Home Buyer Down Payment Grants for Single Mothers in Colorado

Last updated: September 2025

This guide is for Colorado single moms who need real, current, step‑by‑step help. You’ll see exactly where to apply, how much you may get, what to expect for timelines, and what to do if one option doesn’t work. You’ll find critical statewide programs like the statewide lender‑based aid from the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority via the italic linked pages for the official programs, including the statewide Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) Down Payment Assistance, the Front Range–wide metroDPA, the El Paso County Turnkey Plus Downpayment Assistance, and city/county grants like Boulder’s H2O: House to Homeownership. For broader help and advocacy, keep handy statewide hubs like Colorado Housing Connects (helpline 1-844-926-6632), the federal HUD Colorado homeownership portal, and the state housing department’s DOLA down payment assistance (Prop 123) info. (chfainfo.com)

If You Only Do 3 Things – Emergency Actions to Take

Call a CHFA‑approved lender today and ask for a same‑day pre‑screen for down payment aid with the CHFA Down Payment Assistance grant/second, the CHFA FirstGeneration option, or CHFA HomeAccess if disability applies, then book a CHFA‑approved homebuyer class date via CHFA Homebuyer Education. (chfainfo.com)
If you’re looking along the Front Range, ask a participating lender about metroDPA (5% forgivable assistance) and, if you qualify, the metroDPA Social Equity $15, 000-$ 25,000 option. Also ask about pairing with CHAC low‑interest DPA if funds are available. (bouldercolorado.gov)
If you’re in El Paso County, ask lenders about the Turnkey Plus 0% second (up to 5%), and if you’re in Boulder city limits, explore [*Boulder H2O up to $100, 000 *] (h ttp s : // b o u l d erco l or a d o . g o v / h o m eo w n ers hi p / h 2 o) w i t h [* I m p a c t De v e l o p m e n tF u n d *] (h ttp s : // im p a c t df . or g / b o u l d er - co u n t y /) a s a d mini s t r a t or . I n G ree l ey, a s kab o u t [* G ‑ H OPE *] (h ttp s : // g ree l eyco . g o v / res i d e n t s / reso u rces / h o u s in g - so l u t i o n s)$ 2,500–$8,000 by zone. (admin.elpasoco.com)

Quick Help Box — Numbers and Links to Keep Handy

CHFA Home Finance: call 1-888-320-3688, search lenders via Find a CHFA Participating Lender, and confirm DPA options on CHFA Down Payment Assistance. (chfainfo.com)
Colorado Housing Connects: dial 1-844-926-6632 for triage and counseling via Colorado Housing Connects; get HUD counseling via HUD counselor locator & hotline at 1-800-569-4287. (coloradohousingconnects.org)
metroDPA team (Front Range): email lender liaisons at metroDPA contacts (Denver HOST/Stifel), and review Boulder’s summary of metroDPA 5% forgiveness. (denvergov.org)
El Paso County Turnkey Plus: call 1-719-520-6481 and download details at Turnkey Plus Downpayment Assistance; check updates via Pikes Peak DPA. (admin.elpasoco.com)
Fair housing and complaints: report housing discrimination to the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) at 1-303-894-2997, and mortgage issues to CFPB complaint portal at 1-855-411-2372. (ccrd.colorado.gov)

What Colorado Single Moms Should Do First

Start by confirming the biggest, most flexible statewide help you can layer quickly. That usually means pairing a first mortgage from CHFA with either the free‑money CHFA DPA Grant (up to the lesser of 3% or $25, 000) *] (h ttp s : // www . c h f ain f o . co m / h o m eo w n ers hi p / d o w n - p a y m e n t - a ss i s t an ce) or t h e [* C H F A D P A S eco n d (u pt o t h e l essero f 4$ 25,000), then adding Front Range aid like metroDPA 5% forgiveness or local loans such as Turnkey Plus or Boulder H2O, if allowed. CHFA also has targeted options—FirstGeneration (up to $25, 000 seco n d) *] (h ttp s : // www . c h f ain f o . co m / h o m eo w n ers hi p / o w n - yo u r - t o m orro w) an d [* Ho m e A ccess (u pt o$ 25,000 second)—that can be game‑changers for single mothers meeting those criteria. (chfainfo.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Apply across multiple channels the same week. Take the free class through CHFA‑approved education providers, keep trying lenders listed under Find a CHFA Participating Lender, and call Colorado Housing Connects to be referred to city and nonprofit options like CHAC for a low‑interest second. (chfainfo.com)

