Your First Home Starts Here
Buying your first home is one of life's biggest milestones. Zach makes the process approachable, stress-free, and empowering — connecting Colorado's first-time buyers with the right programs, assistance, and guidance every step of the way.
Colorado's Best First-Time Buyer Options
The phrase "first-time buyer" actually has a broader definition than most people think. By most program standards, you qualify as a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a primary residence in the past 3 years. That opens the door to a range of programs with lower down payments, down payment assistance, and more flexible credit requirements.
FHA Loans
FHA loans are the most popular choice for first-time buyers. They require just 3.5% down with a 580+ credit score (10% down if 500–579) and have more forgiving debt-to-income ratio limits. FHA loans include upfront and annual mortgage insurance premiums.
CHFA Programs
The Colorado Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) offers down payment assistance programs for eligible Colorado buyers. CHFA SecondMortgage programs provide down payment assistance as a second loan (sometimes forgiven over time). CHFA also offers below-market-rate first mortgages for income-qualifying buyers.
Conventional 3% Down
Fannie Mae's HomeReady and Freddie Mac's Home Possible programs offer 3% down payment options for qualifying buyers, with reduced mortgage insurance for lower-income borrowers. Strong credit is required (typically 620+).
Homebuyer Education
Many assistance programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Zach will connect you with online and in-person options in Colorado that satisfy these requirements. The course typically takes 6–8 hours and costs under $100 — and the knowledge is genuinely valuable.
Colorado Down Payment Assistance Programs
Down payment assistance up to 3% of your first mortgage loan amount. Repaid only when you refinance or sell.
For current Housing Choice Voucher holders interested in transitioning from renting to owning.
Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, and many other municipalities offer their own DPA programs. Zach tracks all of them.
Why First-Time Buyers Choose Zach
Plain-English Education
Zach walks first-time buyers through every document, every decision, and every fee — no jargon, no assumptions.
Down Payment Assistance Access
Zach is well-versed in all Colorado DPA programs and will identify every dollar of assistance you qualify for.
Program Matching
FHA, conventional 3% down, CHFA, USDA — Zach compares your options side-by-side and recommends the right fit.
Personal Support
First-time buyers have more questions than experienced buyers — and Zach welcomes every single one of them.
Timeline Clarity
Zach sets clear expectations from day one so you know exactly what happens next and when — reducing stress significantly.
Budget-First Approach
Zach starts with your budget and works backward — not the reverse. You'll never be pressured into a loan you can't afford.