Six Steps for Participating in Boulder's Affordable Homeownership Program

Creating affordable homeownership opportunities is major goal for the City of Boulder. The city’s Permanently Affordable Homes Program creates ownership opportunities for households of low, moderate and middle incomes. Qualifying for the program does not guarantee that a home is available; the current demand for homes is higher than homes for-sale. However, if you want to purchase in the future you will need to start by taking these steps.

First, you should know if this program is right for you. This class will help potential buyers understand the eligibility requirements, application process, and their rights and responsibilities as an owner in the program. A one-hour class is offered in person or through live webinar once per month, or a 45-minute version is available online. You can also reference the income and asset limits online to see if you qualify.

Second, see what you can afford. Choose a lender, submit their required documents, and receive a mortgage loan pre-approval. The city requires a pre-approval letter and a copy of a loan application as part of the program application.

Third, complete the Boulder County Homeownership Programs Common Application. The application will specify what supporting documentation you need to submit. An application will not be complete until all documents listed in the application have been received and will not be eligible for a selection process until complete.

Fourth, you cannot go under contract on an affordable home without completing the Homebuyer Education class. The best time to take this class is while you’re looking at homes. The class will provide information about the home purchase and closing process. Most buyers take the class through Boulder County's program, but you can take it anywhere in the state. View class dates in Boulder County and dates throughout Colorado from approved agencies.

Now it's time to start looking! Households that qualify for the Permanently Affordable Homes Program should look at the list of currently available homes on the city website. A real estate agent can help set up showings, and open houses will be listed on the website.

Finally, the preliminary program certification is valid for one year and applicants may recertify for free. The only item that can be updated during a period of certification is a change of address. Changes to income, assets and other household demographics will be adjusted at the end of the six months if an applicant recertifies.

Once an applicant has received final certification, they are eligible to purchase/close on the home. At closing, buyers will sign documents prepared by the City of Boulder, including the Covenant. To prepare for closing, buyers will meet with a City of Boulder staff member approximately one week before closing to review these documents.

For more details and resources visit www.bouldercolorado.gov/homeownership. For questions, call 303-441-3157, ext. 2, or email homeownership@bouldercolorado.gov.