First-time buyers, this is your page
Nobody teaches this stuff. So here it is — the myths debunked, the process in six steps, and the Colorado down payment help most buyers never hear about. All free, all plain-English, no email required.
Myth-busting hour
The truth: Qualified first-time buyers can put down as little as 3% on conventional loans and 3.5% on FHA — and VA and USDA can be $0 down. 20% only affects whether you pay mortgage insurance, not whether you can buy.
The truth: Conventional programs generally start around 620, FHA is often available from 580, and pricing improves as scores rise. If your score needs work, Peter can help you build a plan instead of guessing.
The truth: Nobody can time rates — not Peter, not the internet. If rates fall later, refinancing is an option; if home prices rise while you wait, that cost never comes back. The right time is when your numbers work.
The truth: A mortgage credit pull is a minor, temporary dip — typically a few points — and multiple mortgage inquiries within a short shopping window count as one. The clarity is worth far more than the ding.
The truth: Backwards — in a competitive Front Range market, listing agents take offers with solid pre-approvals seriously. Financing first means you shop with real numbers and real leverage.
The truth: Student debt factors into your debt-to-income ratio, but it rarely disqualifies you by itself. Peter works buyers’ real budgets — including loans — into the plan every week.
The whole thing, in order
Text or call Peter. Ten minutes on goals, timing, and rough numbers — no documents needed yet, no obligation.
Income, assets, credit. You get a real number and a pre-approval letter that Colorado listing agents respect.
Not "what’s the max I qualify for" — what payment actually fits your life. Peter maps it before you fall in love with a house.
Tour homes knowing your range. Peter stays on call for payment checks on specific listings — even on weekends.
When you find it, Peter moves fast — updated letters, seller-friendly terms, and a locked plan for your loan.
Processing, appraisal, underwriting — Peter’s team drives the file and keeps you posted at every milestone until keys.
Colorado's best-kept secret
The Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) exists to make homeownership reachable — and its programs can put money toward your down payment and closing costs for qualified buyers, paired with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgages.
Eligibility generally involves income limits for your county, a minimum credit score, a homebuyer education class, and a modest contribution of your own funds. Programs and amounts change over time, which is why the smart move is a quick eligibility check with Peter rather than a guess.
How CHFA assistance works →Real clients, real reviews
Verified client reviews from Experience.com — real Colorado buyers, in their own words.
Peter and his team were in constant communication with me through the whole process; from first purchasing my home to over a year later working with me to refinance, I never wondered where things were at or was caught off guard.
Caleb L. · Colorado Springs, COPurchase → refi
Peter and his team were attentive, communicated clearly and effectively, they made the entire process smooth and easy. Peter and his team genuinely cared about my loan and home buying experience.
James S. · Aurora, COHome buyer
We had issues with our original loan at the last minute, and you guys were so good about helping us fix it with amazing communication and still managed to get us closed on time.
Barbara B. · Colorado Springs, COClosed on time
Excellent timely service and responses. Smooth and easy process.
Eugene F. · Colorado Springs, COResponsive
Great communication and the best deal we could find.
Jeffrey M. W. · Colorado Springs, COGreat communication
Followed up with us regarding documents needed. We had such a busy time and he made everything so easy.
Casandra M. S. · Colorado Springs, COBusy family
Great experience. Was very professional and took time to answer questions at any moment.
Travis K. · Peyton, COEvery question answered
Effective communication, timely responses and availability. Super friendly and professional!
Natasha G. · Pueblo West, COProfessional
It was an overall pleasant and easy going experience I enjoyed working with Peter!
Gavin C. · Colorado Springs, COEasygoing
Service was exceptionally fast and efficient.
Eric E. S. · Colorado Springs, COFast & efficient
Fast process!
Cory D. T. · Colorado Springs, COFast process
Peter and his team were in constant communication with me through the whole process; from first purchasing my home to over a year later working with me to refinance, I never wondered where things were at or was caught off guard.
Caleb L. · Colorado Springs, COPurchase → refi
Peter and his team were attentive, communicated clearly and effectively, they made the entire process smooth and easy. Peter and his team genuinely cared about my loan and home buying experience.
James S. · Aurora, COHome buyer
We had issues with our original loan at the last minute, and you guys were so good about helping us fix it with amazing communication and still managed to get us closed on time.
Barbara B. · Colorado Springs, COClosed on time
Excellent timely service and responses. Smooth and easy process.
Eugene F. · Colorado Springs, COResponsive
Great communication and the best deal we could find.
Jeffrey M. W. · Colorado Springs, COGreat communication
Followed up with us regarding documents needed. We had such a busy time and he made everything so easy.
Casandra M. S. · Colorado Springs, COBusy family
Great experience. Was very professional and took time to answer questions at any moment.
Travis K. · Peyton, COEvery question answered
Effective communication, timely responses and availability. Super friendly and professional!
Natasha G. · Pueblo West, COProfessional
It was an overall pleasant and easy going experience I enjoyed working with Peter!
Gavin C. · Colorado Springs, COEasygoing
Service was exceptionally fast and efficient.
Eric E. S. · Colorado Springs, COFast & efficient
Fast process!
Cory D. T. · Colorado Springs, COFast process
Money questions, answered
Between the down payment (as low as 0–3.5% depending on program), closing costs (often 2–3% of the price), and reserves, many first-time buyers close with far less than they expected — and CHFA down payment assistance can cover part of it for qualified buyers. Peter will build your specific number in one conversation.
Conventional loans generally start around 620, FHA is often available from 580, and VA has flexible guidelines. Higher scores improve pricing. If you’re below those marks, Peter can point you at what actually moves your score.
CHFA is the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority — the state agency whose programs help eligible buyers with down payment and closing costs. Qualification generally involves income limits for your county, a minimum credit score, and a homebuyer education class. Peter can check your eligibility quickly.
Pre-approval can happen within a day or two of providing documents. Once you’re under contract, closing typically runs about 30 days. The house hunt in between is the variable — some buyers find it in a week, some in six months.
Not necessarily. What matters is your debt-to-income ratio and your cash position — sometimes keeping savings for the down payment beats paying off a low-rate debt. This is exactly the math Peter runs with you before you make a move.
Tell Peter where you're at — even if the answer is 'no idea.' That's a perfectly good starting point.