Simply Approved Mortgages

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Colorado First-Time Buyers

First-Time Home Buyer Loans in Colorado

CHFA FirstStep, CHFA Preferred, metroDPA, El Paso Turnkey Plus, Larimer HOME Consortium, Boulder PAH — every Colorado first-time buyer program stacked against your file.

See Today's Rates
Quick answerSummary
  • ✓CHFA FirstStep (FHA) and CHFA Preferred (conventional HomeReady/Home Possible) are the two workhorse statewide first-time buyer programs.
  • ✓metroDPA is a grant (not repayable) covering up to 4-5% of the loan amount across Denver, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, Jefferson, Boulder, and Broomfield counties.
  • ✓El Paso County Turnkey Plus, Larimer HOME Consortium, and Boulder PAH each add local DPA layers.
  • ✓VA is huge in Colorado Springs (Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB, USAFA) and near Buckley SFB in Aurora.
  • ✓Our proprietary Simply Approved Mortgages DPA has no income cap, no first-time-buyer requirement, and 580 minimum FICO on FHA — the fallback when state programs disqualify.
SA

Written by

Simply Approved Mortgages Team

Licensed Loan Officers · NMLS# 2620881

12 min read·Independently researched · No paid product placement

Local market data

Colorado first-time buyer market at a glance

Directional Colorado statewide market estimates. Front Range (Denver / Boulder / Fort Collins) runs materially higher than Western Slope and Eastern Plains.

Typical statewide home value
≈ $540,000 – $580,000
Front Range dominates the state median; rural Colorado runs 40-50% lower.

Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts — Colorado

Median household income
≈ $87,000
Statewide.

Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts — Colorado

Homeownership rate
≈ 66%

Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts — Colorado

Population
≈ 5.9 million
U.S. Census QuickFacts latest.

Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts — Colorado

High-cost FHFA counties
Boulder, Pitkin, Eagle, Garfield, San Miguel, Summit
Conforming ceilings run above the national baseline in these counties.

Source: HUD Fair Market Rents & Small Area FMR

Statewide DPA workhorse
CHFA FirstStep + CHFA Preferred

Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts — Colorado

Sources

All figures are directional estimates from public sources and drift with the market. Not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend. Individual results vary. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC (NMLS# 2620881) is not affiliated with any government agency, state housing finance agency, or data provider referenced above.

Buying your first home in Colorado

Colorado has one of the most robust first-time home buyer support stacks in the Rocky Mountain West. The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) operates statewide DPA programs on top of FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional first mortgages. The seven-county metroDPA program adds a grant-based overlay in the Denver metro. El Paso County, Larimer County, and the City and County of Boulder each add local layers of assistance. Combined with the federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program at the consortium level, most Colorado first-time buyers qualify for at least one — often two or three — DPA sources that can bring cash-to-close under $5,000.

What makes Colorado different from cheaper states is not the assistance — it's the county-by-county variation in property tax mill levies, metro-district disclosures, wildfire insurance exposure on Front Range foothill submarkets, and condo project approval issues in Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. A Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer works through all of that up front so nothing surprises you at underwriting or closing.

Colorado statewide first-time buyer programs

  • CHFA FirstStep — FHA first mortgage + CHFA DPA (grant up to 3% or 2nd mortgage up to 4%). Requires first-time buyer status or CHFA targeted area, 620 minimum FICO, income and purchase-price caps by county, home-buyer education.
  • CHFA Preferred — Conventional HomeReady or Home Possible first mortgage + CHFA DPA. Same 620 FICO, income caps.
  • CHFA SmartStep / SectionEight to Homeownership — Programs for Section 8 voucher holders and specific occupations. Confirm current availability at chfainfo.com.
  • Simply Approved Mortgages DPA — Our proprietary FHA-only 10-year second lien covering 3.5% or 5%. No income cap. No first-time-buyer requirement. 600 minimum FICO. The fallback when state programs disqualify.

