Mortgage & DPA / Zero Down
Buy A Colorado Home With $0 Down
No Saving For Years. No Borrowing From Family.
Forge combines a first mortgage with Colorado DPA programs to cover your full down payment — and often closing costs too. Real loan. Real ownership. Real $0 out of pocket.
The Mechanics
How Zero Down Actually Works
It’s not a gimmick — it’s a stack of two existing programs working together.
First Mortgage
96.5%
Covered by FHA loan
DPA Second Loan
3.5%
Covered by FHA loan
= 100% Covered · $0 Out Of Pocket
- The first mortgage is a real FHA loan — same rates as any FHA buyer
- The DPA second loan covers your down payment (and often closing costs)
- Many programs forgive the second loan after 3 years in the home
The Math
What This Actually Looks Like
Example: $450,000 Colorado home, 30-year fixed, current FHA rate.
Traditional 5% Down
What Most Lenders Offer
Down Payment
$22,500
Closing Cost
~$8,000
Cash At Closing
$30,500
Plus monthly payment: ~$2,800
Forge Exclusive
Forge Zero Down
Down Payment
$0
Closing Cost
~$8,000
Cash At Closing
$30,500
Plus monthly payment: ~$2,950 (slightly higher, financing 100%)
Numbers are illustrative. Actual costs depend on credit score, location, DPA program, and current rates. Schedule a consultation for your specific numbers.
Eligibility
Who Qualifies For Zero Down
Zero Down isn’t for everyone – but most Colorado buyers we talk to actually qualify. Here’s the baseline:
- 620+ credit score (some programs accept lower)
- Steady employment — 2 years preferred
- Income limits vary by county and household size
- Buying a primary residence (not investment, not second home)
- Colorado property (we cover all counties)
- First-time OR repeat buyer (some programs accept both)
The Path
Your Zero Down Path, Step by Step
1
Free Eligibility Check
We review your credit (soft pull, no impact), income, and target Colorado area to confirm you qualify. 24 hours.
2
Match to Right DPA
Colorado has 8+ DPA programs. Forge runs your profile against all of them and stacks the strongest combination.
3
Pre-Approval Letter
You get a formal pre-approval to shop with. Sellers see this differently than generic pre-qualification.
4
Find and Make An Offer
Forge real estate handles offer strategy. With Zero Down covered, you compete on price, not down payment.
5
Close and Move In
Standard 30-45 day close. Both loans fund simultaneously — you bring $0 to closing (sometimes literally).
Common Questions
Zero Down FAQs
Is Zero Down really $0 or are there hidden fees?
Truly **$0** out of pocket when DPA and seller concessions fully cover the down payment and closing costs. Some buyers contribute a small amount voluntarily to keep the monthly payment lower. We show you all the math during consultation.
What's the catch with Zero Down?
Your monthly payment is slightly higher than a 5% down loan because you’re financing **100%** of the home. For most Colorado buyers, the trade-off is worth it — you keep your savings, build equity from day one, and stop renting now instead of in 3 years.
Do I have to pay back the DPA?
Depends on the program. **CHFA** is usually a forgivable second loan (3-5 years). **MetroDPA** is structured as a grant or deferred loan. Forge picks the program that matches your timeline.
Can I use Zero Down on any home?
Most Colorado primary residences qualify. New construction works. Some condos require additional FHA approval. Investment properties and second homes don’t qualify.
How quickly can I close with Zero Down?
Same as a standard FHA loan: **30-45 days** from accepted offer. Adding DPA doesn’t slow the process when Forge handles both loans in-house.
REAL CLIENT REVIEWS
What Colorado Homeowners Say
Ready When You Are
Your Goals. Our Game Plan.
Schedule your free 30-minute consultation. We’ll review your credit, income, and goals — and map you to the right loan and DPA program. No pressure, no obligation.