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FHA home loans are a popular mortgage option for home buyers in Colorado. This program is particularly attractive to first-time buyers, though it’s not limited to that group. What are some of the basic requirements for an FHA loan in Colorado, and how they relate to you as a home buyer and borrower?
The Federal Housing Administration’s mortgage insurance program is overseen by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), part of the federal government. It is HUD that establishes the specific requirements and eligibility criteria for Colorado FHA loans.
It’s important to note, however, that the government does not lend money directly to borrowers. Instead, they insure loans made by banks and mortgage lenders in the private sector. This insurance gives the lender an added layer of protection, when in turn benefits the borrower by easing eligibility requirements.
Related: Mortgage Loan Program Infographic
Some of the rules and requirements for Colorado FHA loans have exceptions to them. But the down payment is a firm rule. Borrowers who use this program to buy a house must make a down payment investment of 3.5% of the purchase price or the appraised value of the home, whichever is less.
Conventional (not government-insured) mortgage loans sometimes require more money down, which is why borrowers with limited funds often turn to the FHA program.
The good news is that the money doesn’t necessarily have to come from your own pocket. Under current FHA guidelines, Colorado home buyers could obtain some of their down-payment funds from an approved third party, such as a family member or close friend. This is generally allowable, as long as the donated funds are a gift and not a short-term loan.
Credit scores are another important requirement for Colorado FHA loans. Banks and lenders use these three-digit numbers to get a feel for how a person has borrowed and repaid money in the past. So, they’re essentially a type of risk-assessment tool.
Timely payment on loan and credit obligations generally leads to a higher credit score. On the other hand, missed payments, delinquencies and defaults tend to lower a person’s score. A higher number can improve one’s chances of qualifying for a mortgage loan.
HUD has established some basic requirements for FHA credit scores. Generally speaking, borrowers must have a score of 500 or higher to be eligible for this loan program, and a 580 or higher to qualify for the 3.5% down payment mentioned earlier.
Related: What is a “Good” Credit Score & How Do You Make it Even Better?
There are limits to how much you can borrow when using an FHA loan in Colorado. These limits are established by HUD and are partly based on the “conforming loan limits” set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. They vary by county, due to regional differences in home prices.
In 2024, the FHA loan limits for Colorado range from $498,257 on the low end, up to $1,149,825 for the higher-priced counties like Garfield. In the Denver metro area, the limit is currently set at $816,500.
That’s for a single-family home. This includes the following counties:
| County Name | 1 Unit | 2 Units | 3 Units | 4 Units |
| ADAMS | $816,500 | $1,045,250 | $1,263,500 | $1,570,200 |
| ARAPAHOE | $816,500 | $1,045,250 | $1,263,500 | $1,570,200 |
| BROOMFIELD | $816,500 | $1,045,250 | $1,263,500 | $1,570,200 |
| CLEAR CREEK | $816,500 | $1,045,250 | $1,263,500 | $1,570,200 |
| DENVER | $816,500 | $1,045,250 | $1,263,500 | $1,570,200 |
| DOUGLAS | $816,500 | $1,045,250 | $1,263,500 | $1,570,200 |
| ELBERT | $816,500 | $1,045,250 | $1,263,500 | $1,570,200 |
| GILPIN | $816,500 | $1,045,250 | $1,263,500 | $1,570,200 |
| JEFFERSON | $816,500 | $1,045,250 | $1,263,500 | $1,570,200 |
| PARK | $816,500 | $1,045,250 | $1,263,500 | $1,570,200 |
This broad spectrum is a direct reflection of home-price variation from one area to another. When this article was published, the median home price for the state of Colorado was $531,605, according to Zillow. But in the pricier market of Boulder, it was $974,247. This accounts for the difference in FHA loan size requirements across the state.
This doesn’t mean you have to buy a home equal to or less than these amounts. These are just the limits for the loan size the FHA is willing to insure. You could buy a house that exceeds these amounts by making a larger down payment. But most Colorado home buyers who use the FHA loan program tend to purchase within the limits, in order to take advantage of the 3.5% down payment option.
These are certainly not the only requirements for Colorado FHA loans. But they are some of the most important criteria, from a borrower’s perspective.
Check out our mortgage loan limit tool for conventional, FHA, and VA loans, as well as the 2024 FHA loan limits for Colorado.
Related: Colorado Loan FAQ’s
At Sammamish Mortgage, we offer a wide variety of mortgage programs and tools with flexible qualification criteria, including our Diamond Homebuyer Program, Cash Buyer Program, and Bridge Loans. We have been serving the entire state since 1992, as well as the broader Pacific Northwest region that includes Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Idaho. Please contact us today with any financing-related questions you have.
Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.
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No Obligation and transparency 24/7. Instantly compare live rates and costs from our network of lenders across the country. Real-time accurate rates and closing costs for a variety of loan programs custom to your specific situation.