Golden sits in Jefferson County, a high-cost area where the 2026 high-balance conforming limit reaches $862,500 — well above the national $832,750 baseline. Loans up to $862,500 are still Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac eligible, though at high-balance pricing (slightly higher rate than standard conforming). Conventional financing is available with as little as 3% down ($23,200) for first-time buyers or 5% ($38,800) for repeat buyers.
With 20% down ($155,000), conventional financing carries no PMI and typically offers the lowest available rate for a Golden purchase. At 10% down, PMI runs approximately $350/month and is eliminated when your loan balance drops below 80% of the original purchase price. At 5% down, PMI is approximately $550/month.
Colorado's CHFA (Colorado Housing Finance Authority) offers down payment assistance statewide. Ask us whether the CHFA SmartStep or Preferred programs apply to your purchase.
We shop 40+ lenders for every conventional loan. Tell us your purchase price, down payment, and credit score and we'll send competing rate quotes same day.
Tell us a little about you and we'll reach out personally — usually within one business day.
Or call (970) 708-9624