Community Partner Program

A 30% Buy-down Partnership to Preserve Local Homeownership Together

The Good Deeds Community Partner Program pairs Housing Eagle County with municipalities, special districts, employers, and nonprofits to deliver a deeper buy‑down and permanently preserve housing for locals. Launched with the Town of Avon as the first Community Partner, the program matches partner funds one‑to‑one with the Eagle County Housing and Development Authority (ECHDA) on eligible open‑market homes using a Price Capped Deed Restriction. Through regional collaboration, innovative leadership, and shared investment, the program helps more Eagle County households buy today while ensuring homes remain accessible to locals for generations.

How the Community Partner Program Works

The program provides a combined payment toward the purchase of an eligible open‑market home in exchange for recording a Price Capped Deed Restriction.

  • ECHDA contributes up to 15% of the purchase price, and the Community Partner matches up to 15% for a combined buy-down of up to 30%, capped at $375,000.

  • Under the deed restriction, ECHDA is the primary beneficiary, and the Community Partner is the secondary beneficiary.

  • Funds are wired to the title company and credited to the buyer at closing; the deed restriction preserves the home for local residents over the long term.

  • The Community Partner Program is compatible with Eagle County Down Payment Assistance.

Why It Matters and Who Benefits

With median home prices nearing $1.6 million, the Community Partner Program helps local households compete by expanding market access and reducing purchase prices at closing through a matched buy-down. Partner funds are matched dollar‑for‑dollar by ECHDA, doubling impact and maximizing the return on local investment. A price‑capped, perpetual deed restriction preserves these homes for residents for generations, supporting the local workforce and essential workers.

  • Who benefits: First-time homebuyers, growing households, and downsizing residents.

  • Who partners: Municipalities, special districts, employers, and nonprofits.

  • Investment leverage: Every partner dollar is matched by ECHDA for a 2x impact.

  • Lasting impact: Price‑capped deed restrictions that preserve long‑term housing for residents.

Program Overview

A summary of the key features, benefits, and requirements of the Community Partner Program

    • Baseline: Buyers must meet the Eligible Household criteria in the Eagle County Affordable Housing Guidelines: Administrative Procedures.

    • Partner overlays: Additional buyer criteria may apply based on the Community Partner agreement. Examples include:

      • Municipal partners: The buyer may need to be a resident of, or employed within, the partner jurisdiction, if required by the agreement.

      • Employer partners: The buyer must be a current employee of the partnering business; the agreement may specify tenure, hours worked, or position requirements.

      • Sector partners (school, fire, health, or recreation districts): The buyer may need to be employed by or serve within the partnering district.

    • Baseline: Requirements apply per the Eagle County Affordable Housing Guidelines: Administrative Procedures:

      • Located within Eagle County.

      • Buyer’s primary residence.

      • Not already deed‑restricted.

      • Maximum purchase price: $1,250,000.

    • Partner overlays: Property eligibility may be further limited by the Community Partner agreement. Examples include:

      • Jurisdictional boundaries (e.g., within the Town of Avon).

      • Geographic focus (e.g., specified neighborhoods or service areas).

      • Property types (certain types prioritized or excluded).

  • Price Capped Deed Restrictions preserve long‑term affordability by limiting resale price growth and ensuring homes remain available to local households. By capping appreciation and administering resales, the program keeps purchase prices aligned with local incomes while still allowing owners to build reasonable equity.

    • Future resale price appreciation is capped between 0–3% simple interest annually.

    • ECHDA facilitates resale and approves future buyers.

    • Policy for permitted capital improvements applies.

    • A 2% brokerage fee applies to resales.

    • Requires annual recertification.

  • The Community Partner Program provides matched funding at closing to reduce the purchase price for eligible buyers.

    • ECHDA contribution of up to 15% of the purchase price.

    • Community Partner contribution of up to 15% of the purchase price.

    • Up to 30% total payment, capped at $375,000.

    • Buyers must contribute a minimum 3% down payment, excluding other assistance programs.

    • Funds from ECHDA and the Community Partner are wired to the title company in accordance with closing instructions.

    • Price Capped Deed Restriction administered by ECHDA.

    • ECHDA is the primary beneficiary; the Community Partner is the secondary beneficiary.

    • Community Partners may add buyer and property eligibility overlays by agreement.

    • Up to 30% combined assistance, capped at $375,000.

    • ECHDA retains approval and discretion on applications.

    • Compatible with Eagle County Down Payment Assistance on properties priced at $850,000 or less.

Become a Community Partner

Ready to bring the Community Partner Program to your community? Follow these steps.

    • We’re here to help guide you through the process. Contact the Program Manager to align goals, identify target households and eligible properties, set a budget, and map timelines. See contact info below.

    • Finalize the Community Partner agreement, including buyer and property overlays and administrative coordination.

  • Identify prospective buyers and properties (if applicable) and coordinate with ECHDA on outreach, application intake, screening, and timing.

    • ECHDA and the Community Partner wire funds to the title company per closing instructions.

    • A Price Capped Deed Restriction is recorded at closing.

    • ECHDA administers the deed restriction and compliance, and notifies the Community Partner on resale.

House for sale sign with sold sticker in front yard of a blue house, with people in the background exchanging a gift or donation outside a garage.

Get Started as a Buyer

Use the Community Partner Program through the partner that applies to your situation. Each partner page explains eligibility, property boundaries, and the exact steps to use the buy-down in that community.

Town of Avon

Town of Vail

A woman in a yellow shirt and jeans standing on front steps of a house, smiling and raising her arms in front of a two-story house with a porch and garden, under a clear blue sky.

Program Manager

To learn more about the Community Partner Program and becoming a partner, contact Jesus Camunez at The Valley Home Store.
jesus.camunez@eaglecounty.us
970-328-8700

Additional Resources
Homebuyer Education
Eagle County Good Deeds Program Guidelines
Community Partner Program Deed Restriction
Eagle County Affordable Housing Guidelines