Schools To Home funds are limited. Colorado Champions for first responders is open, and CHFA says its funds are not limited.Run the eligibility check →
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CHFA Schools To Home

CHFA Colorado Champions for Colorado firefighters

Paid and volunteer Colorado firefighters can get up to $25,000 or 4% in CHFA down payment help through Colorado Champions. How it works and who qualifies.

Who qualifies

You qualify if you are employed by or volunteer with a fire department, fire protection district or firefighting agency in Colorado. Volunteers count, which matters in rural districts that run mostly on volunteer crews.

Your lender confirms your service through certification, a paystub, a written VOE or other paperwork from the department or district.

CHFA Schools To Home lets full-time Colorado preK-12 public school employees borrow up to 25% of their CHFA first mortgage as a 0% deferred second mortgage, repaid at sale, refinance or payoff plus a share of any appreciation. CHFA Colorado Champions gives first responders a 0% deferred second of up to $25,000 or 4% of the first mortgage, whichever is less, with no shared appreciation. Neither is a grant, and both pair with a 30-year fixed CHFA first mortgage from a participating lender.

Volunteer firefighters and income

Because volunteers are eligible, your qualifying role can be separate from your day job. Your lender still qualifies you on your regular income, and total qualifying income must be at or under $196,810. Have a letter from your fire district or department showing your volunteer status ready early.

The assistance

Colorado Champions adds a 0% deferred second mortgage of up to $25,000 or 4% of the first mortgage, whichever is less. You repay it when you sell, refinance, pay off the loan or move out. It works with FHA, VA, USDA-RD, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans, and CHFA says the program does not have limited funds.

Paperwork to gather

  • Firefighter certification, if you hold one
  • Paystub or written VOE from your department, or a volunteer service letter from your district
  • Pay records from your regular job if you volunteer
  • CHFA-approved homebuyer education certificate (each borrower)
  • Tax returns, W-2s and bank statements

Questions

Do volunteer firefighters qualify?

Yes. Colorado Champions covers people employed by or volunteering with a Colorado fire department, fire protection district or firefighting agency.

How much help can I get?

Up to $25,000 or 4% of your first mortgage, whichever is less, as a 0% deferred second mortgage.

Is there a price limit?

No. The loan amount is capped at the lower of $832,750 or the loan type's limit.

Other eligible jobs

Test your eligibility

Six questions, no credit check. Or call (800) 555-0100.

Start the eligibility check