Expanded CHFA eligibility at 110% income limits for Colorado first responders and their households
The Colorado Champions Home Loan Program is a CHFA initiative created by SB26-053 that expands access to affordable home financing for Colorado first responders and their households by raising income eligibility to 110% of standard CHFA limits and pairing with down payment assistance up to $25,000 or 3–4% of the loan amount.
First responders in Larimer County (Fort Collins, Loveland, Wellington) and Weld County (Greeley, Windsor) can access the program through CHFA participating lenders. The program is expected to launch in late 2026 — sign up for updates on this page.
Your cash need is two numbers: the down payment your loan requires and everything else due at closing. FHA financing starts at 3.5% down, and CHFA pairs its first mortgage with assistance that can cover part of the down payment and closing costs. The two standard CHFA options are a grant up to the lesser of $25,000 or 3% of your first mortgage, or a deferred second mortgage up to the lesser of $25,000 or 4%.
| CHFA assistance | Maximum | CHFA's $200,000 example | Repayment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down payment assistance grant | Up to the lesser of $25,000 or 3% of your first mortgage | Up to $6,000 on a $200,000 mortgage | No repayment required |
| Deferred second mortgage | Up to the lesser of $25,000 or 4% of your first mortgage | Up to $8,000 on a $200,000 mortgage | Deferred until you pay off, sell, refinance, or move out |
Sources: CHFA, Down Payment Assistance (chfainfo.com/homeownership/down-payment-assistance) for the grant and second mortgage figures, and HUD for the 3.5% FHA minimum down payment. Both fetched October 15, 2026. CHFA figures assume a 30-year, fixed-rate first mortgage, and higher interest rates apply when you use assistance. Your CHFA participating lender confirms the exact amount for your loan.
It is a CHFA initiative created by SB26-053 that expands access to affordable home financing for Colorado first responders and their households by raising income eligibility to 110% of standard CHFA limits and pairing with down payment assistance.
No. The program expands eligibility within CHFA's existing first mortgage and down payment assistance programs — it does not create an entirely separate loan product.
Down payment assistance grants can make upfront costs very low or zero in many cases, depending on loan size, purchase price, and other factors. Standard CHFA requirements still apply, including a minimum $1,000 borrower contribution.
Peace officers (including corrections officers, 911 specialists, wildlife officers, and more), firefighters, and EMTs — plus their households. The bill includes a broad definition of peace officer beyond sworn patrol roles.
CHFA anticipates launching the program in late 2026. The law is effective August 12, 2026, but final guidelines and lender availability are still being developed. Sign up on this page for updates.
Yes. The program is statewide. First responders in Larimer County (Fort Collins, Loveland, Wellington) and Weld County (Greeley, Windsor) will access it through CHFA participating lenders serving Northern Colorado.
Are you a Colorado first responder looking to buy a home? Contact SAA Homes at (970) 999-1407 for guidance on the Champions Home Loan program and Northern Colorado real estate.