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Statewide programRepayable

CHFA SmartStep

CHFA SmartStep is a repayable second loan for homebuyers in Colorado.

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The program asks for

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: Exception available for properties in CHFA-targeted areas — first-time homebuyer requirement is waived.
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A minimum 620 credit score
  • A completed homebuyer education course
  • Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • A home in Colorado

It doesn’t cover

  • Households above 100% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

Income limit

100% of the area median income where the home is

HUD sets the area median income each year. The limit changes with household size, so a family of five has a higher limit than a single homebuyer.

Where it applies

Colorado’s homes

  • 61.4% single-family
  • 7.7% townhouse
  • 4.7% 2–4 units
  • 22.6% 5+ units
  • 3.6% mobile & other

A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.

$539,400

Colorado median home value

39.7%

built before 1980

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year.

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program before funds are reserved.

  2. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through First-Come-First-Served, and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Questions about this program

What is CHFA SmartStep?

CHFA SmartStep is a repayable second loan for homebuyers in Colorado. CHFA SmartStep provides a zero-percent interest second mortgage of up to the lesser of $25,000 or 4% of the first mortgage loan amount. Available to first-time and repeat homebuyers in Colorado through CHFA-approved lenders. Repayment deferred until sale, refinance, or no longer primary residence. Compatible with FHA, VA, and USDA-RD first mortgage products. Zero-percent interest second mortgage up to $25,000 or 4% of first mortgage (whichever is less). no monthly payments on the second mortgage. Repayment deferred until sale, refinance, or home is no longer primary residence. Available statewide through CHFA-approved lenders. Compatible with FHA, VA, and USDA-RD first mortgage loans. Funding comes from State.

How much assistance does it provide?

CHFA SmartStep offers up to $25,000 in assistance. The program asks homebuyers to contribute $1,000. The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — the administering agency determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

CHFA SmartStep is a repayable second loan and is repaid under the terms set by the administering agency. Repayment is triggered by Sale, Refinance, and No Longer Primary. The assistance is recorded in 2nd Lien position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

CHFA SmartStep is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time" has exceptions here: Exception available for properties in CHFA-targeted areas — first-time homebuyer requirement is waived. The program lists a minimum credit score of 620. A homebuyer education course is required. Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.

What are the income limits?

CHFA SmartStep limits household income to 100% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Income limits vary by county and household size. Contact a CHFA-approved lender for current limits in your area. The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s. Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

CHFA SmartStep caps the purchase price as follows: Purchase price limits vary by county and align with conforming loan limits. Contact a CHFA-approved lender for current limits in your area. Eligible property types include Single Family, Condo, Townhouse, and New Construction. New construction is eligible.

Where does it apply?

CHFA SmartStep serves homebuyers purchasing anywhere in Colorado.

How do you apply?

Applications for CHFA SmartStep go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through First-Come-First-Served. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Program terms are set by the administering agency and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.