Assistance covers your down payment
Colorado's CHFA (and other approved programs) can provide a "silent second" mortgage that covers the entire down payment — no monthly payments, deferred until you sell or refi.
Colorado Down Payment Assistance
You might only need $1,000 cash to close on a Colorado home
When down payment assistance, seller-paid costs, and the right offer structure line up inside real loan rules — qualified buyers can get to the closing table for as little as $1,000 out of pocket.
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$1,000minimum out-of-pocket in qualified scenarios
3pieces that need to line up
$0down payment with DPA assistance
How it works
Three things line up. You bring $1,000.
This isn't a gimmick — it's a strategy built on real loan rules, real assistance programs, and a smart offer structure.
Seller pays allowable closing costs
We structure your offer to request seller-paid closing costs and prepaids — within the caps your loan type allows. This is negotiated into the contract.
You bring the minimum contribution
Most programs require a $1,000 minimum borrower contribution. In many paths, this can even come from acceptable gift funds — your lender confirms.
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Quick fit check
Often a great fit
- You qualify for a CHFA or other approved DPA program
- Shopping homes that meet program property and occupancy rules
- The market allows us to negotiate seller-paid costs
- First-time OR repeat buyers (some programs allow both)
Can be trickier when
- Seller has multiple offers and won't consider concessions
- Home needs major repairs that complicate underwriting
- Condo/townhome triggers HOA project-review friction
- Income exceeds the program's county/household limits
Example scenario
What the numbers can look like
Every deal is different. Here's an illustrative breakdown showing how the pieces fit.
Home Price$400k
Down Payment$12,0003% — covered by DPA
Closing Costs~$10kSeller-paid (negotiated)
You Bring$1,000That's it.
"Cash to close" is what you bring on closing day. Some items (like inspections) may be due earlier — we map that timing out upfront.
Common questions
Everything you're probably wondering
What is a "silent second" mortgage?
It's a second loan behind your primary mortgage that covers your down payment. In most CHFA structures, it has no monthly payments, low or 0% interest, and repayment is deferred until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. It's not free money — think of it as deferred repayment, not a grant (unless your lender confirms a specific grant structure).
Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
Not necessarily. Some CHFA pathways and other DPA programs allow repeat buyers, and some benefits depend on whether the property is in a targeted area. Your lender confirms which track you qualify for.
What programs make this possible?
The most common statewide pathway is through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA). Options include CHFA Preferred Plus (conventional), CHFA FirstStep Plus (FHA), CHFA SmartStep Plus (FHA/VA/USDA), and CHFA First Generation (enhanced assistance for first-gen buyers). Location-specific programs like metroDPA and Aurora DPA can also apply. Names, limits, and availability change — your lender confirms what's current.
What about closing costs — who pays those?
We structure your purchase offer to request seller-paid closing costs and prepaids (sometimes called seller concessions). These are negotiated into the contract and must stay within the caps set by your loan type. The more flexible the loan structure and the stronger the offer, the easier it is to make that ask work.
Can the $1,000 come from a gift?
In many DPA paths, the minimum borrower contribution can be satisfied with acceptable gift funds. Your lender confirms which sources are allowed for your specific program and loan type.
What are the basic qualification requirements?
Requirements vary by program, but common benchmarks include: 620+ credit score (some FHA paths allow manual underwriting), income limits by county and household size, homebuyer education course (CHFA-approved), and the property must be an owner-occupied primary residence. DTI limits also apply. A lender review is the fastest way to know where you stand.
Are there any costs before closing day?
Yes — most commonly the home inspection, and sometimes the appraisal depending on the lender. These typically happen before closing. We walk through the timing and expected amounts upfront so there are no surprises.
What if I'm looking at a condo?
Condos can work, but they may trigger additional HOA project review (budget, insurance, rental ratios, lender questionnaires). We confirm the building's financing compatibility early so you don't lose weeks mid-transaction.
Free & No Obligation
Get Your Pre-Qualification Check
Tell us a little about your situation and we'll let you know if this strategy can work for you.
$1,000
That's the goal. Let's see if you qualify.
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