G-HOPE Down Payment Assistance

Up to $8,000 in forgivable down payment help for full-time Greeley-area employees buying east of 35th Avenue

G-HOPE (Greeley Home Ownership Program for Employees) is a City of Greeley down payment assistance program for full-time employees whose employer is based within the program area. Assistance ranges from $2,500 to $8,000 depending on which of four geographic zones you purchase in — all east of 35th Avenue within Greeley.

The program offers forgivable deferred loans — each year you occupy the home as your primary residence, 20% of the loan is forgiven, reaching full forgiveness after five years. No first-time buyer requirement and no income limits make this one of the most accessible down payment programs in Northern Colorado.

How much cash do you need to buy a house in Northern Colorado?

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 assistanceMaximumCHFA's $200,000 exampleRepayment
Down payment assistance grantUp to the lesser of $25,000 or 3% of your first mortgageUp to $6,000 on a $200,000 mortgageNo repayment required
Deferred second mortgageUp to the lesser of $25,000 or 4% of your first mortgageUp to $8,000 on a $200,000 mortgageDeferred 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.

See what you may qualify for →

General CHFA Requirements

  • Credit score: Minimum mid-score of 620 (some programs allow no credit score)
  • Borrower contribution: At least $1,000 toward the home purchase
  • Homebuyer education: Complete a CHFA-approved class before closing
  • Income limits: Household income must not exceed county-specific CHFA limits
  • Purchase price limits: Home price must fall within program limits for your county
  • Debt-to-income: 50% DTI max (620–659 FICO) or 55% max (660+ FICO)
  • Participating lender: All CHFA loans are originated through approved lenders — not directly from CHFA

Frequently Asked Questions About CHFA Down Payment Assistance

What is the G-HOPE program in Greeley?

G-HOPE (Greeley Home Ownership Program for Employees) is a City of Greeley down payment assistance program for full-time employees whose employer is based within the program area. Assistance ranges from $2,500 to $8,000 depending on which of four geographic zones you purchase in — all east of 35th Avenue within Greeley.

How much down payment help can I get in each zone?

Zone 1 (east of 8th Avenue): up to $8,000. Zone 2 (between 8th and 14th Avenues): up to $6,000. Zone 3 (west of 14th Avenue): up to $4,000. Zone 4 (outlying eligible areas): up to $2,500. The city confirms your exact amount based on the property address.

How does the 5-year loan forgiveness work?

G-HOPE provides a deferred down payment loan, not a grant. Each full year you occupy the home as your primary residence, 20% of the loan is forgiven. After five years, the entire assistance amount is forgiven if you remain eligible.

Can I combine G-HOPE with CHFA down payment assistance?

Program stacking depends on lender guidelines and city rules. Many buyers explore G-HOPE, CHFA, or both with their loan officer. SAA Homes can help you understand options — final eligibility is determined by the city and your lender.

Work With Schwartz and Associates

Are you a Greeley-area employee looking to buy a home? Contact SAA Homes at (970) 999-1407 for guidance on the G-HOPE program and Northern Colorado real estate.