Last updated: October 31, 2026
Bottom line
Colorado has real down payment help, but most programs are not grants made only for single mothers. Help is usually based on income, credit, loan type, home location, first-time buyer rules, disability, work history, or other program rules.
Start with a CHFA-approved lender and ask for a full review of statewide and local programs. Take homebuyer education early so you understand the mortgage, closing costs, repairs, taxes, insurance, and any second loan tied to the help.
Do not judge a program only by the amount offered. A smaller true grant may cost less in the long run than a larger loan with repayment or shared-appreciation rules.
Some help has no monthly payment but is still a loan. It may become due when you sell, refinance, move, or reach the end of the loan term. Before you sign, ask how much you would owe under each choice.
If you need housing help today
Homebuying help is not emergency rent or shelter help. A lender must review your income, credit, debts, documents, and the home. This can take time.
If you may lose your housing, have an eviction notice, need shelter, or face a utility shutoff, contact 211 Colorado for local referrals. The ASMOM Colorado emergency guide also lists other help paths while you work on a longer-term housing plan.
If you have court papers or a serious housing dispute, housing legal aid may be able to explain your options. Do not miss a court, appeal, or response deadline while waiting for another program.
Do not wait for a homebuyer program to solve an eviction. If you have a notice or court papers, follow the dates on them and seek legal help right away. Homebuyer programs do not stop a court case.
Where to start
You may buy soon
Ask two or three approved lenders to check CHFA, metroDPA, USDA, and any city or county program tied to the home address. Tell them where you plan to buy: a city, county, or the full address can change which help is available.
You need a plan first
A HUD housing counselor can help you review your budget, credit, debts, savings, and homebuyer class options before you pay large fees.
Your budget is already tight
Use Colorado PEAK to check food, medical, and cash benefits. Also review the ASMOM Colorado help guide before adding a mortgage payment.
Quick comparison of Colorado homebuyer help
| Program | What it helps with | How to start | Main reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHFA | Down payment and eligible closing costs with a CHFA first mortgage | Use a participating lender | The grant and second mortgage have different costs and repayment rules |
| metroDPA | Down payment, closing costs, prepaid costs, or principal reduction | Use a metroDPA lender | Standard help is a deferred second mortgage, not free cash |
| Pikes Peak DPA | Up to 5% assistance in El Paso County | Choose a participating lender | Forgiveness happens under a set schedule, and rates may be above market |
| Local city or county help | Down payment, closing costs, or affordable homeownership | Check the exact home address | Waitlists, funding, income limits, and property rules can change |
| USDA rural loans | Low- or no-down-payment financing in eligible rural areas | Check the address and income rules | This is a mortgage program, not a down payment grant |
Grant reality check
Homebuyer help can be a grant, a deferred second mortgage, a forgivable loan, a shared-appreciation loan, or a normal loan with monthly payments. These are not the same.
Before you accept help, ask for the written terms. Look for the interest rate, monthly payment, lien length, forgiveness schedule, repayment triggers, and what happens if you sell, refinance, move out, transfer title, or pay off the first mortgage.
The Loan Estimate tool can help you read your mortgage offer. Compare the interest rate, monthly payment, cash to close, lender fees, mortgage insurance, and total loan costs with and without assistance.
Ask for the total cash to close, not just the down payment. Some help cannot pay the gap if a home appraises for less than the sale price. If you have an appraisal gap or repair costs, ask how you would cover them before committing.
CHFA statewide down payment help
The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) is the main statewide place to check. CHFA does not lend directly to buyers. A participating lender reviews your mortgage application and matches you with a CHFA first mortgage and any assistance you may qualify for.
What CHFA may offer
The current CHFA assistance page lists two main choices for a 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage:
- A grant up to the lesser of $25,000 or 3% of the first mortgage. CHFA says this grant does not require repayment.
- A second mortgage up to the lesser of $25,000 or 4% of the first mortgage. Repayment is deferred until events such as sale, refinance, payoff of the first mortgage, or the home no longer being your main residence.
CHFA also offers special second-mortgage options of up to $25,000 for some first-generation buyers and eligible households affected by permanent disability. The CHFA program details explain that a first-generation buyer may include an eligible person who was in foster care. HomeAccess may also apply when a borrower is the parent or legal guardian of a person with a permanent disability. Each option has its own loan, income, and property rules.
