CHFA Program · Colorado · Launching November 2026
CHFA Colorado Champions
A new CHFA home loan for Colorado peace officers, firefighters and EMTs: a fixed-rate CHFA first mortgage with up to $25,000 in deferred down payment help, a higher income limit than CHFA’s other programs, and no first-time buyer requirement.
Overview
Built for the people who answer the call
Colorado Champions is CHFA’s newest program, created by Senate Bill 26-053, which the Governor signed on April 17, 2026. It opens CHFA’s home loan and down payment assistance to first responders who work in Colorado, with an income limit set specifically for them. CHFA lists it as “coming soon” with a November 2026 launch, and says the program does not have limited funds, so it will be there when you are ready.
Here is how it works: you take a fixed-rate CHFA first mortgage (FHA, VA, USDA or conventional), and CHFA adds a second mortgage of up to the lesser of $25,000 or 4% of your first mortgage amount. The second has no monthly payment and is deferred: you repay it when you sell, refinance, pay off the first mortgage or stop living in the home as your primary residence. The money can go toward your down payment, closing costs, prepaids, principal reduction or a permanent buydown on the first mortgage.
CHFA publishes it as Colorado Champions and Colorado Champions Plus. Across CHFA’s lineup, “Plus” is the version that comes with the second mortgage. The program matrix is dated October 2026 with the effective date still to be announced, so I will confirm the final details with you before you lock anything.
Who it is for
Do you qualify for Colorado Champions?
- At least one borrower is a peace officer, firefighter or emergency medical technician
- Peace officers include P.O.S.T.-certified peace officers plus non-certified deputy sheriffs, emergency communications specialists (911 dispatchers), corrections officers, port of entry officers and wildlife officers
- Firefighters employed by, or volunteering with, a fire department or fire agency; EMTs with a current Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment certificate
- You work for a Colorado employer and you work in Colorado
- Qualifying income up to $196,810, a single statewide limit regardless of county or household size (CHFA’s other programs stop at $178,920)
- You do not need to be a first-time homebuyer
- Minimum 620 mid credit score, or higher if the loan type requires it; debt-to-income up to 50% with a 620–659 score, or 55% at 660 and above
- Every borrower completes a CHFA-approved homebuyer education class before closing (certificates are good for 12 months)
- You bring at least $1,000 of your own money toward the purchase; gift funds count
- The home is your primary residence; CHFA allows only one CHFA-financed property at a time
Sources: CHFA Colorado Champions program page and the CHFA Colorado Champions and Champions Plus Program Matrix (version 10/26, effective date to be announced); Senate Bill 26-053.
The math, made clear
What the higher income limit changes
Standard CHFA (SmartStep, Preferred, HomeAccess)
Income limit $178,920
- A police officer earning $98,000 and a nurse earning $87,000: household qualifying income $185,000
- $185,000 is over the limit, so no CHFA assistance on these programs
CHFA Colorado Champions Plus
Income limit $196,810
- Same household, same $185,000: within the limit
- On a $400,000 first mortgage: 4% × $400,000 = $16,000 second mortgage
- Not combinable with my Homes to Heroes 1% lender credit or a 1-0 buydown
That is $16,000 of help for a household that CHFA’s other programs would turn away. The $25,000 cap kicks in above a $625,000 first mortgage, so most Front Range purchases get the full 4%.
If your household is under $178,920, look at both. SmartStep’s grant is up to 3% and is never repaid; the Champions second is up to 4% and is repaid at the exit. On that $400,000 loan the grant is $12,000 you keep, and the second is $16,000 you give back when you sell or refinance. The extra $4,000 up front is worth it if it is what makes the purchase work, and not worth it if it is not. I price both before you decide.
Illustrative example only, not a quote.
