In high-cost markets like Denver, VA loans (0% down), jumbo loans (over $766,550), and CHFA programs with down payment assistance shine—tailored for $700K+ homes where conventional 20% down barriers hit hard, fitting the Colorado housing market’s steady climb.
Top Loan Options for Denver High-Cost Buys
After 15+ years in Denver real estate and thousands of transactions, I’ve steered clients through high-cost deals using VA for veterans (no down, up to jumbo limits), FHA for flexible credit (3.5% down to $498K, stretch to spot approvals), and conventional jumbos (5-10% down, 700+ FICO at 6.75% rates). CHFA FirstStep Plus offers 3-5% grants on $500K+ loans, waiving PMI early. USDA fits rural Littleton edges (0% down, income caps). Seller concessions cap at 3-6%, easing closes in 45-60 days. These beat 20% conventional on $800K Highlands Ranch homes, saving $100K upfront.
Jumbos need reserves (6-12 months payments).
Denver-Specific High-Cost Strategies
Highlands Ranch real estate near Mountain Vista schools demands HOA tweaks—VA passes MPRs smoothly, CHFA layers grants for families. Littleton bungalows under $600K lean FHA; core Denver luxury condos hit jumbo with HOA reserves checks. Market cycles favor these in balanced winters—spring frenzy requires pre-approvals to bid over ask. Douglas County titles handle jumbos fast; compared to Littleton flexibility, Highlands Ranch ($150-$400 HOAs) adds 7-10 days. Pair with 2-1 buydowns for rate locks amid volatility.
Local credit unions edge nationals on jumbos.
Practical Advice for Buyers and Sellers
| Loan Program | Down Payment | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| VA | 0% | Veterans, jumbos |
| CHFA Grants | 0-3.5% effective | First-timers, $500K+ |
| Jumbo Conventional | 5-10% | Strong credit, reserves |
Buyers, match program to price—get CHFA pre-qual Day 1, negotiate 4% concessions during option; build 6-month reserves for jumbos.
Sellers, prioritize VA/CHFA offers—cover costs to attract volume, price per local comps for quick 45-day closes.
My hands-on, concierge-level service matches loans block-by-block, weighs school/HOA fits through market cycles, builds pricing from local sales, and negotiates relentlessly for high-cost wins. Clients are long-term relationships and friends, not transactions—integrity, honesty, transparency, and relentless work ethic unlock the right fit.
If high-cost loan options puzzle your Denver real estate plans—Littleton, Highlands Ranch paths—reach out anytime. I’m here for a no-pressure conversation and honest guidance tailored to the Colorado housing market.
Mile High Home Group - Welcome to Denver 
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