The Boulder mortgage market
Boulder's premium pricing means most purchases require jumbo or high-balance conforming loans.
Most Boulder loans exceed conforming limits — jumbo programs are the norm.
Top loan programs in Boulder
- Jumbo — commonly used by Boulder buyers in this market.
- Conventional High Balance — commonly used by Boulder buyers in this market.
- Conventional — commonly used by Boulder buyers in this market.
How much you can borrow in Boulder is set at the county level — the 2026 conforming and FHA ceilings for Boulder County determine where conventional financing ends and jumbo begins. Check the current Boulder County loan limits before you set a purchase price.
Explore loan programs in Boulder
Compare loan options
Side-by-side breakdowns for the programs Boulder buyers weigh most often.
- FHA vs. Conventional →Down payment, credit, and mortgage insurance trade-offs.
- VA vs. FHA →Two low-down-payment options — which one costs less.
- Jumbo vs. Conventional →When a purchase price pushes you past the conforming limit.
- DSCR vs. Conventional →Qualify on rental income instead of your tax returns.
How to qualify for a mortgage in Boulder
Most Boulder purchases price above conforming limits, so qualifying often starts with jumbo or second-home guidelines: stronger credit (typically 720+), 10–20% down, and documented reserves. Investment and short-term-rental buyers may layer in DSCR. Lenders still review credit, DTI, down payment, and income docs — but the bar is set by the jumbo or second-home investor.
- Primary residences: conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA depending on credit and down payment.
- Second homes: typically conventional or jumbo with 10–20% down.
- Investment properties: conventional investor loans (20–25% down) or DSCR loans based on rental income.
Get pre-approved for a Boulder mortgage
Tayton Capital is an independent mortgage broker licensed in Colorado and Florida, helping buyers across the Front Range — including Boulder — find the right loan program at a competitive rate. As a broker we shop conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, and DSCR lenders to match each borrower with the best fit.
What clients say about working with us near Boulder
All 203+ reviews →"Incredibly organized and punctual with documents. Communication was great and overall service was as professional as could be! Would love to work with TJ in the future!"
"TJ and his team are amazing! From the beginning of our home hunting journey, TJ was incredibly reliable, responsive, and approachable. We simply could not have purchased our first home without his wealth of knowledge!"
Get your Boulder loan options
See what you qualify for — fast, free, no obligation.
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