Tools
Vacation Home Mortgage Calculator
Estimate the full monthly cost of a Colorado second home: mortgage, taxes, insurance, HOA and upkeep.
What to know in Colorado
- Colorado's mountain towns are among the most sought-after vacation home markets in the U.S., with unique financing requirements.
- Second home mortgage rates are typically somewhat higher than primary residence rates, and occupancy rules rule out full-time rental use.
- Short-term rental regulations vary dramatically between mountain communities—Vail, Breckenridge, and Telluride each have different rules.
Frequently asked questions
Second homes typically need at least 10% down, must be a one-unit home suitable for year-round use, and must be personally occupied by you for part of the year. It can't be a full-time rental or under a rental agreement that controls occupancy. Credit and DTI requirements vary by lender.
Second home mortgage rates are typically somewhat higher than primary residence rates; the difference varies. The exact difference depends on your credit score, down payment, and the property's location. Mountain properties may require additional rate adjustments.
Yes, but with restrictions. You can rent a second home occasionally, but rental income can't be used to qualify for a conventional second-home loan, and the home can't be under a rental agreement that controls your use. If you plan to rent full-time, it may need to be classified as an investment property with higher down payment requirements.
Beyond the mortgage, budget for: higher property insurance premiums, HOA fees (common in mountain communities), property management if renting, snow removal and winterization, higher utility costs, and potential special assessments for infrastructure in mountain areas.
Want these numbers for your scenario?
Start a pre-approval online, or call Andrew and he'll walk through the math with you.