Colorado local DPA programs (by metro)

  • metroDPA — City and County of Denver + Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, Jefferson, Boulder, Broomfield. Grant up to 4-5% of the loan amount.
  • El Paso County Turnkey Plus Mortgage — Colorado Springs metro. FHA/VA/USDA/Conventional + DPA grant.
  • Larimer HOME Consortium — Fort Collins, Loveland, unincorporated Larimer County. Federally-funded DPA for buyers under 80% AMI.
  • Boulder County Worthy Cause / DPA — Boulder County. County-administered DPA.
  • City of Boulder Permanently Affordable Homes (PAH) — Deed-restricted for-sale inventory inside Boulder city limits, income-tiered eligibility.
  • Denver Housing Authority Homeownership Program — Section 8 voucher-to-homeownership program for eligible DHA voucher holders under 80% AMI.

Colorado first-time buyer market realities

Three Colorado-specific items surprise more first-time buyers than any others:

  • Metro districts. Newer Denver-metro subdivisions (Central Park, Green Valley Ranch, Reunion, Southshore, Sky Ranch) sit inside special taxing districts that add mills to your property tax bill. Escrow at closing and monthly PITI will reflect those mills. Read the metro-district disclosure before contract.
  • Wildfire insurance. Homeowners insurance carriers now underwrite by ISO Wildfire risk score, roof material, and defensible space. Foothill ZIPs in Boulder, Jefferson, Douglas, Larimer, El Paso, and Teller Counties have seen material premium hikes and carrier declines. Get a quote in the inspection window.
  • Condo project approval. Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins have condo inventory that requires FHA project approval or Fannie Mae warrantability review. This is the most common closing delay we see on first-time buyer files.

Top Colorado cities for first-time buyers

These are the top five Colorado first-time buyer markets by Google search volume and origination activity. Each has its own dedicated deep-dive page with local DPA program details, neighborhood notes, and market realities.

All figures on this page are illustrative and not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend. Binding numbers appear on your Loan Estimate. Individual results vary. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC (NMLS# 2620881) is not affiliated with HUD, FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, CHFA, metroDPA, or any state or local housing agency.

Expert Insight
Colorado is one of the few states where CHFA, a regional program (metroDPA / El Paso Turnkey / LHC / Boulder PAH), and a proprietary lender DPA can all be layered against the same first mortgage. Getting a Loan Officer to price all three side-by-side is the entire game.
Simply Approved Mortgages Team
Licensed Loan Officers • NMLS# 2620881

Start your Colorado first-time buyer pre-qualification — under 2 minutes

A Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer will match your file to CHFA, metroDPA, and every county-level DPA program you qualify for.

See Today's Rates

DPA Program Finder

Colorado down payment assistance programs

Pre-filtered to Colorado — CHFA, metroDPA, city and county programs, plus our Simply Approved Mortgages in-house DPA where available. Educational only; every card links to the administering agency. Not an offer of credit.

7 programs found

Simply ApprovedRepayable 2ndAll states

Simply Approved Mortgages In-House DPA

Up to 5% of the lesser of purchase price or appraised value, structured as a repayable 10-year fixed second mortgage on a qualifying primary residence. Layers with FHA 203(b) or FHA 203(k) purchase first mortgages only. The second lien is priced at the first-mortgage rate + 2.00% and is fully amortizing — not a grant and not forgivable. Layered DPA affects final rate and MI; your Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer will show a side-by-side comparison before you commit.

Program terms subject to lender overlays, investor guidelines, and property eligibility. Not available in NY, WA, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa. Not a commitment to lend.

Up to 5% of price/loan
Min FICO: 580
Verify on Simply Approved Mortgages LLC · NMLS# 2620881 →
State HFADeferred 2nd (0%)CO

CHFA FirstStep

Colorado Housing and Finance Authority first-time buyer program with a 30-year fixed FHA mortgage. Pairs with CHFA DPA Grant (up to 3% of first-mortgage amount) or CHFA Second Mortgage Loan (up to 4% of first-mortgage amount, 0% deferred). Income and purchase-price limits vary by county.

Up to 4% of price/loan
Min FICO: 620
First-time buyer required
Verify on CHFA · chfainfo.com →
State HFADeferred 2nd (0%)CO

CHFA Preferred (Conventional)

CHFA's HFA Preferred conventional (Fannie Mae) product with reduced MI and CHFA DPA Grant or Second Mortgage Loan of up to 3–4% of the first mortgage. Available to first-time and non-first-time buyers subject to CHFA income limits.

Up to 4% of price/loan
Min FICO: 620
Verify on CHFA · chfainfo.com →
CityGrantCO

metroDPA (Denver-area)

City and County of Denver's metroDPA offers a forgivable grant of up to 5% of the loan amount for buyers of primary residences in the Denver-metro region. Layers with FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional first mortgages. Income limits apply.

