Colorado Down Payment Assistance & Grants 2026 | Travis Goltz
Minnesota — 2026 Programs Available

Colorado Down Payment
Assistance & Grants

Most Colorado buyers don't realize how much help is available. State and federal programs can cover thousands in down payment and closing costs — and you may qualify for more than one.

$3,000Minimum typical
$25,000Maximum available
FreeTo find out
See What I Qualify For Book a Free 15-Min Call
Branch Manager, Granite Bank Fannie Mae Approved NMLS #351337 Licensed All 50 States ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5 Rating

Colorado Down Payment Assistance Programs — 2026

These are the primary programs available to Colorado homebuyers this year. Many buyers qualify for more than one — the right combination depends on your specific situation.

First-Time Buyers

CHFA FirstStep Program

Up to $25,000

Colorado's primary first-time buyer program. A 30-year fixed-rate FHA loan paired with optional down payment assistance. One of the most accessible programs in the state with low credit score requirements.

Key Requirements620+ credit score · Income limits apply · First-time buyer or veteran · $1,000 own funds · CHFA homebuyer education course
Conventional Option

CHFA SmartStep Program

Up to $25,000

Pairs a 30-year fixed-rate FHA, VA, or USDA loan with down payment assistance as either a grant (up to 3% — never repaid) or a second mortgage (up to 4%). Available to first-time buyers and veterans.

Key Requirements620+ credit score · Income and purchase price limits · First-time buyer or veteran · $1,000 own funds · Homebuyer education course
Highest Assistance

CHFA FirstGeneration Program

Up to $25,000

Launched in 2024 specifically for buyers whose parents never owned a home, and those raised in foster care. Offers up to $25,000 as a deferred second mortgage paired with a 30-year fixed-rate CHFA loan. Repayment deferred until sale or refinance.

Key Requirements620+ credit score · Parents were not homeowners · First-time buyer required · Income limits apply · Homebuyer education course
Denver Metro

MetroDPA & NeighborhoodLIFT

Up to $15,000

MetroDPA provides grants for low-to-moderate income buyers in and around Denver Metro. NeighborhoodLIFT offers up to $15,000 in select counties (Adams, Arapahoe, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson). Both require a homebuyer education course.

Key RequirementsIncome limits apply · Property in eligible area · First-time buyer required · Homebuyer education course
Zero Down

USDA & VA Zero Down

0% Down Payment

USDA Rural Development covers eligible properties outside major metro areas with 100% financing and no PMI. VA loans offer zero down for eligible veterans and active-duty service members statewide.

Key Requirements620+ credit score · Income limits apply · USDA: eligible rural area · VA: military service eligibility · Primary residence only
Conventional

CHFA HFA Preferred & Low Down Conventional

As Low As 3% Down

CHFA offers Fannie Mae HFA Preferred and Freddie Mac HFA Advantage loans up to 97% LTV, including a Very Low Income Program (VLIP). Can be paired with CHFA down payment assistance. Travis is a Fannie Mae approved seller.

Key Requirements620+ credit score · Income limits vary by county · First-time buyer not always required · Allows non-occupant co-borrowers

Not sure which programs apply to you? That's exactly what a free 15-minute call is for.

Check My Eligibility — Free

Do You Qualify?

Most buyers are surprised to find they meet the requirements. Here's what lenders look at.

📊

Credit Score

Most MHFA programs require a 620 minimum. If your score needs work, there are still paths forward.

620+ for most programs
💵

Household Income

Income limits vary by program, household size, and county. Moderate and above-average incomes often still qualify.

Varies by program
🏠

First-Time Buyer Status

Defined as not having owned a home in the past 3 years. Programs like Step Up don't require this.

Required for some only
💰

Own Contribution

Some programs require as little as $1,000 from your own savings. Gift funds are often allowed.

As low as $1,000

The only way to know for certain is to review your specific situation.