You cannot use both standard CHFA choices together. CHFA allows either its down payment grant or its DPA second mortgage with a CHFA first loan, not both. You may still ask a lender whether a separate local program can be combined, but never assume it can.
Who may qualify
CHFA programs have different rules. A lender checks the first mortgage, income and purchase price limits, a CHFA-approved class, credit, and funds you bring to closing. Many CHFA programs use a minimum credit score of 620 for scored borrowers, while some allow applicants without a score. CHFA’s homeownership FAQ says buyers must make a minimum financial investment of $1,000. Ask the lender if you meet the rules for the specific CHFA loan, since other funds and closing costs may still be needed.
Where to apply
Use the CHFA loan steps and contact a participating lender. Ask the lender to show you the grant option, second-mortgage option, and a loan without CHFA assistance so you can compare the full cost.
Practical reality check
CHFA notes that higher interest rates may apply when down payment help is used. A grant with a higher first-mortgage rate can cost more over time than it first appears. Ask for written side-by-side Loan Estimates before choosing.
Other statewide paths to check
USDA rural home loans
USDA Rural Development has two homebuyer paths for eligible rural areas. The USDA direct loan serves low- and very-low-income applicants and may include payment assistance. The USDA guaranteed loan works through approved lenders for eligible low- and moderate-income households.
Who may qualify: Buyers who meet income, credit, repayment, property, and rural-location rules. The home must be a main residence and meet program standards.
Where to apply: Direct-loan applicants work with USDA Rural Development. Guaranteed-loan applicants start with an approved lender.
Reality check: A place that looks rural may not qualify. Check the exact address and household income before paying for inspections or making plans around USDA financing.
Where to start: Ask a CHFA participating lender to confirm your employer, income, loan, education, and required financial-commitment course. Compare the cost with a standard CHFA loan and ask how repayment works if you sell or refinance.
What it offers: A CHFA first mortgage plus a deferred second loan of up to 25% of the first loan for down payment or closing costs. This is not a grant. You must repay the second loan and a share of any home value growth under the written terms.
Colorado started CHFA Schools To Home in July 2026. This may help eligible full-time staff at Colorado public preK–12 schools, districts, or certain charter and related schools. At least one borrower must work full time for an eligible public school employer.
CHFA Schools To Home for public school employees
Proposition 123 local funding
Colorado’s Proposition 123 DPA sends funding to eligible local governments and nonprofit housing partners. Individual buyers do not apply to the state for this money.
Who may qualify: The state framework supports first-time buyers and gives priority to first-generation buyers, but local partners set the buyer application process within state rules.
Where to apply: Ask your city, county, housing authority, or housing nonprofit whether it has a buyer program funded through Proposition 123.
Reality check: State funding does not mean every county has an open buyer program. Confirm the local administrator, current funding, and loan terms before sharing personal documents.
Local Colorado down payment programs
Local programs are tied to the home address. Check the city and county before you make an offer. A program may be open in one area and unavailable across the street.
| Area and program | What it helps with | Who may qualify and where to apply | Practical reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Range: metroDPA | A percentage of the first mortgage for down payment and certain closing costs | The Denver metroDPA guide lists income up to $216,000 and credit above 640, with some 620-score options. The program site lists different figures, so check the current loan and county limits with a metroDPA lender. | A 30-year, 0% second mortgage has no scheduled payments but is not forgiven. It becomes due after sale, refinance, payoff, moving out, or at the end of 30 years. Eligible addresses are in specific Front Range areas, not all Colorado. |
| El Paso County: Pikes Peak DPA | Up to 5% as a 0% soft second mortgage | The El Paso County program lists a $178,920 income limit for government loans and $92,560 for Freddie Mac products. Debt-to-income limits also vary by credit score. Apply through an approved lender for a home in El Paso County. | The loan carries 0% interest. Half is forgiven month by month over five years; the rest at 30 years. Unforgiven funds may be due after sale, refinance, default, or moving. Higher mortgage rates may apply. |
| City of Boulder: H2O | A shared-appreciation second loan up to $100,000 | The Boulder H2O program is for eligible first-time buyers purchasing in Boulder city limits. Work, income, asset, education, and first-mortgage rules apply. | There are no monthly payments, but the original loan plus a share of appreciation is due later. Funds are limited and first come, first served. |
| Longmont and Boulder County | Local DPA loans for homes in Longmont and Boulder County outside Boulder city | The Longmont DPA page says buyers must join a waitlist, get preapproved, complete education and coaching, and be approved before signing a purchase contract. | Some loans charge 2% with payments; others are deferred at 0%. Be approved before signing a purchase contract. The city states that eligibility lasts six months and gives a 14-day recertification filing window. Ask about the waitlist and timing. |
| Greeley: G-HOPE | Up to $8,000 for certain homes east of 35th Avenue | The city’s G-HOPE details say the buyer’s employer must be based in Greeley. The linked program administrator handles the application. | The amount depends on the property and other factors. Employer and location rules are narrow. |
| Dearfield Fund | Up to $50,000 for down payment or closing costs | The Dearfield Fund terms say eligible first-time buyers must use an approved lender and contribute at least 3% of the home price. | An interest-free loan, not a grant. No monthly payments on the assistance; after sale or refinance, repay the principal plus 5% of the home’s appreciation. Confirm service area, funding, and lender before relying on it. |
Pikes Peak also lists a limited Hometown Heroes incentive for certain teachers, first responders, military members, veterans, and health care workers. Because the incentive is limited to a set number of loans, ask a participating lender whether it is still available before counting it in your budget.
