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Where This Program Came From
In June 2025, Governor Polis signed Senate Bill 25-167 — a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Judy Amabile (D-Boulder) and Senator Lisa Frizell (R-Castle Rock), along with Representatives Shannon Bird and Meghan Lukens. The law creates a Community Investment Portfolio inside Colorado's Public School Permanent Fund and directs CHFA to run a shared-equity down payment assistance program for public school employees.
The scale is serious: lawmakers expect the program to unlock at least $100 million in assistance by 2028 and $200 million by 2030, with first-time homebuyers prioritized.
The logic behind the bill is one every educator already knows in their bones: teachers and school staff have stable, verifiable income — but Front Range home prices have made the upfront cash requirement a wall. A teacher earning a solid salary can handle a mortgage payment. Saving $80,000–$120,000 while paying Denver-metro rent? That's the part that's broken. Schools-to-Home fixes the cash problem, not the income problem — because for most school employees, income was never the problem.
How It Works in Plain English
- You get a fixed-rate CHFA first mortgage through a CHFA Participating Lender.
- You get a second mortgage loan for up to 25% of that first mortgage to cover your down payment and closing costs.
- You make zero monthly payments on the second loan. Repayment is deferred until you sell, refinance, pay off your first mortgage, or stop living in the home.
- When repayment comes due, you repay the second loan plus a percentage of your home's appreciation. That money flows back to the Public School Permanent Fund — which funds K-12 education and keeps the program alive for the next wave of school employees.
It's a genuine trade-off, not a giveaway: you're exchanging a slice of tomorrow's appreciation for six figures of buying power today. For school employees who would otherwise rent for another five or ten years — building zero equity the entire time — that trade can be a massive net win. But the math deserves a clear-eyed look, which is exactly why CHFA requires a special course called "Understanding Your Financial Commitment" before you can use the program.
Who Qualifies? (It's Way More Than Teachers)
You're eligible if you're a full-time employee of a Colorado public school, school district, charter school, institute charter school, BOCES, or innovation zone. That covers:
- Teachers and substitute-to-full-time converts
- Principals, APs, and district administrators
- Paraprofessionals and counselors
- Bus drivers, custodians, and maintenance crews
- Cafeteria staff and front office personnel
- School nurses, IT staff, and coaches (if classified full-time)
And here's the detail that opens the door for thousands of households: only one borrower on the loan needs to be a public school employee. If you teach third grade and your spouse works in healthcare or the trades, you both go on the loan and you still qualify. See the full eligibility guide →
What To Do Before the July 2026 Launch
The program isn't open yet — which means right now is the best possible time to prepare. Buyers who show up to a program launch with their paperwork done get houses. Buyers who start researching on launch day get waitlists.
01Pull your credit
CHFA programs typically require 620+. A focused cleanup plan now can make or break your eligibility at launch.
02Complete homebuyer education
It's required regardless. Do it now — it's one less thing standing between you and a contract in July.
03Document your employment
Get HR confirmation that you're classified full-time by your school or district.
04Get pre-qualified
Connect with a CHFA Participating Lender and know your exact price range before July 1.
05Tour neighborhoods
Know your target areas so you can move decisively in July instead of starting from scratch.
06Call Kenna
We'll build your launch-day game plan and connect you with the right lender.
A Word of Honest Advice
When a program hands you up to 25% of your mortgage, the single most important decision you'll make is which house you buy. A shared appreciation loan means the state participates in your upside — so overpaying for a house with hidden problems hurts twice.
That's exactly where The Kenna Real Estate Group is different. Team leader Brian Lee Burke spent 25+ years in construction — 13 of them as a multifamily construction superintendent — before becoming one of the Front Range's most recognized agents. When we walk a property with you, you're getting a construction professional's read on the foundation, the roof, the systems, and the real cost of what the seller isn't mentioning. For Schools-to-Home buyers, that expertise isn't a luxury. It's protection.
Are you a Colorado school employee thinking about buying in 2026? Reach out to The Kenna Real Estate Group today. We'll build your launch-day game plan, connect you with the right CHFA Participating Lender, and make sure you're ready the moment Schools-to-Home goes live. For the full breakdown — eligibility, shared appreciation math, FAQs — see our complete CHFA Schools-to-Home guide.
