How much do I need for a down payment in Denver?

FHA loans require 3.5% down and conventional loans can go as low as 3% for first-time buyers. On top of that, Colorado's CHFA programs and metroDPA can cover much of your down payment, typically as a grant or a no-payment silent second worth a percentage of your loan, with amounts and limits that vary by program and county.

What credit score do I need to buy a home in Denver?

FHA loans accept scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down. Conventional loans typically require 620 or higher. The higher your score, the better your rate. Some lenders offer credit-improvement guidance if you need time to strengthen your score before buying.

What are the best Denver neighborhoods for first-time buyers?

Popular areas include Lakewood, Thornton, Aurora, and Green Valley Ranch, which offer starter homes, transit access, and newer construction at more accessible price points. The right area depends on your budget, commute, and lifestyle.

How long does it take to buy a home in Denver?

From pre-approval to closing typically takes 45 to 60 days in Denver. The search phase varies. Getting pre-approved first is important so you can move quickly when the right home comes up.

Is there a first-generation homebuyer program in Colorado?

Yes. Colorado offers down payment assistance for first-generation buyers, meaning those whose parents do not currently own a home. It is funded in limited rounds with its own income limits, so availability changes.

First-Time Buyers · Denver Metro

Buying your first home
in Denver, CO.

Q: What is a silent second down payment loan?

It is a second loan that covers part of your down payment and has no monthly payment. You repay it only when you sell, refinance, or pay off the home, so it lowers the cash you need at closing.

Buying your first home is one of the biggest decisions of your life — and Denver's market moves fast. Eugene Williams (RE/MAX InMotion) guides first-time buyers through every step at zero cost to you.

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Colorado down payment assistance programs you may qualify for

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The Denver first-time buyer process

Free Strategy Consultation

Talk with Eugene about your goals, budget, and timeline. Understand exactly what to expect in Denver's current market.

Get Pre-Approved

Eugene connects you with trusted Denver lenders who specialize in first-time buyer programs, FHA loans, and Colorado down payment assistance.

Search & Tour Homes

Access both MLS listings and Eugene's off-market network. Tour homes in Lakewood, Thornton, Aurora, and anywhere across the Front Range.

Make a Strong Offer

Eugene analyzes comps and market conditions to craft a competitive offer strategy — so you win in Denver's market without overpaying.

Inspection & Appraisal

Eugene guides you through the inspection process, helps negotiate repairs, and coordinates with the lender's appraiser to keep your deal on track.

Close & Get Your Keys

Eugene is with you at the closing table. From contract to keys, you always know exactly where things stand.

Money on the table

Denver down payment assistance programs

Most first-time buyers in Denver need far less cash than they expect. Between low-down loans and Colorado's assistance programs, qualified buyers often get in with very little out of pocket — Eugene helps you line these up before you start shopping.

CHFA loans & assistance

Colorado's housing authority works through approved lenders. FirstStep is an FHA-based loan built for first-time buyers; SmartStep is the conventional version (not first-time-only); HomeAccess adds help for buyers with a disability or a disabled household member.

Grant vs. "silent second"

CHFA help arrives one of two ways: a grant (a percentage of your loan you never repay), or a silent second — a no-monthly-payment second loan you repay only when you sell or refinance. Both shrink your cash to close.

metroDPA

The metro Denver Down Payment Assistance program (City and County of Denver) gives qualifying buyers help worth a percentage of their loan across most of the metro. It has income limits but isn't restricted to first-time buyers.

First-Generation program

Colorado's state assistance for buyers whose parents don't currently own a home. It's funded in limited rounds with its own income limits, so ask whether money is currently available before you count on it.

MCC tax credit

A Mortgage Credit Certificate turns part of your yearly mortgage interest into a federal tax credit. It isn't always offered, so confirm it's available when you apply with a lender.

Income & price limits

Most programs cap income and purchase price, and the numbers change yearly and by county. A lender runs your exact eligibility in minutes — Eugene will connect you, free.

First-Time Buyer FAQ

Your questions answered

FHA loans require 3.5% down. Conventional loans can go as low as 3% for first-time buyers. On top of that, Colorado's CHFA programs and metroDPA (Denver-specific) can cover much of your down payment — typically as a grant or a no-payment "silent second" worth a percentage of your loan, with amounts and limits that vary by program and county. Eugene will connect you with the right lender to see exactly what you qualify for — at no cost.

FHA loans accept scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down. Conventional loans typically require 620+. The higher your score, the better your rate will be. Eugene works with lenders who offer credit improvement guidance if you need time to strengthen your score before buying.

Top areas for first-time buyers include Lakewood (starter homes with good appreciation), Thornton (value + light rail), Aurora (most affordable single-family options under $450K), and Green Valley Ranch (newer construction at accessible price points). Eugene will match you to the right area based on your budget, commute, and lifestyle — free, no pressure.

From pre-approval to closing typically takes 45–60 days in Denver. The search phase varies — some buyers find a home in days, others take a few months. Getting pre-approved first is critical so you can move quickly when the right home comes up in Denver's competitive market.

metroDPA is the metro Denver Down Payment Assistance program, run through the City and County of Denver. It gives qualifying buyers help worth a percentage of their loan amount, has income limits, and isn't limited to first-time buyers — and it can sometimes be combined with other assistance.

It's a second loan that covers part of your down payment and has no monthly payment. You repay it only when you sell, refinance, or pay off the home — so it lowers the cash you need at closing without adding to your monthly budget.

Yes — Colorado offers down payment assistance for first-generation buyers, meaning those whose parents don't currently own a home. It's funded in limited rounds with its own income limits, so ask Eugene's lender whether funds are currently open.

Qualified buyers may be able to use a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC), which turns part of your annual mortgage interest into a federal tax credit. It isn't always available, so confirm current options with a lender before counting on it.

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What you told us:

Buying your first home
in Denver, CO.

Get your free Denver buyer roadmap

The Denver first-time buyer process

Denver down payment assistance programs

CHFA loans & assistance

Grant vs. "silent second"

metroDPA

First-Generation program

MCC tax credit

Income & price limits

Your questions answered

Let's find your next Denver home.

Denver Metro Areas We Serve

Buying your first homein Denver, CO.

Get your free Denver buyer roadmap

The Denver first-time buyer process

Denver down payment assistance programs

CHFA loans & assistance

Grant vs. "silent second"

metroDPA

First-Generation program

MCC tax credit

Income & price limits

Your questions answered

Let's find your next Denver home.

Your free buyer roadmap includes:

Denver Metro Areas We Serve

Buying your first home
in Denver, CO.