Up to 5% of price/loan
Min FICO: 640
Verify on metroDPA · metrodpa.org →
CityDeferred 2nd (0%)CO

City of Colorado Springs LASSO / HBA

Colorado Springs Homebuyer Assistance provides a 0% deferred-payment second mortgage of up to $25,000 for qualified low- to moderate-income first-time buyers purchasing inside city limits. Repaid at sale or refinance.

Up to $25,000
Min FICO: 640
First-time buyer required
Verify on City of Colorado Springs →
FHLBankGrantCO

FHLBank Topeka Homeownership Set-Aside (AHP)

Affordable Housing Program set-aside funds for income-eligible Colorado buyers, available only through lenders that are FHLBank Topeka members. Funds may be structured as a grant or as secondary financing layered with an FHA first mortgage; household income generally must be at or below 80% of area median income, and each year’s funding allocation is limited. Grant structures use a recorded retention agreement (a deed restriction, not a lien); lien structures are underwritten as second mortgages.

Grant OR second lien — FHLBank Topeka and the member lender that holds the allocation set the structure. Per HUD Handbook 4000.1 (Update 18), either structure is acceptable with FHA financing; if the funds create a lien they are treated as secondary financing, not a gift — even if no payments are required or the balance is forgiven over time.

Set-aside funds are available only through FHLBank Topeka member institutions, and annual allocations are limited. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is not an FHLBank member and does not administer these funds — this entry is educational so you can compare it against options we offer. Not affiliated with the FHLBank system, FHFA, or HUD.

Credit: first-mortgage program rules apply
Verify on FHLBank Topeka · fhlbtopeka.com →
FederalTax credit (MCC)All states

Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)

IRS Mortgage Credit Certificate program administered by state and local HFAs. Converts up to 20–30% of your annual mortgage interest into a dollar-for-dollar federal income tax credit for the life of the loan. Not DPA cash — a lifetime tax benefit. Must be a first-time buyer (or in a targeted area) and stay in the home as your primary residence.

Min FICO: 640
First-time buyer required
Verify on IRS · Section 25 MCC →

Educational tool only. Program terms, income caps, funding availability, and eligible property types change frequently and vary by county. This list is not exhaustive — many counties, cities, employers, and non-profits offer additional DPA. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC (NMLS# 2620881) is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by HUD, FHA, VA, USDA, or any state Housing Finance Agency. Verify all program details directly with the administering agency before you apply. Not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend.

Next steps

See Today's Rates

Emailing your Down payment assistance finder scenario opens our secure request form so a Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer can review those numbers. Estimates are illustrative and are not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend.

Wholesale advantage

Compare loan officer compensation on your mortgage quote

Loan officer compensation is part of the cost of a mortgage. On eligible residential loans, Simply Approved Mortgages generally uses 1.5% lender-paid compensation. Enter the compensation shown on another lender's Loan Estimate to see the difference in dollars.

Simply Approved Mortgages compensation (1.5%)$4,500
Quote you entered (2.75%)$8,250

Compensation difference on this illustration: $3,750.

How lower compensation can help you

Room for a lower rate

When less compensation is built into pricing, there can be room for a lower interest rate, which may lower your monthly payment.

Possible credits toward closing

Depending on the rate you choose, pricing can sometimes include a lender credit toward third-party closing costs, so you may bring less cash to closing.

More purchasing power

A lower rate means a lower monthly payment, which can lower your debt-to-income ratio and may help you qualify for more home on the same income.

Wholesale, not retail

As a mortgage broker we compare pricing from wholesale lenders instead of offering a single bank’s retail pricing.

Tip: On page 2 of your Loan Estimate, look at Section A, "Origination Charges." If the lender pays the loan officer, that compensation usually does not appear there as its own line; it is built into the interest rate. That is why comparing the rate and any lender credits side by side matters.

Get a second opinion on your Loan Estimate

Already have a Loan Estimate from another bank or broker? Share it with a Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer, who will compare the rate, fees and credits side by side with options we can arrange. No cost to request a review.

