CHFA First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Fort Collins, Greeley & Northern Colorado

Why Northern Colorado buyers use CHFA

Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Greeley, and Wellington attract buyers from across Colorado and beyond — but rising home prices make saving a full down payment challenging. CHFA programs help qualified Larimer and Weld County buyers purchase with as little as $1,000 out of pocket plus assistance covering the rest of the down payment and closing costs.

Because CHFA limits vary by county and household size, understanding your specific ceiling before you start searching prevents wasted time on homes outside program limits.

Larimer County CHFA limits (Fort Collins, Loveland, Wellington)

Larimer County income limits for CHFA programs typically range from approximately $130,000 to $156,000+ for 1–2 person households, depending on the specific program and whether the property is in a targeted vs. non-targeted area. Larger households qualify at higher income thresholds. Purchase price limits generally range from about $664,000 to $812,000 depending on area designation.

Targeted areas within Larimer County offer higher income limits and may allow repeat (non-first-time) buyers to use programs like FirstStep. Your CHFA Participating Lender confirms whether a specific address qualifies as targeted.

Weld County CHFA limits (Greeley, Windsor, Eaton)

Weld County generally offers higher income limits than Larimer — many CHFA programs allow approximately $153,600 to $179,200 for 1–2 person households, with higher limits for larger families. Purchase price limits are around $735,000 for many programs.

Windsor spans both Weld and Larimer counties, so the limits for your purchase depend on the exact property location. This is one reason working with a local agent and lender familiar with Northern Colorado boundaries matters.

Best CHFA programs for Northern Colorado first-time buyers

Most first-time buyers in our market start with CHFA SmartStep Plus (FHA with grant or second DPA) or CHFA FirstStep Plus (FHA for first-time buyers with second DPA). Buyers with stronger credit and conventional qualification may prefer CHFA Preferred Plus for potentially lower mortgage insurance costs.

First-generation buyers — those whose parents never owned a home — should ask about CHFA FirstGeneration Plus, which can provide up to $25,000 in assistance regardless of first mortgage amount.

Finding CHFA-qualifying homes in Northern Colorado

Your home search must stay within CHFA purchase price limits for your county and program. In today's market, many entry-level and move-up homes in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley fall within these caps — but competitive listings require fast action and strong offer strategy.

SAA Homes helps CHFA buyers identify qualifying properties, evaluate neighborhoods across Larimer and Weld counties, and coordinate timing with your lender so program requirements are met before your offer deadline.

• Confirm your CHFA pre-approval amount and price limit first
• Search in cities where inventory matches your budget
• Consider targeted areas for higher income eligibility
• Factor closing costs into your total cash needed
• Complete homebuyer education before you write offers