Down Payment Programs Most Single Moms Use in Colorado

CHFA Down Payment Assistance (statewide)

The statewide hub is CHFA. With a CHFA first mortgage, you may receive either the CHFA DPA Grant—up to the lesser of 3% of the first mortgage or $25, 000, n e v erre p ai d — or t h e [* C H F A D P A S eco n d *] (h ttp s : // www . c h f ain f o . co m / h o m eo w n ers hi p / d o w n - p a y m e n t - a ss i s t an ce) — u pt o t h e l essero f 4$ 25,000, repaid only when you sell, refinance, or move. If you’re a first‑generation homebuyer or a parent of a child with a permanent disability (or living with a permanent disability), ask lenders about CHFA FirstGeneration or CHFA HomeAccess, both offering up to $25,000 irrespective of first‑mortgage size. (chfainfo.com)

Eligibility highlights: Use a CHFA first mortgage; complete a CHFA‑approved homebuyer class; typical minimum credit scores start at 620 depending on loan type; income and loan limits apply on program tiers listed under Program Updates for Real Estate Pros. (chfainfo.com)
Reality check: DPA can mean a slightly higher first‑mortgage rate; plan for that in your monthly budget, and ask your lender for a side‑by‑side “with DPA vs. self‑funded” quote per CHFA’s participating‑lender directory and your own trusted advisor via HUD counselors. (chfainfo.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you can’t qualify under one CHFA product, ask about different CHFA programs via How to Get a CHFA Loan, combine with a local nonprofit second like CHAC, or look to Front Range metroDPA if your target city participates. (chfainfo.com)

metroDPA (Front Range)

If you’re buying in participating Front Range communities, metroDPA can provide assistance tied to your first‑mortgage type. Many cities—including Boulder—describe it as up to 5% assistance that is forgiven after three years when program conditions are met; the City of Boulder’s 2025 page also lists an income cap of $195, 600 f or t h e 5$ 15,000 or $25,000 as a three‑year forgivable second when criteria are met. Confirm lender participation and amounts before you lock. (denvergov.org)

Eligibility highlights: Minimum 640 credit score is typical; income caps vary; buy in participating cities; get a 30‑year fixed; see Boulder’s summary and contact Denver HOST’s listed liaisons on the metroDPA page. (denvergov.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your lender to pivot to CHFA DPA, or pair with a nonprofit loan via CHAC. If you work in health care, teaching, or public safety, also check if your employer partners with Impact Development Fund (IDF) or local city perks. (chfainfo.com)

Turnkey Plus (El Paso County & Colorado Springs)

El Paso County’s Turnkey Plus offers a 0% interest, deferred second worth up to 5% of your first mortgage—partly forgiven over five years and fully forgiven at 30 years when conditions are met—available countywide including Colorado Springs. Maximum incomes and credit score minimums depend on loan type; you’ll work through a participating lender and can get updates from the county or the Pikes Peak DPA site. (admin.elpasoco.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Try CHFA DPA with a participating lender, call Colorado Housing Connects for counseling, or consider rural 100% financing from USDA if your target address is eligible. (chfainfo.com)

