The Telluride mortgage market
Telluride is one of the tightest luxury mountain markets in the country — limited inventory, strong second-home demand, and a short-term rental economy that drives investor financing. Most Telluride purchases sit comfortably above conforming loan limits, so jumbo, second-home, and DSCR financing are the workhorses of this market.
Why buyers choose Telluride
- Resort scarcity — limited buildable land keeps inventory tight and prices firm
- Strong year-round STR cash flow (winter ski + summer festivals)
- High concentration of out-of-state second-home buyers
- Premium pricing means most loans require jumbo or DSCR underwriting
Telluride neighborhoods we lend in
Historic core — boxed in by terrain, top STR demand, almost all jumbo financing.
Ski-in/ski-out condos and homes — heavy second-home + DSCR activity.
Mix of primary residences and second homes a few minutes from town.
Larger parcels — jumbo or land-with-construction financing.
Top loan programs in Telluride
- Jumbo — commonly used by Telluride buyers in this market.
- Second Home — commonly used by Telluride buyers in this market.
- DSCR (short-term rental) — commonly used by Telluride buyers in this market.
Because median pricing sits well above the Colorado high-balance conforming limit, most Telluride deals are jumbo. Second-home buyers typically put 10–20% down on a true second home; investors using the property as a short-term rental usually qualify under DSCR — the loan is approved on the property's projected nightly-rental income rather than the borrower's W-2. For luxury buyers with significant assets but limited W-2 income, asset-based and bank-statement programs are also available.
Explore loan programs in Telluride
How to qualify for a mortgage in Telluride
Most Telluride 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.
Why work with Tayton Capital in Telluride
- Closed jumbo and DSCR loans throughout San Miguel and Ouray counties
- Direct relationships with jumbo investors that quote on Telluride properties
- Familiar with town STR licensing and how it impacts DSCR underwriting
Telluride mortgage FAQs
What's the minimum down payment for a Telluride mortgage?+
For a primary residence, conventional financing can go as low as 5%. Most Telluride purchases are second homes or investment properties, where 10–25% down is standard depending on whether you're using a jumbo, second-home, or DSCR program.
Can I use projected Airbnb income to qualify for a Telluride property?+
Yes. DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans are designed exactly for this — the lender uses a market rent or short-term rental projection rather than your personal income. Telluride's strong STR demand makes it a frequent DSCR market.
Do I need a jumbo loan in Telluride?+
Almost always. With a median price around $2.4M, most Telluride mortgages exceed conforming and high-balance limits, which means a jumbo loan. Tayton Capital works with multiple jumbo investors that actively price Telluride properties.
Can a self-employed buyer qualify for a Telluride mortgage?+
Yes — through bank-statement loans, P&L loans, or asset-based qualification. We routinely structure self-employed and entrepreneur loans in this market without requiring traditional tax-return underwriting.
Is Tayton Capital licensed to lend in Telluride?+
Yes. Tayton Capital LLC is a Colorado-licensed mortgage brokerage and originates loans throughout San Miguel County, including the Town of Telluride and Mountain Village.
Get pre-approved for a Telluride mortgage
Tayton Capital is an independent mortgage broker licensed in Colorado and Florida, helping buyers across the Colorado mountains — including Telluride — 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 Telluride
All 198+ reviews →"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!"
"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!"
Get your Telluride loan options
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