You're Closer to Buying a Home Than You Think

Before I got into real estate, I believed the same thing most people do, that you need 20% down to buy a home. But after stepping into the industry, I’ve learned that’s one of the biggest myths keeping people from getting started. That old rule came from outdated lending guidelines, and it no longer reflects the options available today. In reality, there are powerful programs that can help you buy your first home with a fraction of that and sometimes as little as $1,000 out of pocket. 

As I mentioned, there’s free money, support, and strategy that can assist you in buying your first home. What many people don’t realize is that there are lenders who actively compete to secure grant money on your behalf. These aren’t routine loans, they’re strategically built programs designed to lower your upfront costs and make homeownership realistic. I partner with lenders who know exactly how to navigate these competitive funding opportunities.

This grant money is often used to cover down payments, reduce closing costs, and improve loan terms, all to give you a head start without having to drain your savings account. The lenders are competing for your business, so it puts you, the buyer, in a powerful position. 

Let’s break down a few of the top programs available right now and how they might work for you…

CHFA Program – Statewide Support for Buyers

If you've been renting and you need years of savings before you can buy, the CHFA program might change everything for you. It’s available across Colorado and doesn’t even require you to be a first time buyer. Whether you’re using an FHA or Conventional loan, CHFA offers either a grant (free money) or a second mortgage with 0% interest that helps cover your down payment or closing costs. It’s designed to get you in the game with as little cash out of pocket as possible.

Here’s what makes it so valuable:

• Up to 3% of your loan amount with no repayment needed

• Or up to 4% in a 0% interest second mortgage

• Minimum $1,000 total out-of-pocket from you

• Works with FHA and Conventional loans

• Available statewide

• Homebuyer education course required (and very helpful)

CHFA First-Generation Program – Help for New Legacies

This program is built for first generation buyers, people who’ve never owned a home and whose parents or guardians never did either. It also supports individuals who grew up in foster care, providing them with some tools to build generational wealth. The CHFA First-Generation Program offers a significant second mortgage with zero interest to help cover your down payment and closing costs.

This could be the key to starting fresh:

• Up to $25,000 as a 0% interest second mortgage

• For those whose parents/guardians never owned a home

• Includes former foster care youth, even if their parents owned

• FHA loans only

• No repayment required until you sell, refinance, or move out

Impact Development Fund (IDF) – Regional Help with Big Impact

For buyers in select Colorado counties, the Impact Development Fund offers serious assistance, up to $25,000, to help with down payment and closing costs. This program is especially strong for low to moderate income buyers. If your income is within 100% of your local Area Median Income (AMI), this program can offer 0% to 1% interest depending on your bracket. It's also a great fit if you're buying in more rural or mountain areas.

This is what it offers:

• $25,000 max assistance for down payment/closing costs

• 0% interest if you're at or below 80% AMI

• 1% interest if you're at 81–100% AMI

• Eligible for single-family, townhomes, condos, and manufactured homes

• Available in specific counties like Boulder, Larimer, Weld, Mesa, and more

• Minimum buyer contribution: $1,000 or 1% of purchase price

• Must maintain home as your primary residence for at least 5 years

• HUD approved homebuyer training required

If you’re renting and have a stable job, you might already be in a position to buy, and not even know it. A lot of folks assume they need perfect credit or tens of thousands in the bank before they can even think about homeownership. It’s just simply not true anymore. With the right programs and guidance, your path to buying a home could be much closer (and more affordable) than you imagined. 

This is where I come in. I’ve partnered with lenders who specialize in these programs and know how to maximize what you qualify for. If you’re even thinking about buying, I’d be happy to review your situation and point you in the right direction, no pressure, just me for support. I will be here when it comes to making your first home a reality, you should never feel like you have to figure it out alone.