Find Out What I Qualify For

See What Colorado Programs You Qualify For

There are multiple assistance programs available in Colorado and the right combination depends on your income, credit, and situation. Fill out the form and Travis will review your options personally.

Typical assistance in Colorado: $5,000 – $50,000 Depending on program eligibility, income, and household qualifications
  • Free, no obligation — no commitment required to find out what's available
  • Programs can stack — CHFA grant or second mortgage can cover your entire down payment
  • Direct access to Travis — not a call center, a real mortgage professional reviews your file
  • Fannie Mae approved lender — direct access to conventional products that pair with state assistance

"I was on the verge of giving up, but Travis walked me through a CHFA grant I had no idea existed. Covered most of my upfront costs and we closed in 38 days."

— Ceara, First-Time Homeowner in Minnesota

Check Your Colorado Options

Free · No obligation · Takes 2 minutes

Travis Goltz — Minnesota Mortgage Lender, Branch Manager Granite Bank

Why Work With Travis for Colorado Down Payment Assistance?

Not every lender is approved to offer CHFA programs. Knowing which programs exist, how CHFA grants and second mortgages interact with different loan products, and how to stack them correctly is the difference between leaving thousands on the table and closing with minimal out-of-pocket cost.

Travis works with Colorado buyers statewide — from Denver and Boulder to Colorado Springs and beyond — navigating the full mortgage process from application to keys in hand.

  • Fannie Mae Approved Seller: Direct access to conventional products that pair with MHFA assistance.
  • 120-Year Bank Backing: The stability and flexibility of Granite Bank behind every loan.
  • Direct Access: You get Travis's number. Not a 1-800 call center.
  • No Surprises: Transparent on costs, timeline, and program requirements from day one.
  • Licensed in All 50 States: Local expertise, nationwide reach.
Check My Eligibility Call (763) 360-4507

Travis Goltz · NMLS #351337 · Branch Manager, Granite Bank NMLS #405434 · Member FDIC · Equal Housing Lender

Common Questions About Colorado Down Payment Assistance

Do I have to be a first-time buyer to qualify? +

Most CHFA programs require first-time buyer status (defined as not owning a primary residence in the past 3 years). Veterans are exempt from this requirement on most CHFA programs. The CHFA HFA Preferred conventional loan also has options that don't require first-time buyer status.

Can I combine multiple assistance programs? +

Yes. CHFA's SmartStep Plus program allows you to layer a down payment grant (up to 3% — never repaid) on top of an FHA, VA, or USDA loan. In some cases local programs like MetroDPA can also be stacked depending on location. Travis will identify which combination makes the most sense for your situation.

Is CHFA down payment assistance a grant or a loan? +

Both options exist. The CHFA grant (up to 3% of the first mortgage) never has to be repaid. The CHFA second mortgage (up to 4%) is a loan repaid over time. The FirstGeneration program assistance is deferred until you sell or refinance. Travis will walk you through the repayment terms of any program before you commit.

What credit score do I need for Colorado programs? +

Most CHFA programs require a minimum 620 credit score, though some programs may accept non-traditional credit. If your score needs work, Travis can help you identify steps to improve it before applying so you don't miss out on the programs you're targeting.

What are the income limits for Colorado programs? +

Income limits vary by program, household size, and county. Denver and Boulder have different limits than rural Colorado. CHAC programs require income at or below 80% of area median income. CHFA programs generally have higher limits. The only way to know your specific eligibility is to review your situation directly.

How long does the process take? +

From application to closing typically takes 30–45 days. Getting pre-approved with CHFA programs identified usually takes just a few business days once documents are submitted. Some local programs like MetroDPA have limited funding and operate first-come, first-served — starting sooner protects your options.

Ready to Find Out What You Qualify For?

It's free, takes 2 minutes, and you'll know exactly where you stand on Minnesota down payment assistance programs.

See My Colorado Options Book a 15-Min Call

Call or text Travis directly: (763) 360-4507 · M–F 7am–7pm · NMLS #351337