Illustration only — not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend; binding figures appear on your Loan Estimate. Lender-paid compensation is paid by the lender, not directly by you, and is part of the loan's pricing, so the loan is not free of costs. A lower compensation figure does not by itself guarantee a lower rate or lower closing costs; individual results vary by credit, loan type, property and market conditions. Residential lending in FL and CO only. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC · NMLS #2620881 · Equal Housing Opportunity.

Colorado First-Time Buyer Payment Calculator

Estimate a full PITI payment on your Colorado First-Time Buyer with a plain-English breakdown of principal & interest, property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and HOA — plus a loan amortization summary. Illustrative only; your Loan Estimate will show the binding figures.

Estimate your payment
Home price$450,000
$
Down payment$45,000 (10.0%)
$
Interest rate6.25%
%
Loan term30 years
Credit tier (FICO)740-759
Property taxes (annual %)1.20%
%
Homeowner's insurance (annual)$1,650
$
HOA (monthly)$0
$
Principal & interest
$2,494
Taxes + insurance
$588
Loan amount
$405,000
Estimated monthly payment (PITI)
Illustrative — binding figures on your Loan Estimate
$3,082

Monthly payment breakdown

Principal & interest$2,494 · 81%
Property taxes (1.20%/yr)$450 · 15%
Homeowner's insurance$138 · 4%

Loan amortization summary (30-year term)

Total interest paid
$492,716
Total paid over term
$897,716
Year 1 · to interest
$25,178
Year 1 · to principal
$4,746

Assumes a fixed-rate 30-year loan held to maturity with no prepayments. Actual amortization varies with extra principal payments, escrow adjustments, PMI/MIP, and any rate resets on an ARM.

Free • No obligation

Use my estimate — see today's rates

We'll pre-fill your calculator numbers into the quote form below. A Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer will personally connect with you to walk through your scenario.

Home price$450,000
Down payment$45,000 (10.0%)
Loan amount$405,000
Rate / term6.25% · 30y
Credit tier740-759
Est. total PITI$3,082
See Today's Rates

Pre-approval is a soft check with no SSN and no hard credit pull. Not a loan approval or commitment to lend — binding figures appear on your federally required Loan Estimate.

Ready to move forward?

Turn these numbers into a real pre-approval

Continue on our secure application page. Your Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer will review your numbers and follow up within one business day.

Start My Approval →See Today's RatesOr call 877-813-7219

No obligation. Soft-pull options may be available.*

First-time buyer tool

PMI vs FHA MIP calculator

Put in a home price, down payment, and credit tier. See how conventional PMI and FHA mortgage insurance change your monthly payment — and how much extra cash you would need to put 20% down and skip insurance entirely.

Your scenario

20% down

No PMI / MIP
Cash down$80,000
Loan amount$320,000
P&I$2,129
Monthly PMI$0
Total P&I + MI$2,129

No mortgage insurance required. Lowest monthly payment, but highest cash at closing.

Conventional 10% down

PMI
Cash down$40,000
Loan amount$360,000
P&I$2,395
Monthly PMI$105
Total P&I + MI$2,500
Est. total PMI over 5 yrs: $6,300

PMI auto-drops at 78% LTV per the Homeowners Protection Act. PMI rate estimate: 0.35% annually.

FHA 10% down

MIP
Cash down$40,000
Base loan$360,000
With UFMIP$366,300
P&I$2,437
Monthly MIP$153
Total P&I + MI$2,590
Est. total MIP over 5 yrs: $9,158

Includes 1.75% UFMIP financed. Annual MIP 0.50% — stays for life of loan when original LTV > 90%.

Figures are illustrative only — not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend. Conventional PMI rates vary by mortgage insurer, credit score, and LTV. FHA Annual MIP rates; UFMIP is 1.75% of the base loan amount and is typically financed. Binding figures appear on your Loan Estimate after a complete application. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC, NMLS# 2620881. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Next steps

See Today's Rates

Emailing your PMI vs FHA MIP calculator scenario opens our secure request form so a Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer can review those numbers. Estimates are illustrative and are not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend.

Today's rates

Live ratesLive pricing. Rates are retrieved from our pricing provider when you run a scenario.

Real rates — your scenario, not a guess

Today's rate options below refresh twice each business day from our wholesale pricing engine; run your own scenario in the pricing tool. National survey averages below give you market context — they're not Simply Approved's pricing.

Our live pricing engine

See your real rate — for your scenario, in our pricing tool

Pull live, scenario-specific pricing from our wholesale pricing engine. Your binding rate and APR are confirmed on your Loan Estimate after a quick file review.

