Colorado Launched Assistance for School Employee Homebuyers
Full-time public school staff in Colorado can now access down payment aid via a new second mortgage program.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Residential
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In July 2026, the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority launched the Schools to Home Program to assist educators and school staff with upfront homeownership costs. The initiative supports first-time homebuyers who are full-time public school employees across the state.
Why it matters
The program helps public school staff overcome the financial barrier of down payments by offering a second mortgage that does not require monthly payments. This is funded by the Colorado Public School Permanent Fund and targets households currently priced out of the market.
Qualified participants can receive a second mortgage for up to 25% of their first mortgage amount, potentially totaling $100,000 in assistance. This loan features deferred repayment, meaning no monthly payments are required until the home is sold, refinanced, or the loan term ends.
The players
Colorado Housing and Finance Authority
A state agency that issues bonds and provides financing to help low-to-moderate-income households achieve homeownership.
The details
The program functions by providing a second mortgage that assists with down payments and closing costs, requiring no monthly payment from the homeowner. Repayment is deferred until the borrower sells the property, refinances, or reaches the end of the loan term, at which point the shared-appreciation component is factored in. To qualify, participants must be first-time homebuyers and complete both a financial commitment course and a homebuyer education class.
Timeline
The Schools to Home Program launched in July 2026.
A mortgage was closed using the program on September 23, 2026.
A virtual webinar explaining the program is scheduled for September 30, 2026.
Money Landscape
The Schools to Home Program marks a targeted shift in state housing policy by leveraging the Colorado Public School Permanent Fund to address homeownership affordability for essential workers. This initiative follows the pattern of state-led efforts to bolster housing access for public employees in high-cost areas.
If you are a full-time Colorado public school employee who does not currently own a home, you may be eligible to apply for this down payment assistance. Consult a professional to discuss how the program's shared-appreciation terms and deferred repayment schedule fit into your long-term financial plan.
The takeaway
The program provides a way for school staff to reduce immediate upfront costs through a zero-payment second mortgage. If you are eligible, register for the upcoming September 30, 2026, webinar to review the specific requirements and financial obligations before applying.
Further reading
For more information on current state programs, visit the Residential section.
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Should local governments provide down payment assistance programs specifically for public school employees?