City and County Programs Worth a Look

Boulder: The H2O: House to Homeownership shared‑appreciation loan can provide up to $100, 000 in s i d ec i t y l imi t s; B o u l d er ’ s 2025 gu i d e a l so l i s t s [* C o l or a d oD P A F u n d u pt o$ 25,000*](https://bouldercolorado.gov/homeownership/guide-down-payment-assistance-programs) and confirms metroDPA up to 5% forgiven after 3 years. Administration is often through Impact Development Fund. (bouldercolorado.gov)
Longmont/Boulder County (outside Boulder city): The City of Longmont runs local DPA loans with 0% deferred for ≤60% AMI and 2% amortizing for 61–80% AMI; start on the Longmont Down Payment Assistance page and confirm income limits under Longmont HCI limits. Pair with CHFA if eligible. (longmontcolorado.gov)
Greeley/Weld County: The employer‑linked G‑HOPE program can forgive $2, 500-$ 8,000 (zone‑based) over five years east of 35th Avenue; check details on Greeley Housing Solutions or the Greeley Urban Renewal Authority page. (greeleyco.gov)
Grand Junction/Mesa County: Housing Resources of Western Colorado launched a local DPA second—media reports cite a $65,000 0% no‑payment loan repayable when you sell or refinance, with eligibility up to 120% AMI—contact the city housing team and monitor news coverage plus Grand Junction Housing. Pair with USDA in eligible rural areas. Call to confirm current availability. (kjct8.com)
Pueblo: The city’s HDAP offers up to $5,000 as a 5‑year forgivable second when open; as of 2025 the page says the program is closed, so check back or call the housing department to verify status before house‑hunting. Also look at HUD’s Pueblo contacts. (pueblo.us)
CHAC (statewide nonprofit second): The Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation provides low‑interest DPA seconds to first‑time buyers statewide and lists a typical closing timeline goal of three weeks on its CHAC FAQ. Ask about current caps and wait lists, as dollars are limited. (chaconline.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If a city program is closed, rely on CHFA DPA and Front Range metroDPA, or consider USDA 100% financing in eligible rural ZIP codes to reduce your cash needed at closing. (chfainfo.com)

Quick Compare: Popular Colorado Down Payment Options

Program	Typical Amount	Repayment	Where It Works	Class Required
CHFA DPA Grant	Up to lesser of 3% or $25,000	None (gift)	Statewide with CHFA first	Yes, CHFA‑approved class
CHFA DPA Second	Up to lesser of 4% or $25,000	Deferred until sale/refi/move	Statewide with CHFA first	Yes
CHFA FirstGeneration	Up to $25,000	Deferred, paid at sale/refi/move	Statewide with CHFA first	Yes
CHFA HomeAccess	Up to $25,000	Deferred, paid at sale/refi/move	Statewide with CHFA first	Yes
metroDPA	Often up to 5% of first mortgage	Forgiven after 3 years if conditions met	Participating Front Range cities	Yes
Turnkey Plus (El Paso)	Up to 5% as 0% second	Partially forgiven over time; remainder at 30 yrs	El Paso County	Yes
H2O (City of Boulder)	Up to $100,000 shared‑appreciation	Repaid plus share of appreciation	Boulder city limits	Yes

Confirm amounts and eligibility with the official pages for CHFA DPA options, the metroDPA program, El Paso’s Turnkey Plus page, and Boulder’s H2O page. Amounts vary by funding and program updates—call to verify before you write an offer. (chfainfo.com)

Eligibility Rules You’ll See Over and Over

Most programs want you mortgage‑ready with steady income, a workable debt‑to‑income ratio, and a quick homebuyer class. Expect credit score minimums around 620 for many CHFA conventional programs, a required class from CHFA‑approved providers, and income/loan limits in CHFA program updates. If you buy in the Front Range, metroDPA relies on a 30‑year fixed with participating lenders; in El Paso County, Turnkey Plus has product‑specific income and FICO minimums listed on its flyer. (chfainfo.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your credit’s under 620, ask about FHA (3.5% down) while you build score and savings with a CHFA second; FHA’s 3.5% down minimum is affirmed by HUD. You may also move your search to a rural eligible area and use USDA 100% financing to cut your down payment to $0. Use free counseling from HUD‑approved agencies to make a six‑week credit plan. (hud.gov)

How to Apply: Simple Steps You Can Follow This Week

Take the required class early through CHFA Homebuyer Education; these are free in person and available online. Save your certificate. (chfainfo.com)
Interview three lenders found via CHFA’s lender directory; ask each to pre‑approve you with CHFA DPA and to layer metroDPA or local DPA (like Turnkey Plus) if allowed. (chfainfo.com)
If you fit first‑generation or disability criteria, ask lenders to evaluate CHFA FirstGeneration or HomeAccess for the flat $25,000 second. (chfainfo.com)
If you’re Black/African‑American buying in the Denver metro, also apply to the shared‑equity Dearfield Fund for Black Wealth (up to $40,000) through approved lenders while you lock your first mortgage. (dearfieldfund.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask Colorado Housing Connects to help you triage options and find a HUD counselor; if a city’s fund is out, pivot to CHFA DPA plus a smaller nonprofit second through CHAC until local dollars replenish. (coloradohousingconnects.org)

