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
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: 21–30 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 ($1,149,825 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.