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Most down payment assistance articles either oversell the free-money angle or scare people off with fine print. School employees deserve better than both. Here's the straight version.
New to the program? Start with our Complete CHFA Schools-to-Home Program Guide, where we explain eligibility, assistance amounts, repayment rules, timelines, and frequently asked questions.
The Core Idea: A Partner in Your Purchase
Imagine a financially solid partner says: "I'll put up a huge chunk of your down payment. You don't pay me anything monthly. When you eventually sell or refinance, pay me back what I gave you — plus a slice of how much the home went up in value."
That's shared appreciation. In Schools-to-Home, your "partner" is the Public School Permanent Fund. The slice of appreciation you repay doesn't go to a bank's shareholders — it goes back into the fund that pays for Colorado classrooms and keeps the program running for the next teacher in line.
What You Get vs. What You Give Up
What You Get
- Second mortgage up to 25% of first mortgage
- No monthly payments on the second loan
- Fixed-rate CHFA first mortgage
- Potentially no mortgage insurance
- Six figures of buying power today
What You Give Up
- Repayment triggers: sale, refi, payoff, or move-out
- A % of your home's appreciation at repayment
- Some flexibility to sell early
- Refinancing triggers settlement too
The assistance available through Schools-to-Home is one of the largest educator-focused homebuying opportunities Colorado has ever seen. Learn more about Colorado educators receiving up to 25% down payment assistance and how the program works.
Program at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Assistance Amount | Up to 25% of first mortgage |
| Monthly Payments on 2nd Loan | None — deferred until repayment event |
| Repayment Triggers | Sale, refinance, payoff, end of term, or move-out |
| Who Benefits | Colorado public school employees (all roles) |
| Program Launch | July 2026 |
| First Mortgage Type | Fixed-rate CHFA loan |
| Appreciation Recipient | Public School Permanent Fund (CO K-12) |
| Required Education | "Understanding Your Financial Commitment" course |
The Math That Actually Matters: Owning vs. Renting
Here's the comparison nobody runs — and it's the only one that matters. The honest alternative to Schools-to-Home usually isn't "buying with 20% down." If you had $100K sitting in the bank, you wouldn't be reading this. The honest alternative is continuing to rent.
Scenario: $500,000 home, appreciates to $600,000
Schools-to-Home Buyer
Shares portion of $100K appreciation Keeps principal paid down on first mortgage Keeps remaining appreciation Real equity built ✓Renter — Same Years
Appreciation kept = $0 Principal built = $0 Rent paid = gone forever $0 equityThe bottom line: Sharing some appreciation on a home you own beats keeping 100% of the appreciation on a home you don't.
Schools-to-Home is only one of several homebuying assistance options available to educators. Compare it against grants, forgivable loans, and other programs in our guide to Colorado teacher homebuying programs.
When Shared Appreciation Deserves a Harder Look
We're "the experts who tell you the truth," so here's the other side. Schools-to-Home may deserve extra scrutiny if:
- You expect to move within a couple of years. Short hold periods compress your upside while transaction costs stay fixed.
- You already have substantial down payment savings. If you can comfortably put 15–20% down on your own, standard CHFA assistance or a conventional loan may pencil out better.
- You're buying an overpriced home with hidden problems. Appreciation sharing makes the purchase price decision even more important. Overpay by $25,000 and you feel it twice — once at purchase, once at the appreciation settlement.
None of these are reasons to dismiss the program. They're reasons to run your specific numbers with professionals before you commit — which is precisely why CHFA requires the "Understanding Your Financial Commitment" course. Take it seriously. It's not red tape; it's the program respecting your intelligence.
Every educator's financial situation is different. If you'd like help comparing Schools-to-Home with other down payment assistance options, our Colorado down payment assistance specialists can help you evaluate the numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shared Appreciation
Do I pay interest on the Schools-to-Home second mortgage every month? No monthly payments are required on the second mortgage. Repayment of the loan and the appreciation share is deferred until payoff, sale, refinance, end of term, or when the home stops being your primary residence. Is shared appreciation the same as the bank owning part of my house? No. You hold title. The Public School Permanent Fund holds a second mortgage lien plus a contractual right to a percentage of appreciation — it doesn't own your home, decide your paint colors, or share your kitchen. What if I remodel and increase my home's value myself? How improvements interact with the appreciation calculation will be defined in CHFA's final program documents at launch. This is a question worth asking your lender directly — especially if you're handy. We're tracking it and will publish the answer when CHFA finalizes terms. What happens if home values fall? The appreciation share applies to appreciation gained. CHFA's required financial commitment course covers repayment mechanics in flat and down markets. We'll break those scenarios down in detail once final program documents are public. Can I refinance my first mortgage later? Refinancing is a triggering event for repayment of the second mortgage and appreciation share. If rates drop in the future, you'll want to weigh refinance savings against settling the shared appreciation — a math problem we're happy to help you run. Who qualifies for the Schools-to-Home program? Any Colorado public school employee — not just teachers. Bus drivers, custodians, paraprofessionals, cafeteria staff, administrators, and support staff may all qualify. The key requirement is active employment with a Colorado public school district or eligible school.