Required Documents Most Programs Ask For

Government ID, SSNs, and proof of custody if applicable, as listed for federal programs via HUD Colorado; income docs like pay stubs/W‑2s; monthly debt statements. (hud.gov)
Homebuyer class certificate from CHFA‑approved education, lender pre‑approval, and purchase contract when applicable. (chfainfo.com)
Program‑specific forms—e.g., metroDPA lender attestation links—and any disability documentation for CHFA HomeAccess. (denvergov.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If missing docs slow you down, ask your lender which pages are critical to reserve funds now, then complete the rest while you’re under contract; use CHFA’s lender list to escalate if responses lag. (chfainfo.com)

Timelines and What to Expect

Class and pre‑approval can happen the same week using CHFA Homebuyer Education and lender intake. Your purchase contract to closing often runs 30–45 days depending on appraisal and underwriting. (chfainfo.com)
CHAC says to allow about three weeks for its second‑mortgage processing once you’re under contract; this is typical for a nonprofit DPA loan according to the CHAC FAQ. (chaconline.org)
metroDPA, CHFA, and Turnkey Plus are lender‑driven; decisions are tied to your first‑mortgage underwriting pace and reservation windows. Always ask your lender to lock program funds early per metroDPA contacts, CHFA lender portal process, and Turnkey Plus lender list. (denvergov.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If timing is tight, make your purchase contract contingent on your specific DPA approval and reserve funds ASAP through your lender for CHFA, metroDPA, or Turnkey Plus. (chfainfo.com)

Can You Combine Programs?

Most buyers pick one DPA source tied to their first mortgage. You cannot use both CHFA grant and CHFA second at the same time. Some local DPAs may work alongside CHFA if your lender can structure it, but many city programs prohibit stacking with other DPAs. Always ask the lender to confirm stackability in writing via CHFA FAQs, metroDPA rules, and city program pages. (chfainfo.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you can’t stack DPAs, use one DPA and reduce closing costs another way—seller credits, lender credits, or check if you qualify for the Dearfield Fund if you are Black/African‑American in metro Denver. (dearfieldfund.com)

Don’t Forget These Loan Types That Reduce Cash Needed

Rural addresses may qualify for USDA Guaranteed loans (0% down); call the Colorado state office at 1-800-424-6214 or use local contacts listed on USDA Colorado. Veterans can use VA home loans (often 0% down) and keep monthly costs lower because there’s no PMI. FHA’s 3.5% down minimum is confirmed by HUD. Ask your lender to compare with CHFA DPA layered on top. (rd.usda.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you can’t get DPA, a USDA or VA zero‑down can still get you in the door. If you’re close on funds, check employer‑assisted offerings via Impact Development Fund and city programs like metroDPA. (impactdf.org)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over‑estimating what you can borrow: Before you fall in love with a house, get a real pre‑approval with closing cost estimate from a CHFA participating lender and discuss your total monthly payment with a HUD counselor. (chfainfo.com)
Waiting to take the class: Delaying your CHFA class can delay closing. Book early, even before you start shopping. (chfainfo.com)
Not reserving funds: metroDPA and local pots can run low; have your lender reserve funds through the official metroDPA channel, and confirm your CHFA DPA choice at application. (denvergov.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you miss a funding window, ask your lender to pivot to another DPA or lock a USDA/VA option immediately. Use Colorado Housing Connects to identify backup programs in your county. (coloradohousingconnects.org)

Reality Check

Funding pools can pause mid‑year, underwriting can ask for extra documents, and second‑mortgage subordination rules may slow a refinance later. Keep a Plan B (another DPA or loan type) ready through CHFA’s lender network, verify metroDPA terms directly on Denver’s official page, and keep your HUD counseling contact via Colorado Housing Connects on speed dial. (chfainfo.com)

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Task	Where to Go	Tip
Get a pre‑approval	Find a CHFA lender	Ask for CHFA DPA + metroDPA layering
Book class	CHFA Homebuyer Education	Do this first week
Front Range DPA	metroDPA official page	Confirm 5%/forgiveness timeline
El Paso County	Turnkey Plus	Ask about FICO minimums by product
City of Boulder	H2O program	Up to $100k, shared appreciation
Back‑up counseling	Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632)	Ask for local DPA referrals

Use this alongside the full CHFA and city program pages listed above; always confirm current limits and availability directly with CHFA, Denver HOST, and your county. (chfainfo.com)