See My Live Rate →

Pricing snapshot

Live ratesLive pricing. Rates are retrieved from our pricing provider when you run a scenario.

Today's Mortgage Rate Options at a Glance

Four real options from today's wholesale pricing for one documented sample scenario per program — no form needed. Updated twice each business day, about 10 AM and 2 PM Eastern. Your own rate depends on your credit, down payment, property, state and lock date.

National market context

Freddie Mac PMMS — weekly U.S. averages

Source: Freddie Mac PMMS (PMMS_history.csv)

Loading latest PMMS averages…

PMMS figures shown above are Freddie Mac's national survey averages, published weekly by Freddie Mac (PMMS_history.csv) — they are not Simply Approved Mortgages' rates, not a quote, not a lock, and not an offer or commitment to lend. Your actual rate, APR, and payment depend on credit profile, loan program, occupancy, LTV, DTI, property type, lock period, and current market pricing at the time of lock. Your binding figures appear on your Loan Estimate. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC · NMLS# 2620881 · Equal Housing Opportunity.

Get Ready

Document Checklist for Colorado First-Time Buyer

Gathering these documents up front helps your Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer issue a stronger pre-approval and move Colorado First-Time Buyer to Clear-to-Close faster. Actual items required vary by scenario — your loan officer will confirm the final list.

Choose your income type

Only the income documents that apply to you are shown. Switch tabs if you have multiple income sources — your loan officer will confirm which apply.

W-2 / Employed Income

  • ✓Most recent 30 days of paystubs (all borrowers, all jobs)
  • ✓W-2s for the last 2 years (all employers)
  • ✓Two-year employment history with employer names, addresses, and dates
  • ✓Verification of Employment — written (WVOE) or electronic (EVOE through a third-party payroll service); your loan officer orders it with your signed authorization
  • ✓Employment reverification within 10 days before closing — verbal or electronic, required on every file
  • ✓Bonus / commission / overtime: 2-year history if used to qualify
  • ✓Recent job change: offer letter and first paystub after start date
  • ✓Retirees / fixed income: Social Security award letter, pension statements, 1099-R

Assets & Reserves

  • ✓Most recent 2 months of bank statements (all pages)
  • ✓Most recent quarterly statement for retirement / brokerage / 401(k)
  • ✓Gift funds: signed gift letter + donor bank statement + transfer proof
  • ✓Large deposit letters of explanation with source documentation

Identity & Residency

  • ✓Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
  • ✓Social Security card or ITIN letter
  • ✓Two years of residency history with addresses

Credit & Liabilities

  • ✓Written credit report authorization
  • ✓Letter of explanation for any late payments, collections, or inquiries
  • ✓Bankruptcy discharge papers or foreclosure documentation (if applicable)
  • ✓Child support / alimony order (if paying or receiving)
  • ✓Divorce decree / separation agreement (only if applicable)

Property & Purchase

  • ✓Fully executed purchase contract with all addenda
  • ✓Earnest money deposit receipt + source of funds
  • ✓Homeowners insurance quote (binder before closing)
  • ✓HOA / condo questionnaire and dues statement (if applicable)

FHA-Specific Documentation

  • ✓FHA case number assignment (ordered by your loan officer)
  • ✓CAIVRS clearance authorization
  • ✓For DPA: down payment assistance program application + subordination docs
  • ✓For non-occupying co-borrower: proof of relationship
  • ✓For manufactured home: HUD tags, foundation certification, land title

Educational checklist only. Not a commitment to lend and not a complete list of conditions. Documentation requirements are governed by agency guidelines (Fannie Mae Selling Guide, FHA Handbook 4000.1 incl. Update 18 (August 12, 2026), VA Lender's Handbook, USDA HB-1-3555) and individual investor overlays. Your Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer will provide your specific document list based on your scenario.

Credit Documentation & Monitoring

Credit Reports and Credit Monitoring for Colorado First-Time Buyer

Credit is one of the four underwriting buckets every lender reviews — and one of the few you can actively improve before you apply. Monitoring your credit throughout the process helps you catch errors, fraud, and score changes early, which protects your approval timeline and your rate.