Ready to Explore the Schools-to-Home Program?
Get a personalized strategy, understand the shared appreciation trade-off, and see how much assistance you may qualify for before the July 2026 launch.
We'll also help you compare Schools-to-Home against other Colorado educator financing programs so you can make an informed decision.
Call (303) 955-4220 Complete Program GuideWhat Kenna Clients Say
★★★★★"Brian's 17+ years of experience in real estate as well as his expertise in construction put our mind at ease with our investment. He is never too busy to make you a priority! Hiring him before any other Realtor in Colorado will be the best decision you'll make."Lea Anne Luckner — Buyer & Seller, Highlands Ranch ★★★★★
"I was so impressed when Brian found a property for me in the fast moving and crazy Denver market! The added challenge of representing an out-of-town buyer did not matter. His extensive local knowledge and eye for detail made the myriad of decisions much easier for me."Carol P. — Buyer, Arvada ★★★★★
"In a market crawling with realtors, it's important to find one that is honest, dedicated, and invested in your interests. Brian's work ethics are above and beyond what we could expect. We have owned many homes — he is the best in Colorado."Lea Anne L. — Repeat Client, Highlands Ranch ★★★★★
"My wife and I wanted to see a house a day before our apartment lease expired. I couldn't find a Realtor to pick up the phone. Brian showed up in a loaner car while his truck was being serviced. You'll never find anyone who will work harder for you."Shawn Janusheske — 3-Time Buyer & Seller ★★★★★
"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 in this business."Alex Cruz — Buyer & Seller, Denver / Castle Rock ★★★★★
"Brian showed us 31 homes in one day. The next day we narrowed to two. The day after, our offer on a new model home was accepted. Then he arranged inspection, coordinated financial paperwork, and hand-delivered school enrollment papers so our kids could start on time."Joseph & Karen G. — Buyers, Castle Rock ★★★★★
"Brian's responsiveness, attention to detail, and ability to get deals done are outstanding. Buying and selling with him was a fantastic experience."Derek Atkinson — Buyer & Seller ★★★★★
"Provides excellent customer service and always goes above and beyond. He acts as a consultant rather than a salesman, and I recommend him every chance I get."Sean — Buyer, Highlands Ranch
More Schools-to-Home Resources
- Complete CHFA Schools-to-Home Program Guide Full program breakdown — assistance amounts, eligibility, comparison tables, and FAQs.
- Who Qualifies? The Eligibility Guide Not just teachers — every eligible school employee role explained.
- Colorado School Employees: Up to 25% Down Payment Assistance The announcement breakdown — where this program came from and how big it really is.
- Every Down Payment Assistance Option for Colorado Teachers (2026) Schools-to-Home vs. CHFA grants, metroDPA, Good Neighbor Next Door, and more.
- Why Kenna Is Colorado's #1 Schools-to-Home Expert Our track record, our process, and why we go all-in on this program.
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 spent more than two decades helping hundreds of buyers, sellers, investors, and relocating families successfully navigate the Colorado real estate market.
What sets Brian apart is his comprehensive understanding of the entire real estate process. His expertise extends beyond traditional brokerage services into pricing strategy, negotiations, construction, appraisal, and mortgage-related considerations, allowing him to guide clients through even the most complex transactions with confidence.
Known as "The Hardworking Man in Real Estate," Brian believes every client deserves honest advice, exceptional service, and an advocate who puts their goals first. Whether helping a first-time homebuyer, assisting a growing family, or advising a long-time homeowner, Brian focuses on creating long-term relationships built on trust and results.
Through Kenna Real Estate, Brian provides full-service real estate support across the Denver Metro area and throughout Colorado, backed by a network of agents serving communities from Fort Collins and Boulder to Denver, Castle Rock, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, and beyond.
For school employees considering the CHFA Schools-to-Home Program, Brian's deep understanding of financing options, home values, and Colorado market conditions provides valuable guidance when evaluating one of the largest down payment assistance opportunities ever offered in the state.
Based on CHFA and Colorado General Assembly publications as of June 2026. Final appreciation-share percentages and program terms will be set by CHFA at launch. This article is informational and is not lending, legal, or tax advice. Tags: Buyers, Down Payment Assistance The Kenna Real Estate Group · Keller Williams DTC · (303) 955-4220 · [email protected] kennarealestate.com · Serving Colorado school employees from Fort Collins to Colorado Springs "Helping You Find Your Pad™"