Printable Application Checklist

Government ID and SSNs, proof of custody as needed; see HUD Colorado for counseling contacts if you need help organizing. (hud.gov)
Last two pay stubs and last two years’ W‑2s/1099s; confirm any child‑support income with a lender from CHFA’s directory. (chfainfo.com)
Class certificate from CHFA Homebuyer Education; note certificate validity windows. (chfainfo.com)
Lender pre‑approval listing your DPA choice (e.g., CHFA Grant/Second, metroDPA, or Turnkey Plus). (chfainfo.com)
Signed purchase contract, inspection, and any program forms (e.g., metroDPA lender forms). (denvergov.org)

Troubleshooting: If Your Application Gets Denied

Ask for the reason in writing: Then call a HUD‑approved counselor via Colorado Housing Connects and schedule a plan. If it’s credit or DTI, a counselor can map a 30–60 day fix. Use CHFA’s lender list to apply with a second lender. (coloradohousingconnects.org)
Switch programs: If metroDPA doesn’t fit, pivot to CHFA DPA or vice versa; in El Paso, try Turnkey Plus. For rural properties, check USDA. (chfainfo.com)
Escalate concerns: If you believe you were treated unfairly, file a discrimination complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division, and mortgage issues with the CFPB by phone at 1-855-411-2372. (ccrd.colorado.gov)

How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Colorado Today

If a high utility bill is killing your down‑payment savings, get fast help. Call 1-866-432-8435 for the HEAT HELP line on Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC) Bill Payment Assistance. Apply the same day through EOC partner agencies using Find a Payment Assistance Agency and cross‑apply for LEAP (energy bill help). If you need statewide utility advocacy, use the Colorado PUC Utility Bill Help page and call 1-303-869-0380 for referrals. (energyoutreach.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your utility about payment plans; re‑apply when program windows reopen (EOC posts program‑year dates), and keep your lender looped in via CHFA’s lender network so they can structure closing credits. (chfainfo.com)

Resources by Region (Call to Confirm Current Dollars)

Denver Metro (Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson): Start with CHFA DPA, layer metroDPA 5%, and consider Dearfield Fund up to $40,000 for Black/African‑American buyers. For legal help, contact Colorado Legal Services—Denver at 1-303-837-1313. (chfainfo.com)
Northern Front Range (Larimer, Weld, Boulder Counties): Use CHFA, metroDPA if city participates, Longmont DPA, and G‑HOPE. For homebuyer classes in Boulder County, see Workforce Boulder County workshops. (chfainfo.com)
Pikes Peak (El Paso County): Combine Turnkey Plus with CHFA; for fair housing help, see Colorado Springs Fair Housing resources. Legal aid: Colorado Legal Services—Colorado Springs at 1-719-471-0380. (admin.elpasoco.com)
Western Slope (Mesa and beyond): Monitor Grand Junction housing incentives and news for HRWC DPA loans, plus USDA Colorado contacts. Legal aid: Colorado Legal Services—Grand Junction at 1-970-243-7940. (gjcity.org)
Pueblo: Check the status of HDAP before you shop; use CHFA if HDAP is closed. Legal aid and case triage via Colorado Legal Services. (pueblo.us)

Local Organizations, Charities, Churches, and Support

Homebuyer education and counseling: Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632), Brothers Redevelopment homebuyer education, and HUD Colorado portal. (coloradohousingconnects.org)
Habitat for Humanity (ownership pathway): Habitat for Humanity of Colorado (state office support, local affiliates list), Habitat Metro Denver, and Habitat Mesa County. (habitatcolorado.org)
Energy and utility relief: Energy Outreach Colorado (HEAT HELP 1-866-432-8435), EOC agency finder, and Colorado PUC Utility Bill Help. (energyoutreach.org)
Fair housing and legal support: CCRD—file a discrimination complaint, CFPB complaint center, and Colorado Legal Services office finder. (ccrd.colorado.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your lender and counselor to help you mix and match supports—education via CHFA classes, legal via CLS, and utility relief via EOC. (chfainfo.com)

Application Tips That Save Time

Front‑load your file: Upload all documents to your lender’s portal the same day and ask for program fund reservation status via CHFA, metroDPA, or Turnkey Plus. (chfainfo.com)
Lock down contingencies: Make your offer contingent on DPA approval and acceptable appraisal; your agent and lender can cite program rules and city program pages in your offer timeline. (chfainfo.com)
Keep a backup: If metroDPA funds run out, be ready with CHFA Second or a smaller CHAC loan to cover a narrow gap. (chfainfo.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Hit pause, meet with a HUD counselor via Colorado Housing Connects, and re‑sequence: class, pre‑approval, DPA reservation, then home search. (coloradohousingconnects.org)

