Your first home in Colorado — done right.
Compare FHA, CHFA, VA, USDA, and 3% conventional programs. We'll match you with the right loan, get you pre-approved in 24 hours, and walk you to the closing table.
Why first-time buyers choose Tayton Capital
- Colorado-local expertise
We close loans in every Colorado county — from Denver metro to Telluride, Durango, and Grand Junction. We know the county-specific loan limits, property tax mill levies, and assistance programs.
- All major programs under one roof
FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional, CHFA, Jumbo, plus first-time-buyer specialty programs. We shop investors to find your best rate — you don't have to.
- 24-hour pre-approval
Submit docs by noon, get a full underwriter-reviewed pre-approval letter the next business day. Strongest offer in a competitive Colorado market.
- Down payment assistance experts
We routinely stack CHFA grants and lender credits to bring your cash-to-close as low as $0–$5K.
Colorado first-time buyer programs
FHA Loan
Best for: lower credit, smaller down payment
Learn moreCHFA First-Time Buyer
Best for: combining DPA grants with low rate
Learn moreConventional 97
Best for: 700+ credit, lower PMI than FHA
Learn moreVA Loan
Best for: veterans, active duty, surviving spouses
Learn moreUSDA Rural Loan
Best for: rural Colorado (Montrose, La Plata, Garfield)
Learn moreJumbo First-Time
Best for: Eagle, Pitkin, San Miguel high-cost markets
Learn moreWhat first-time buyers look like in your Colorado city
Need help with the down payment? Read our guide to down payment help in Colorado. Don't see your city? Browse all Colorado mortgage guides →
The Colorado first-time buyer process
- 1 · Get pre-approved (free, no credit-pull commitment)
Apply online — we review credit, income, and assets and issue a fully-underwritten pre-approval in 24 hours.
- 2 · Shop with confidence
Your pre-approval gives Colorado sellers and Realtors the confidence to accept your offer. We coordinate with your agent on competitive offer language.
- 3 · Lock & process
Once under contract, we lock your rate, order appraisal, and clear conditions. Average close: 18 days.
- 4 · Close & get the keys
Sign at the title company. Funds wire same day. Welcome home.
First-time buyer FAQs
What credit score do I need to buy my first home in Colorado?+
FHA loans accept credit scores as low as 580 (with 3.5% down) or 500 (with 10% down). Conventional loans typically need 620+. VA loans don't have a federal minimum, but most lenders require 580–620. The CHFA First-Time Homebuyer Program requires a 620 minimum.
How much down payment do I need as a first-time buyer in Colorado?+
FHA: 3.5% down. Conventional first-time buyer programs (Fannie Mae HomeReady, Freddie Mac Home Possible): 3% down. VA & USDA: 0% down. With CHFA Down Payment Assistance, you can combine these with up to 3% in grant or second-mortgage assistance for closing costs.
What is the CHFA program?+
The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) offers below-market mortgage rates and down payment assistance grants/loans for first-time and qualifying repeat buyers across all 64 Colorado counties. Income and purchase price limits apply by county.
How long does it take to buy a home in Colorado?+
From pre-approval to closing typically takes 30–45 days once you're under contract. Getting pre-approved itself takes 24–48 hours with full documentation. We recommend starting the pre-approval process 60–90 days before you want to shop.
What are typical closing costs in Colorado?+
Plan on 2–4% of the purchase price for closing costs (lender fees, title, escrow, recording, prepaid taxes & insurance). On a $500K home, that's roughly $10,000–$20,000. Many first-time programs allow seller concessions and down payment assistance to offset these.
Can I buy a home in Colorado mountain towns as a first-time buyer?+
Yes — and several mountain counties (Eagle, Pitkin, San Miguel, Summit) qualify as high-cost areas with higher conforming loan limits ($1,249,125 in 2026). Workforce housing programs in Vail, Aspen, Telluride and Breckenridge also offer first-time buyer assistance.
Ready to buy your first home in Colorado?
Get pre-approved in 24 hours.