Conventional loans typically require a cash down payment of anywhere between 5-20% of the sale price of the property. Conventional loan limits are usually $417,000. If the cost of the loan you need is above $417,000, then it will be considered a “jumbo loan” and have higher interest rates. On average, conventional loans are the most difficult to qualify for but usually have the lowest interest rates overall.

For first time homebuyers only, most banks will approve a conventional loan requiring just 3% down. There are specific requirements, including (a) the property needs to be one-unit single family home, PUD, or condo, (b) at least one buyer has not owned a home in the last three years, (c) the property will be the owner’s primary residence, and (d) the loan amount is at or below $417,000. You can have a credit score as low as 620 and still qualify for this program, and depending on your other qualifications, your interest rate can be as low as or the same as those who put 20% down.

Rent with Right to Purchase Program
Atlas’ Rent with Right to Purchase program is best suited for individuals who may need more time before they can qualify for a loan but are currently interested in buying. For more information, click here or contact Seth Johnson at 303.242.8980.

Grants and Down Payment Assistance
COLORADO HOUSING FINANCE AUTHORITY (CHFA)

In addition to offering a variety of loan options, CHFA also offers down payment and closing cost assistance grants. You can apply to receive up to 3% of your first mortgage loan to help cover some of your down payment and/or closing costs. CHFA also allows you to finance your closing costs for 1-2% of your first mortgage loan amount through their Borrower Premium program.

COLORADO HOUSING ASSISTANCE CORPORATION (CHAC)

CHAC provides low interest, flexible loans to low- and moderate-income first time homebuyers for down payment and closing cost assistance throughout Colorado. The loan would be considered a second mortgage on the property being purchased and would require repayment monthly, although the start date of those payments can vary. All borrowers are required to have a minimum contribution of $1,000 to the transaction.

NATIONAL HOMEBUYERS FUND (NHF) PLATINUM PROGRAM

This program is best suited for individuals looking to buy a primary residence and who are able to qualify for a loan but may need down payment and closing cost assistance. You can apply to receive a grant up to 5% of the loan amount, which can be applied towards your down payment or closing costs. The grant is considered a gift and does not need to be repaid. You do not have to be a first-time homebuyer to be eligible to apply.

Regional bank lending refers to local banks that offer portfolio lending for investors with more than four properties. The following are a sample of a few regional lenders in the marketplace that specialize in investment financing for residential properties.

FIRST BANK
First Bank offers a variety of loan options, from construction loans to retirement-based real estate loans for both residential and commercial properties. They are a great option for long term rental financing on single family home purchases.

COMMERCE BANK
Commerce Bank offers financing for income-producing properties from start to finish—from acquiring land and funding construction to ensuring you have adequate capital during lease-up. They have fixed interest rate options to reduce risks.

CITY WIDE BANKS
City Wide Banks offer commercial mortgage loans for investment and owner-user properties in Denver and across the United States. They tailor loans to your needs with fixed or floating rates with long term amortization and recourse or non-recourse loan structures. They cover both new construction and existing properties.

Investment real estate financing is generally best for investors with five or more investment properties and often as many as 100-200.

COLONY AMERICAN FINANCE (CAF)
This program is best suited for residential real estate investors and focuses on both rental and fix-and-flip financing. CAF accommodates a range of portfolio sizes from 5-500 properties and offers credit line and term loan options designed to meet the needs of borrowers of all sizes. CAF extends pre-approved lines of credit for acquisitions and offers non-recourse loans, which is very unique.

B2R FINANCE
B2R offers a variety of financing options for individual real estate investors. Their Portfolio Pro option allows you to get cash out from your existing rental properties. The Annex Pro option is a great short-term business loan to help you acquire, rehab and lease vacant investment properties. The Flash Pro option is designed for experienced, short-term fix-and-flip investors, as you have the option to acquire multiple properties on a single credit limit.