Diverse Communities: Tailored Notes and Resources

LGBTQ+ Single Mothers: If you face housing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, report it to the Colorado Civil Rights Division and request mediation. For DPA, focus on stackable options like CHFA DPA, metroDPA, and counseling through Colorado Housing Connects, which can connect you to inclusive lenders and homebuyer classes. (ccrd.colorado.gov)

Single Mothers with Disabilities or Disabled Children: Ask lenders about CHFA HomeAccess (up to $25,000) regardless of first‑mortgage size, and make sure classes provide accessibility per CHFA education standards. If a utility emergency threatens health, contact Energy Outreach Colorado for immediate bill help while you finalize your DPA. (chfainfo.com)

Veteran Single Mothers: Leverage VA home loans (0% down, no PMI) and then compare with CHFA DPA layered over a conventional/FHA first. For hardship on an existing VA loan, ask about VA’s VASP foreclosure‑avoidance tool to protect your credit while you prepare to buy or refinance. (benefits.va.gov)

Immigrant/Refugee Single Moms: Use HUD counselor hotlines and Colorado Housing Connects for language access. Many DPAs require lawful presence; confirm eligibility with your lender and ask about CHFA criteria and local city aids like metroDPA. (hud.gov)

Tribal‑Specific Resources: If you are a Native American veteran, ask about VA’s Native American Direct Loan (NADL) in addition to CHFA DPA. In rural areas, see USDA Direct/Guaranteed contacts posted for Colorado for loan packaging support. (benefits.va.gov)

Rural Single Moms with Limited Access: Check USDA 502 Guaranteed (0% down) and USDA Colorado contacts for direct‑loan help if your income is very low. Ask your lender to compare USDA vs CHFA DPA on monthly payment. (rd.usda.gov)

Single Fathers and Co‑Parents: The same DPA options apply—CHFA, metroDPA, and local city/county programs. If custody paperwork affects your qualifying income, call a HUD counselor via Colorado Housing Connects to prep documentation correctly. (chfainfo.com)

Language Access: Ask for interpreters or large‑print/TTY options with CHFA education providers, call 711 for TTY, and request Spanish materials through CHFA Mi Hogar. For state energy aid in Spanish, use EOC’s Spanish pages. (chfainfo.com)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your lender to flag accessibility needs early and copy your counselor; escalate discrimination or denial of reasonable accommodation to the Colorado Civil Rights Division. (ccrd.colorado.gov)

Money You Can Pair With DPA While You Stabilize

If you’re rebuilding cash, Colorado Works (state TANF) can help with essentials so you can keep saving toward closing. Apply through Colorado Works (TANF) and ask a case manager how the benefit interacts with your mortgage approval. If a sudden bill threatens your closing, use Energy Outreach Colorado or ask your counselor via Colorado Housing Connects for one‑time aid lists in your county. (cdhs.colorado.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Shift your target price downward using a USDA/VA zero‑down loan or a bigger shared‑equity second like H2O if you’re buying in Boulder. Re‑run numbers with a CHFA lender. (bouldercolorado.gov)

Real‑World Examples

A nurse and single mom in Colorado Springs used Turnkey Plus for 5% and stacked normal seller credits to cover most closing costs; she completed a CHFA class on a Saturday and closed in just over a month with a CHFA‑approved lender. (admin.elpasoco.com)
A Boulder retail worker combined metroDPA 5% forgiveness with a small gift from family; her lender showed that CHFA’s grant wasn’t stackable with metroDPA in her case, so they chose the better monthly payment path. She kept Colorado Housing Connects in the loop to troubleshoot the offer timeline. (bouldercolorado.gov)
A Black single mom in Aurora qualified for Dearfield Fund up to $40,000 and a CHFA first mortgage; the shared‑equity repayment at sale was worth it to lower her monthly payment and win the bid. (dearfieldfund.com)