Compared
Colorado Champions and the other help for first responders
| Program | Assistance | Repaid? | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHFA Colorado Champions Plus | Lesser of $25,000 or 4% of the first mortgage | Yes, deferred until sale, refinance, payoff or move-out | Peace officers, firefighters and EMTs working in Colorado, income up to $196,810 |
| CHFA down payment assistance grant | Lesser of $25,000 or 3% of the first mortgage | No | Any CHFA borrower within limits (income up to $178,920 on SmartStep and Preferred) |
| CHFA down payment assistance second | Lesser of $25,000 or 4% of the first mortgage | Yes, deferred | Any CHFA borrower within limits |
| CHFA Schools to Home | Up to 25% of the first mortgage | Yes, plus a share of appreciation | Colorado preK–12 public school employees |
| Homes to Heroes | 1% lender credit toward closing costs | No | First responders and teachers who finance with me; cannot be combined with Colorado Champions |
If you qualify for more than one, I price them side by side. See CHFA down payment assistance and Colorado assistance compared.
Getting ready
What you will need
- Proof that you are an eligible first responder: your P.O.S.T. or EMT certification, a current pay stub, a written employment verification, or another document your employer issues
- Income documentation for everyone on the loan
- A CHFA-approved homebuyer education certificate for every borrower
- Two months of statements for the account holding your funds to close
Use the wait
The program opens in November 2026. Everything on that list can be done today: get pre-approved so you know your number, take the homebuyer education class now (your certificate is good for 12 months, and you must be under contract before it expires), and have your eligibility paperwork ready. When CHFA opens reservations, you will be ready to go under contract rather than starting from zero.
Volunteer firefighters
CHFA’s matrix covers firefighters who are employed by or volunteer with a fire department or agency. If you volunteer, bring documentation from the department and I will confirm how CHFA treats your file.
FAQ
CHFA Colorado Champions questions
When does CHFA Colorado Champions start?
CHFA lists a November 2026 launch. The law behind it, Senate Bill 26-053, was signed on April 17, 2026 and took effect on August 12, 2026. CHFA has published the program matrix with the effective date still to be announced.
Who counts as a peace officer?
P.O.S.T.-certified peace officers, plus non-certified deputy sheriffs, emergency communications specialists, corrections officers, port of entry officers and wildlife officers. You must work for a Colorado employer and work in Colorado.
Does my spouse or co-borrower have to be a first responder too?
No. At least one borrower must be a peace officer, firefighter or EMT. Every borrower still has to complete the homebuyer education class, and everyone on the loan counts toward the income limit.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
No. CHFA’s matrix does not restrict Colorado Champions to first-time homebuyers.
What is the income limit?
A statewide limit of $196,810 in qualifying income, regardless of county or household size. That is the income your lender uses to qualify you, not necessarily total household earnings, and I calculate it for you before you rely on it.
Is the assistance a grant?
No. It is a second mortgage with no monthly payment, repaid in full when you sell, refinance, pay off the first mortgage or the home is no longer your primary residence. Ask me for the full repayment terms before you commit.
Can I combine it with Homes to Heroes or a 1-0 buydown?
No. Colorado Champions cannot be combined with my Homes to Heroes 1% lender credit or a 1-0 buydown. If you are a first responder, I will show you both paths side by side so you can see which one leaves you better off.
What loan types and properties work?
FHA, VA, USDA and conventional (Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac) purchase loans through CHFA. Eligible homes include single-family houses, townhomes, condos, modular homes and manufactured homes on a permanent foundation, including accessory dwelling units where the loan type allows. There is no purchase price limit; the maximum loan amount is the lower of $832,750 or the loan type’s limit.
Related: Homes to Heroes · CHFA down payment assistance · Colorado assistance compared · FHA loans · VA loans · Conventional loans · Talk to David
CHFA programs are administered by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority and offered through CHFA Participating Lenders, subject to CHFA guidelines, income limits and eligibility. CHFA Colorado Champions is scheduled to launch in November 2026; program details are set by CHFA and subject to change before and after launch. Examples are illustrations, not quotes. This is not a commitment to lend.
Be ready the day it opens.
Tell me your role, your agency, your income and your price range. I will confirm eligibility, get you pre-approved and line everything up for the November launch. Call (303) 557-3846 or start online.