Step 1 · Lender Pull

Ordering Credit for Your Pre-Approval File

Once you sign your loan application (Form 1003) and disclosures, your Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer orders a tri-merge residential mortgage credit report (RMCR) from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This is a hard inquiry, but FICO's model treats mortgage inquiries within a 45-day window as a single event, so shopping lenders during that window will not stack on your score.

  • What we need from you: signed borrower authorization, government-issued photo ID, Social Security number (or ITIN), and current address.
  • What the report shows underwriters: middle FICO score, open tradelines, minimum payments, late history, collections, public records, and recent inquiries.
  • How long it's valid: 120 days for conventional loans and for FHA/VA/USDA (HUD guidelines, VA Lender's Handbook Ch. 4). Older reports must be re-pulled before closing.
  • Rapid rescore: if a legitimate error is on your report, we can request a rapid rescore in 3–7 business days after you supply documentation from the creditor.
Pay for Your Credit Report →

This link redirects to our third-party credit vendor's payment portal. You pay the report fee directly so we can pull your tri-merge credit report for your pre-approval file. A credit pull is required for underwriting; this is not a commitment to lend.

Step 2 · Self-Check

Review and Monitor Your Credit at MyITINCredit.com

Before we pull your file, review and monitor your credit at MyITINCredit.com. Their $1 promotional trial gives you tri-bureau visibility plus ongoing credit monitoring so you can catch changes, disputes, or new accounts as they appear — not after they've already delayed your loan.

  • Verify accuracy: confirm names, addresses, SSN/ITIN, and every open account belong to you.
  • Dispute errors: the Fair Credit Reporting Act gives you the right to dispute inaccurate items directly with the bureau — no charge.
  • Address collections and charge-offs: a settled or paid collection can be documented in advance so it does not stall underwriting.
  • Pay down utilization: credit-card balances reported below 30% of the limit typically produce the strongest scores.
  • Avoid new credit: do not open new cards, finance a car, or co-sign for anyone from now through closing.
  • Monitor continuously: credit monitoring alerts you to new inquiries, balance changes, and potential identity theft while your loan is in process.
Check & Monitor Your Credit at MyITINCredit.com →

MyITINCredit.com is a service operated by Simply Approved Corporation (a DBA of that entity), which is the parent company of Simply Approved Mortgages LLC. Simply Approved Mortgages may receive subscription revenue if you choose to enroll. Credit monitoring through MyITINCredit.com is optional and is not required to apply for or obtain a mortgage with us. Promotional pricing, trial terms, and monitoring features are set by MyITINCredit.com and subject to change.

Why credit monitoring matters during a mortgage — A single new collection, missed payment, or unauthorized inquiry can change your qualifying score or trigger additional underwriting conditions. Typical minimum scores* — Conventional 620, FHA 580 (3.5% down) or 500 (10% down), VA no HUD minimum (most lenders 580–620), USDA typically 640, Jumbo 680–740, Doctor Mortgage 680–700+, Non-QM/DSCR varies by program, ITIN 620–680 alternative credit. Investor and lender overlays apply; individual results vary. Not a commitment to lend.

Colorado first-time home buyer FAQs

Answers to the most common Colorado first-time home buyer questions, written by licensed loan officers.

The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) is the state's housing finance agency. It buys and services first mortgages through participating lenders (including Simply Approved Mortgages) and layers a DPA grant or second mortgage on top. CHFA FirstStep pairs with an FHA first mortgage; CHFA Preferred pairs with a conventional HomeReady or Home Possible first mortgage. Both require a 620 minimum FICO, income and purchase-price caps by county, and completion of HUD-approved home-buyer education.

Ready to buy your first home in Colorado?

A Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer will match you to the right program — FHA, VA, Conventional, Jumbo, or Colorado CHFA down payment assistance — and walk through your real Colorado numbers.

See Today's Rates

Trusted government resources

These independent government resources can help you research mortgage programs, rates, and your rights before you apply.

Simply Approved Mortgages is not affiliated with HUD, the CFPB, the FTC, the VA, or any other government agency. Links are provided for your independent verification.

Explore the full guide

Keep reading — the rest of the buying playbook

Each of these is a deep-dive on one piece of the purchase mortgage process. Bookmark whichever you need next.

Simplify Your Mortgage Journey with These Resources

Talk To A Loan Officer

A Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer will personally connect with you to walk through your options.

Pre-Approval Request

Start My Approval

Complete this short request and a Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer will personally review your scenario. The form only asks what your program actually needs. Submitting it is not an application for credit and is not a commitment to lend.