County‑Specific Variations That Matter

Douglas County: The Douglas County Housing Partnership DPA offers amortizing and shared‑equity options for first‑time buyers under county income caps; classes run monthly. Verify purchase price caps on the county site. (douglascountyhousingpartnership.org)
Boulder County (outside the City of Boulder): The City of Longmont DPA serves the county with 0% deferred or 2% amortizing loans depending on AMI; confirm limits each year with Longmont HCI. (longmontcolorado.gov)
Denver Metro: You’ll see neighborhood‑based perks such as metroDPA Social Equity. Ask your lender to check if you qualify by address or ancestry. (denvergov.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your county’s DPA is closed or out of funds, default to CHFA DPA and explore USDA for nearby rural suburbs with $0 down. (chfainfo.com)

FAQs (Colorado‑Specific)

How much can CHFA actually cover for me right now? With a CHFA first mortgage, you can get a grant up to the lesser of 3% or $25, 000 *] (h ttp s : // www . c h f ain f o . co m / h o m eo w n ers hi p / d o w n - p a y m e n t - a ss i s t an ce) or a [* d e f erre d seco n d u pt o t h e l essero f 4$ 25,000. First‑generation buyers and those living with a permanent disability may access a flat $25,000 second regardless of mortgage size. Call to confirm current caps. (chfainfo.com)
Is metroDPA forgivable? Yes—Boulder’s 2025 page confirms forgiveness after three years if you meet requirements. The City of Denver’s official metroDPA page explains assistance varies by loan type. (bouldercolorado.gov)
How long will CHAC take? Plan roughly three weeks after you’re under contract per the CHAC FAQ. Build this into your contract timeline so you don’t lose your earnest money. (chaconline.org)
Can I use VA or USDA with these DPAs? Often yes, but programs have rules. Confirm with your lender and program administrators; read USDA Guaranteed loan and VA loan benefits pages and then let your lender structure the stack. (rd.usda.gov)
What if I’m denied due to discrimination? File with the Colorado Civil Rights Division and consult Colorado Legal Services. Keep notes and emails—evidence matters. (ccrd.colorado.gov)
Do I have to be a first‑time buyer for CHFA? Many CHFA programs allow repeat buyers; check CHFA program updates and ask your lender to verify. (chfainfo.com)
What if Pueblo’s HDAP is closed? Use CHFA DPA, and revisit the City of Pueblo HDAP page monthly to check reopening. (chfainfo.com)
Where do I find a trustworthy lender? Use CHFA’s lender directory, confirm they do metroDPA or Turnkey if needed, and read counseling tips from HUD Colorado. (chfainfo.com)
Is there help if my mortgage becomes unaffordable later? If you have a VA loan, ask about the VASP program. Otherwise, call Colorado Housing Connects for foreclosure‑prevention counseling. (news.va.gov)
What if I need cash help while saving a down payment? Apply for Colorado Works (TANF), and free up money by using EOC’s bill payment help. Keep your lender informed. (cdhs.colorado.gov)

Spanish Summary / Resumen en Español

Este resumen en español fue creado con herramientas de traducción por IA. Verifique siempre los detalles con las páginas oficiales. Para ayuda con el pago inicial en Colorado: use CHFA (subsidio/préstamo para pago inicial), llame a Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632), y si compra en el Front Range pida metroDPA (perdón de hasta 5%). En El Paso County, vea Turnkey Plus. Si necesita ayuda de servicios (gas/luz), llame al HEAT HELP 1-866-432-8435 de Energy Outreach Colorado. Para quejas de discriminación en la vivienda, contacte el Colorado Civil Rights Division. (chfainfo.com)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur – email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Disclaimer

This guide is for general education. Program terms and funding change; always verify current amounts, eligibility, and timelines with the official program administrators through the official pages for CHFA, metroDPA, and your city or county housing office. If you believe you experienced unfair treatment, file with the Colorado Civil Rights Division and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This guide is not legal, tax, or lending advice; speak with a qualified professional and your lender before making decisions. (chfainfo.com)

What to do if this entire plan doesn’t work

Try a different order. Take the CHFA class, call three lenders from CHFA’s directory, and price homes that qualify for USDA zero‑down. Hold your spot with a counselor at Colorado Housing Connects and confirm whether a city program like metroDPA or Turnkey Plus can come back into play next month. (chfainfo.com)

Tables and details were verified against official program pages as cited. Call to confirm current availability before applying; some local programs temporarily close when funds run out.

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Spanish Summary / Resumen en Español

About This Guide

Disclaimer

What to do if this entire plan doesn’t work

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