Buying your first home is exciting — but figuring out down‑payment assistance, credit requirements, and loan options can feel overwhelming. The good news is that Northern Colorado has several legitimate, well‑structured programs designed to help first‑time buyers get into a home with less money upfront.

Stick with us through this guide — and we’ll show you what's out there at your disposal when it comes to buying your first home, including lender‑exclusive options that never get advertised publicly.

Step 1: CHFA — Colorado Housing & Finance Authority (Statewide)

CHFA is Colorado’s largest and most trusted down‑payment assistance provider. They offer:

Down Payment Assistance Grant — up to the lesser of $25,000 or 3% of the first mortgage, no repayment required

Second Mortgage Loan — up to the lesser of $25,000 or 4% of the first mortgage, deferred until payoff or sale

Programs for first‑generation buyers and buyers with disabilities

CHFA loans require homebuyer education and typically a minimum credit score around 620. For more info on boosting credit, visit our credit guide

Official CHFA Info:
https://www.chfainfo.com 

This is a hyper‑local program specifically for people who work for qualifying employers in Greeley. Benefits include:

$2,500–$8,000 in down‑payment assistance depending on the zone

Forgiven at 20% per year, fully forgiven after 5 years

No income limits

Must be a full‑time employee of a qualifying employer

Official G‑HOPE Info:
https://greeleygov.com (Housing Solutions → G‑HOPE)

If you’re relocating to the area and want a feel for the community, our Moving to Greeley Guide gives a clear overview of what life here looks like

USDA loans offer zero down payment for qualifying rural areas — and Northern Colorado has several eligible towns.

Key benefits:

100% financing

Generally lower mortgage insurance than FHA

Income limits apply

Credit score requirements typically in the low‑ to mid‑600s

This is a fantastic option for buyers open to communities like Ault, Eaton, La Salle,   and other rural‑eligible pockets.

Many USDA‑eligible towns are just minutes from Greeley, making them great options for buyers who want affordability without sacrificing convenience

Official USDA Eligibility Map:
https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov (eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov in Bing)

CHAC provides:

Down‑payment assistance

Homebuyer education

Counseling

Programs possible for households at or below 80% AMI (100% in Arvada)

If you’re working on meeting credit requirements for CHAC or similar programs, our Credit Guide walks you through proven steps to strengthen your score

Official CHAC Info:
https://www.chaconline.org

Larimer County Homebuyer Resources

Includes education classes, down‑payment programs, and nonprofit partners.

https://www.larimer.gov/housing

Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Down Payment Assistance

This is a government‑funded program supporting local jurisdictions and nonprofits.

https://cdola.colorado.gov

Most down‑payment programs require a minimum credit score in the low‑ to mid‑600s, including:

CHFA (typically 620+)

USDA (varies, often 640+)

CHAC (varies by lender)

For tried and true methods we have done to repair and monitor credit, visit our credit guide here

Even after you find the right home, there are still ways to reduce your buyer costs. In the last few years, we’ve helped many of our buyers successfully negotiate seller concessions — money from the seller that can be used toward:

closing costs

prepaid taxes and insurance

temporary rate buydowns

permanent rate buydowns

Not every home or market condition allows for concessions, but when the opportunity is there, we know how to structure the offer and present the request in a way that gives our buyers the best chance of success.

This is one of the biggest advantages of having experienced buyer representation — especially for first‑time buyers who need every dollar to stretch as far as possible.

For first‑time buyers especially, concessions can make the difference between stretching your budget and staying comfortably within it.

Once you’re in your new home, our Home Updating Guide can help you understand which improvements make sense for comfort, value, and long‑term equity.

If you’re interested in buying a home and think you may need down‑payment assistance, reach out to us.
Local lenders we work with roll out new, in‑house programs all the time — programs that never get advertised online and often aren’t listed on any public website. These can include:

Temporary grants

Employer‑based incentives

Limited‑time lender credits

Special financing for specific neighborhoods or buyer types

Because these programs change constantly and are often communicated directly to us by lenders, the only way to know what’s available right now is to talk to someone plugged into the local lending network.

We’ll help you sort through the options, understand eligibility, and connect you with the right lender for your situation.

As you plan ahead, our Understanding Your Home Equity guide explains how equity builds over time and how your early decisions as a buyer can shape your long‑term financial picture.

If you’re thinking about buying your first home — or even just exploring your options — reach out to us. Northern Colorado has more down‑payment programs, grants, and lender‑exclusive incentives than most people realize, and many of the best ones never get advertised online. We stay in close contact with local lenders who update us the moment new programs roll out, so we can help you understand what you qualify for and what steps to take next. Whether you’re ready now or planning ahead, we’ll walk you through the process with clarity and zero pressure.