |
| Denver TRACON (D01) and Denver Tower, Denver International Airport | Thornton, Northglenn and northeast Denver, with Frederick, Firestone and Erie for more space | Thornton, Northglenn, Denver, Erie |
| Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport tower, Broomfield | Broomfield, Westminster, Superior, Louisville and Lafayette | Broomfield, Westminster, Superior, Louisville, Lafayette |
| A two-income household with a spouse working elsewhere | Midpoint towns such as Erie, Broomfield, Johnstown or Loveland | Johnstown, Loveland, Fort Collins |
Drive times vary with traffic, weather and shift times. Tell us your schedule and we'll map real commutes for the homes you like, or try the controller relocation calculator.
Transferring Out or Moving Up?
Getting a transfer you bid on, or ready for more space after certification? We'll price your home with recent comparable sales, prepare it to sell around your shifts, and coordinate the timing with your report date or your next purchase, all with the controller discount on our listing fee.
Request a Pricing Analysis Check My Equity Free Seller's GuideFrequently Asked Questions
What discount do air traffic controllers get?
Controllers receive over 30% in discounted services from New Horizons Real Estate. Sellers save over 30% of agent fees, and buyers have 30% of the seller-paid agent fee applied toward concessions, such as a rate buydown. Ask us for the terms that apply to you.
Should I buy right away when I arrive at ZDV?
It depends on your training stage, savings and how long you plan to stay. Many new controllers rent first and start their buying plan right away. Our ZDV First-Time Home Buyer Guide walks through rent versus buy, what lenders look at on an FAA paycheck and Colorado down payment programs, and the rent vs. buy calculator shows your break-even year.
Where do most ZDV controllers live?
Many live in Longmont itself. Niwot and Hygiene are minutes from the facility, and Mead, Firestone, Frederick, Berthoud, Lyons and Gunbarrel are a short drive.
Can you help if I'm transferring from another facility and can't visit first?
Yes. We narrow neighborhoods with you by video call, tour homes live or by video, and connect you with local lenders and inspectors so you can buy with confidence from out of state.
Is Matthew Starr really a former air traffic controller?
Yes. Matthew spent 15 years as an air traffic controller and negotiated with the FAA on behalf of NATCA before founding the New Horizons Real Estate Team.
Let's Plan Your Move
Call or text Matthew Starr at 720-432-8695, or email matt@newhorizonsre.com.
Claim Your Controller Discount Meet MatthewNew Horizons Real Estate is an independent real estate company and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA, DOT or NATCA. General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.