Funds are not a promise. Many programs have caps, waitlists, local service areas, limited loan slots, or approval steps that must happen before a purchase contract. Ask the program and lender to confirm your eligibility, current funding, approved address, and how long your approval lasts.
How to apply without wasting time
- Check your real monthly budget. Add the mortgage, taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance, HOA dues, utilities, child care, transportation, food, medical costs, and repairs.
- Take a homebuyer class. Do this early. Some programs require the class before you sign a contract.
- Talk with more than one lender. Ask each lender to check CHFA, metroDPA, local DPA, FHA, VA if eligible, and USDA if the address may qualify.
- Choose the buying area. Local help depends on the property address, not only where you live now.
- Ask whether programs can be combined. Some assistance can be layered and some cannot. Get the answer in writing.
- Compare official offers. The CFPB says buyers should compare loan offers. Do not compare only the monthly payment.
- Keep a backup plan. If funds pause or the payment is unsafe, use Colorado Housing Search and the ASMOM Colorado housing guide while you prepare.
The CFPB Loan Estimate steps say lenders generally must provide a Loan Estimate within three business days after getting six key pieces of information. That estimate is not final loan approval. Check rate-lock dates and the closing timeline before you sign a contract or pay a nonrefundable fee.
Documents and information to gather
Every lender and program can ask for different items. The ASMOM documents checklist can help you build one folder for benefits and housing applications.
| Item | Why it is needed | Helpful step |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID and Social Security numbers | Identity and loan checks | Ask what is needed for every borrower and household member |
| Pay stubs, W-2s, tax returns, or benefit letters | Income and program-limit review | Ask how overtime, tips, support, self-employment, or changing hours count |
| Bank and asset statements | Savings, deposits, reserves, and borrower contribution | Do not move large sums without asking the lender how to document them |
| Debt statements | Debt-to-income review | Include cards, car loans, student loans, judgments, and support orders |
| Rental and work history | Some programs check housing stability or local employment | Keep landlord and employer contact details ready |
| Homebuyer class certificate | Required by many assistance programs | Send the certificate to the lender and keep your own copy |
| Divorce, custody, or child support papers | May affect income, debts, household size, and property rights | Use the ASMOM Colorado legal guide if you need help finding legal support |
Before sending records: Ask which documents the lender needs, how to send them safely, and whether scanned copies are acceptable. Keep copies of applications, homebuyer certificates, loan estimates, lender replies, and any program approval letter. Never send Social Security numbers to someone who contacted you out of the blue.
Other help that may protect your home budget
A mortgage approval does not prove the payment is safe for your family. Lowering other basic costs may give you a better picture of what you can carry each month.
- Use the ASMOM Colorado SNAP guide if food costs are taking most of your income.
- Check Colorado child care help if care costs limit work or school.
- Review utility bill help before estimating future heating and power costs.
- See transportation help if car costs or long travel to work are straining the budget.
- Check TANF cash help if your household has little or no income.
The ASMOM national housing guide explains rental help, vouchers, emergency housing, and other paths if buying is not safe this year.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Calling every program a grant. A deferred loan can be useful, but it still creates a lien and may need to be repaid.
- Shopping before program review. Some local programs require approval or education before you sign a contract.
- Using only one lender. Rates, fees, program knowledge, and service can differ.
- Ignoring repairs and HOA costs. Down payment help does not pay every cost after closing.