What are you looking to do?

Pick one — the form adapts.

Pick a loan type

Programs for buying a home.
Government & conventional
Specialty credit
Build & renovate

Conventional loan — 3–20% down · 620+ FICO

Tell us about your scenario

The form below is tailored to Conventional loan — only the questions and documents your program needs.

Step 1 of 2 · about 90 seconds
See your options — one short screen
Encrypted connection (HTTPS) NMLS# 2620881 Equal Housing Opportunity

Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is licensed to arrange residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado only. We ask first so we never collect a mortgage inquiry we are not licensed to act on.

Purchase price and down payment help us size the conforming loan.

What's your goal?
Purchase price$450,000
$
Down payment (10.0%)$45,000
$

A range is enough here — no credit report is pulled and your credit is not affected.

Estimated monthly payment at these numbers
$3,431

Illustrative estimate only — not a quote, rate lock, offer of credit, or commitment to lend.

Submitting this form is not an application for credit and is not a commitment to lend. No credit report is pulled at this step.

No obligation to apply Encrypted connection Verify NMLS# 2620881
Equal Housing OpportunityEqual Housing OpportunityMortgage Broker — Not a LenderNMLS ID# 2620881NMLS Consumer AccessFlorida Mortgage Broker License #MBR7685Colorado Mortgage Company Registration

Licensing & Disclosures

Simply Approved Mortgages LLC | NMLS #2620881

Florida Branch Office (Miami, FL) | Branch NMLS #2688012

Florida Mortgage Broker License #MBR7685 | Colorado Mortgage Company Registration

Business Phone: (877) 813-7219

Equal Housing Opportunity

Broker identification. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is a mortgage broker and is not a direct lender. We arrange residential mortgage loans with third-party wholesale lenders and do not make the lender's final credit decision or fund the loan. We arrange residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado. Business-purpose mortgage products may be arranged in additional states only where permitted by applicable law and pursuant to applicable licensing requirements or exemptions.

Credit and program terms. All loans are subject to lender credit approval, underwriting, acceptable appraisal or valuation when required, title review, insurance, and supporting documentation. Eligibility, programs, rates, APRs, points, lender credits, fees, payments, terms, loan amounts, down-payment requirements, mortgage insurance, and availability may vary based on borrower, property, occupancy, credit profile, loan-to-value ratio, debt-to-income ratio, lender, loan program, and state and may change without notice. Not all applicants, properties, products, or programs will qualify or be available in every state. Nothing on this site constitutes a loan approval, rate lock, offer, commitment to lend, guarantee of approval, or guarantee of terms or closing.

Rates, payments and calculators. Rates, APRs, payments, down payments, loan amounts, home values, estimated equity, savings, affordability estimates, closing costs, and other calculator or scenario results displayed on this site are estimates or illustrations unless expressly stated otherwise. Actual loan terms may differ. Taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, association dues, lender charges, broker compensation, discount points, third-party charges, and other costs may apply. Advertised rates, payments, APRs, down payments, and other credit terms are subject to the assumptions and disclosures presented with the applicable advertisement. Applicable loan terms and disclosures will be provided as required for the particular transaction.

Mortgage products. FHA, VA, USDA, conventional, jumbo, non-QM, HELOC, reverse mortgage, down-payment-assistance, investment-property, DSCR, and other mortgage products referenced on this site are subject to their individual eligibility, underwriting, property, occupancy, and program requirements. Product availability varies by lender and jurisdiction. References to a mortgage product or program do not constitute a determination that a borrower or property qualifies.

Government-backed programs. Government-backed or government-insured mortgage programs referenced on this site may be subject to requirements established by the applicable government agency in addition to lender requirements. Government insurance or guaranties generally protect participating lenders against certain losses and do not constitute a guarantee of borrower approval.

Business-purpose products. DSCR, investment-property, and other business-purpose mortgage products referenced on this site are intended for qualifying business-purpose transactions. Business-purpose loans may be subject to different requirements and protections than consumer-purpose residential mortgage loans. Borrowers are responsible for accurately disclosing property occupancy and intended use.