Ready for the CHFA Schools-to-Home Launch?
Colorado school employees can access one of the largest down payment assistance opportunities ever offered. Let's build your plan now so you're ready when the program launches.
Call Brian: (303) 955-4220 Read the Complete GuideWhat Our Clients Say
Real reviews from real Colorado buyers and sellers. ★★★★★In a market that is crawling with realtors, it's important to find one that is honest, dedicated, and invested in your interests. Brian's experience in real estate as well as his expertise in construction put our mind at ease. He is never too busy to make you a priority. Hiring him will be the best decision you'll make.Lea Anne Luckner — Buyer & Seller, Highlands Ranch ★★★★★
I have been involved with real estate for many years and have met many agents. But no one holds a candle to Brian Burke. His friendliness, enthusiasm, and positive good nature is above anyone I have ever met. I trust him with relocating my entire company of over 100 employees. If you find him, consider yourself lucky.Alex Cruz — Buyer & Seller, Denver / Castle Rock ★★★★★
Brian brought his background in construction to help my wife and I understand the inspection process and ask the right questions. I had always envisioned home buying as chaotic and painful, but Brian and Rita made it smooth and painless. My wife and I now refer Brian to anyone beginning the homebuying process.J. Bock — Buyer, Castle Rock ★★★★★
Plain and simple, Brian Burke is an absolute stud. I couldn't find a Realtor to pick up the phone. I called Brian — his truck was getting service work done but he showed up in a loaner car within the hour. You'll never find anyone who will work harder for you than Brian.Shawn Janusheske — 3-Time Buyer & Seller ★★★★★
Brian's extensive local knowledge and eye for detail when looking at properties made the myriad of decisions much easier for me. He found a property for me in the fast-moving Denver market as an out-of-town buyer — and he is my property manager now too.Carol P. — Buyer, Arvada ★★★★★
Brian Burke's experience, expertise and diligence were instrumental in the sale of our inherited property. His thorough understanding of a complicated trust agreement — and the emotional ties to the property after fifty years — ensured a smooth transition for all parties.Sheri — Seller, Aurora
More Schools-to-Home Resources
- Complete CHFA Schools-to-Home Program GuideFull breakdown — eligibility, assistance amounts, how shared appreciation works, FAQs. Start here.
- Who Qualifies? The Eligibility Guide for Every Colorado School EmployeeNot just teachers — every eligible role explained, including the one-borrower rule for couples.
- What Is Shared Appreciation? The Trade-Off, Explained HonestlyWhat you get, what you give up, and when the math works in your favor.
- Teacher Homebuying Programs in Colorado: Every Option ExplainedHow Schools-to-Home compares to CHFA grants, metroDPA, Good Neighbor Next Door, and more.
- Why Kenna Is Colorado's #1 Schools-to-Home Expert TeamOur track record: hundreds of buyers, as little as $1,000 cash to close.
Brian Lee Burke, E-PRO®, REALTOR® Broker
Owner & Founder, Kenna Real Estate | "The Hardworking Man in Real Estate"Brian Lee Burke is a licensed REALTOR® Broker, owner of Kenna Real Estate, and one of Colorado's most experienced real estate professionals. Licensed since 2002, Brian has helped hundreds of buyers, sellers, investors, and relocating families successfully navigate Colorado's competitive housing market.
Before real estate, Brian spent more than 25 years in construction, including 13 years as a multifamily construction superintendent. That background gives clients an advantage few agents can offer: the ability to evaluate homes beyond surface appearances and identify potential issues before they become costly surprises.
Known as "The Hardworking Man in Real Estate," Brian combines construction expertise, strong negotiation skills, and deep local market knowledge to help clients make confident decisions. For Colorado school employees exploring the CHFA Schools-to-Home Program, Brian provides practical guidance on financing options, property selection, home values, and long-term investment considerations.
📞 (303) 955-4220 | 📧 [email protected] | 🌐 www.KennaRealEstate.com Information based on CHFA and Colorado General Assembly publications as of June 2026. Final program terms, including appreciation-share percentages and income limits, will be published by CHFA at launch. This article is informational and is not lending advice. CHFA loans are originated through CHFA Participating Lenders. Helping You Find Your Pad™ — The Kenna Real Estate Group, Keller Williams DTC.