- Making a large deposit without records. Lenders may ask where the money came from.
- Paying a stranger for “guaranteed approval.” Use official agencies, approved lenders, and HUD-approved counselors.
If you are denied, delayed, or not ready
Ask for the exact reason in writing. A mortgage denial may be tied to credit, debt, income history, savings, a document problem, the loan type, or the property. The CFPB’s mortgage denial guidance explains that lenders must give the main reasons or tell you how to get them.
If a loan is denied because of your credit report: The notice should identify reasons or how to request them. It may also give you the right to request a free credit report within 60 days. Review it for errors and follow the process in the notice; a housing counselor may help you plan your next application.
If a local aid program says no or is out of funds: Ask whether the reason is income, address, credit, documents, timing, or an empty budget. Ask about any written review process, waiting list, next funding cycle, and a different loan you could afford. Do not assume a mortgage denial and a benefits appeal use the same rules.
Take one next step at a time. A housing counselor may help you build a three-, six-, or twelve-month plan. The ASMOM denied benefits guide also shows how to organize notices, deadlines, and follow-up records.
If you think a lender, seller, agent, or housing program treated you unfairly, review Colorado civil rights. For a problem with a mortgage company or other financial product, the CFPB complaint tool can send the issue to the company for a response.
Buying later is not failure. Waiting can protect your savings and lower the chance of losing the home after closing.
Phone scripts you can use
Calling a CHFA lender
“Hi, I am buying in Colorado. Can you check me for CHFA grant and second-mortgage options, then show me the same loan without assistance? Please include the interest rate, monthly payment, cash to close, lender fees, mortgage insurance, and repayment rules.”
Calling a local program
“Hi, I may buy a home at this address. Is your down payment program accepting buyers now? What income, credit, first-time buyer, education, property, lender, and contract-timing rules should I check before I make an offer?”
Calling a housing counselor
“Hi, I want to buy a home, but I need a neutral review of my budget, credit, debts, and savings. Can you help me decide whether I am ready and tell me which homebuyer class will meet local program rules?”
Calling for urgent housing help
“Hi, I am trying to plan for homeownership, but I need help with my current housing first. Can you check for rent, shelter, utility, food, legal, and housing-counseling resources in my county?”
Helpful official and trusted resources
- Colorado Housing Connects offers homebuyer information and housing-counselor referrals.
- mortgage comparison help explains how to compare Loan Estimates and lender offers.
- real grants guide explains the difference between grants, benefits, loans, and services.
Resumen en español
Colorado ofrece ayuda para el pago inicial, pero no todos los programas son subvenciones gratis. Algunas ayudas son préstamos diferidos, préstamos perdonables o préstamos que deben pagarse al vender o refinanciar la casa.
Empiece con un prestamista aprobado por CHFA y una clase para compradores. Pida una comparación por escrito del pago mensual, tasa de interés, dinero para el cierre y reglas de pago. Si necesita vivienda, renta, comida o servicios públicos de inmediato, llame al 2-1-1 antes de comenzar una compra.
FAQ
Are there Colorado down payment grants only for single mothers?
Most programs are not only for single mothers. You may qualify based on income, credit, loan type, home location, first-time buyer status, disability, work history, or other rules.
What is the best first program to check?
CHFA is the main statewide starting point. Buyers along the Front Range should also ask about metroDPA, while buyers in other areas should check city and county programs.
How much CHFA help is available?
CHFA currently lists a grant up to the lesser of $25,000 or 3% of the first mortgage and a second mortgage up to the lesser of $25,000 or 4%.
Can I combine two down payment programs?
Sometimes. Combining programs depends on lender rules, lien limits, property location, loan type, and each program’s terms. Get written approval before making an offer.
What if my credit is too low?
Ask the lender for the exact reason and start with a HUD-approved housing counselor. Avoid high-fee companies that promise fast score changes or guaranteed approval.
Should I buy if I am behind on rent or utilities?
Fix the urgent problem first. A mortgage adds taxes, insurance, repairs, and other costs. Use 211 and local benefits before taking on a home loan.
Does Colorado help public school employees buy homes?
CHFA Schools To Home may help eligible full-time public school employees. It uses a deferred second loan and a share of future home value growth, not a free grant. Ask a CHFA lender to compare it with standard loan choices.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified October 31, 2026, next review January 29, 2027.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.
Last updated: October 31, 2026 Next review: January 29, 2027