Down payment assistance. Down payment or closing-cost assistance programs referenced on this site may be administered by governmental entities, housing finance agencies, nonprofit organizations, lenders, or other third parties. Program availability, funding, assistance amounts, eligibility requirements, repayment or forgiveness provisions, and other terms vary and may change or become unavailable without notice. Listing or referencing a program does not guarantee funding, eligibility, or mortgage approval.

Government affiliation. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC is not a government agency and is not affiliated with, acting on behalf of, sponsored by, or endorsed by HUD, FHA, VA, USDA, or any other federal, state, or local government agency. References to government agencies, programs, benefits, data, forms, or resources are provided for informational purposes and do not imply government sponsorship or endorsement of Simply Approved Mortgages LLC.

Fair lending. Equal Housing Opportunity. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC conducts business in accordance with applicable federal and state fair-housing and equal-credit-opportunity laws and does not discriminate on any prohibited basis.

No professional advice. Content on this site is educational and general in nature and is not legal, tax, accounting, financial, investment, estate-planning, or individualized government-benefits advice. Consumers should consult appropriate qualified professionals regarding their individual circumstances.

Third-party content. References or links to government agencies, lenders, assistance programs, products, services, or other third-party websites are provided for informational purposes or convenience. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC does not control and is not responsible for third-party content, availability, accuracy, or privacy practices.

NMLS Consumer Access: Verify Simply Approved Mortgages LLC, NMLS #2620881.

Simply Approved Mortgages LLC, 633 W 5th St, Ste 2600, Los Angeles, CA 90071 · 877-813-7219 · support@simplyapprovedmortgages.com. State licensing details available at the NMLS Consumer Access link above. © 2026 Simply Approved Mortgages LLC.

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Ask Sam AI

Ask SAM anything about mortgages

SAM is the Simply Approved Mortgages AI assistant. It answers general questions using the reviewed guides published on this site and links you to the primary government source. It is educational only — it does not quote a rate, payment, APR, approval or commitment to lend. A Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer reviews every scenario before any terms are confirmed.

Hi, I'm SAM — an AI assistant for Simply Approved Mortgages. I can explain loan programs, closing costs, DTI, down payments and which calculator or guide to use. I'm not a licensed loan officer, and nothing here is a quote, approval or commitment to lend.

SAM is an AI assistant — not a licensed loan officer, attorney, CPA or financial adviser. Answers are educational only, are not a quote, lock, offer or commitment to lend, and material loan terms must be reviewed by a Simply Approved Mortgages Loan Officer. Never share SSN/ITIN, date of birth, account numbers or passwords in chat. Residential mortgage loans are arranged in Florida and Colorado. Start My Approval.

Ask Sam AI provides general educational information only. It is an automated assistant, may be incomplete or out of date, and does not provide legal, tax or financial advice. Nothing it produces is a rate quote, APR, pre-approval, offer or commitment to lend. Never share a Social Security number, ITIN, date of birth, account number or password in chat. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC (NMLS #2620881) arranges residential mortgage loans in Florida and Colorado. Eligibility, terms, conditions and availability vary by borrower, property, lender, loan program and state, and all loans are subject to lender underwriting and approval. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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Add Simply Approved Mortgages as a preferred source on Google

We update these guides as HUD, FHFA, VA, USDA and CFPB publish new figures. If you want our updates to show up more often when you search Google, you can mark us as a preferred source from the Top Stories carousel:

  1. 1Sign in to your Google account and search a mortgage topic such as "mortgage rates".
  2. 2Select the icon next to "Top stories" to open the preferred sources panel.
  3. 3Search for Simply Approved Mortgages, tick the box, and save.

Preferred sources is a Google Search feature controlled entirely by you and by Google. Simply Approved Mortgages LLC (NMLS #2620881) does not control search results and makes no representation about how or whether our content will appear. Educational content only — not a quote, lock, offer, or commitment to lend.

Purchase market update

What buyers should know this month

November 2026

30-Yr Fixed · national avg

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15-Yr Fixed · national avg

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2026 buying power

Conforming baseline: $832,750
FHA floor / ceiling: $541,287 – $1,249,125

What it means for purchase buyers in November 2026: Conventional fixed rates move weekly with the bond market, so the number you see today is the national average — not your locked rate. Federal loan limits for 2026 are published by FHFA and HUD; high-cost counties carry higher caps. Page reviewed November 2026 (2026 program year). Sources: Freddie Mac PMMS, FHFA, HUD. Individual results vary.
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