Your Road Home: CHFA Homeownership eNews

Home Equity
The difference between the amount you owe on a mortgage and what the home is worth.
Source: Investopedia

Did you know?
Housing Affordability
Housing is considered affordable when a household spends no more than 30 percent of its gross annual income on housing.
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Interactive intersection Find a Participating Lender CHFA’s Find a Participating Lender webpage can help you find a mortgage loan originator who may best assist you.

housing affordability expected to gradually improve in 2026

Fingers holding a key with a home in the background

There’s positive news if you’ve thinking about buying a home in 2026. After the challenging market in 2025, housing affordability is expected to gradually start improving next year, according to economists with the National Association of Realtors® and Redfin.

Interest Rates

One factor that is expected to improve affordability will be interest rates. The Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors® predicts mortgage rates will gradually go down, but only modestly. They may still be high compared to what you saw during the pandemic era.

Wages vs. Home Prices

Economists with Redfin also predict homebuying will be more affordable because wages are expected to grow faster than home prices in 2026. Wage growth is predicted to be 4 percent compared to home price growth at 1 percent.

Home Sales

You may expect to see more homes selling in the spring because of the predicted lower interest rates. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re starting to look at that time. Economists with the National Association of Realtors® and Redfin are predicting sales of existing homes will rise anywhere from 3 to 14 percent nationwide in 2026 from 2025.

Beginning Your Homebuying Journey

As you’re thinking about buying a home in 2026, you can feel more confident by understanding the steps to homeownership. Access in-depth information at your own pace with CHFA’s interactive Homebuyer’s Roadmap. You can also learn the basic requirements to get a CHFA loan and the first steps you should take to get started with this How to Get a CHFA loan video.

chfa donates $1.3 million to colorado nonprofits

A web of icons being drawn by a hand and text that reads corporate giving direct effect awards

CHFA donated $1.3 million to 122 nonprofits working to advance affordable housing and economic opportunity across Colorado this month as part of its Direct Effect Awards.

CHFA’s Direct Effect Awards recognize Colorado nonprofit organizations whose missions align with CHFA’s work to strengthen Colorado by investing in affordable housing and community development. Eligible Direct Effect Award recipients include nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations including public housing authorities, cities, counties, and local municipalities. Funds will support organizations providing shelter to households transitioning out of homelessness, housing navigation services, financial education, food banks and delivery services, entrepreneurship training, and youth mentorship, as well as other mission-affiliated activities.

To date, CHFA has donated more than $9.9 million in Direct Effect Awards to more than 630 Colorado organizations since 2021.

Online resources

CHFA Homebuyer's Roadmap

How to get a CHFA Loan Video

Mi Hogar (en Español)

Help for Homebuyers

Colorado Housing and Finance Authority

www.chfainfo.com

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With respect to its programs, services, activities, and employment practices, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 years and over, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, color, religion, national origin, disability, military status, genetic information, marital status or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Requests for reasonable accommodation, the provision of auxiliary aids, or any complaints alleging violation of this nondiscrimination policy should be directed to the Nondiscrimination Coordinator, 1.800.877.2432, TDD/TTY 800.659.2656, CHFA, 1981 Blake Street, Denver, Colorado 80202-1272, available weekdays 8:00am to 5:00pm MT.