Community Partner Program

A 30% Buy-down Partnership to Preserve Local Homeownership

The Eagle County Community Partner Program is an extension of Eagle County Good Deeds that pairs the Eagle County Housing and Development Authority with municipalities, towns, special districts, employers, and nonprofits to deliver a deeper buy-down and permanently preserve housing for locals. Co-designed with the Town of Avon, the Community Partner Program matches partner funds one-to-one with the Eagle County Housing and Development Authority to provide up to a 30% total payment on eligible open-market homes using a Price Capped Deed Restriction. This collaboration helps more Eagle County households buy today while ensuring homes remain accessible to locals for generations.

How the Community Partner Program Works

The Community Partner Program provides a combined payment toward the purchase price of an eligible, open-market home in exchange for recording a Price Capped Deed Restriction on the property. The Eagle County Housing and Development Authority serves as the primary beneficiary, and the Community Partners serves as the secondary beneficiary under the restriction. Funds are credited to the buyer at closing, and 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.

Who Can Benefit?

The Community Partner Program is designed to help Eligible Households who need a deeper buy-down to close the gap:

  • First-time homebuyers entering the market

  • Move-up buyers seeking space for a growing household.

  • Retirees downsizing while remaining in the community they love.

The Community Partner Program also benefits partners like municipalities, districts, employers, and nonprofits, seeking an immediate, scalable solution that preserves community housing and supports local workforce stability.

Program Overview

A comprehensive overview 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 and Administrative Procedures.

    Partner overlays: Additional buyer criteria may apply based on the Community Partner. 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, health, recreation districts, etc.): The buyer may need to be employed by or serve within the partnering district.

  • Baseline: Properties must be located within Eagle County, be used as the buyer’s primary residence, and not already be deed-restricted.

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

    • Jurisdictional boundaries: Properties must be within the partner’s boundaries (e.g., Town of Avon).

    • Geographic focus: Properties limited to specified neighborhoods or service areas (e.g., Eagle Ranch Housing Corporation).

    • Property types: Certain housing types may be prioritized or excluded.

  • The maximum purchase price for Eligible Properties is $1,250,000.

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

    • The Program Administrator facilitates resale and approves future buyers.

    • Policy for permitted capital improvements applies.

    • A 2% brokerage fee applies to resales.

    • Requires annual recertification.

    • Eagle County Housing and Development Authority payment of up to 15% of the purchase price.

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

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

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

    • Funds from the Eagle County Housing and Development Authority and the Community Partner are wired to the title company in accordance with closing instructions.

    • Buyers cannot own other residential real estate while owning a deed-restricted property.

    • Deed restrictions are perpetual and require annual recertification of eligibility.

    • Applications may be denied if the property or purchase agreement does not meet program standards or is not in the best interest of the Eagle County Housing and Development Authority or the Community Partner.

    • The Community Partner Program is compatible with Eagle County down payment assistance and most community and employer down payment assistance programs.

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 thirty percent buy-down in that community.

Become a Community Partner

Ready to take the next step? Follow these steps to begin your journey toward homeownership with Good Deeds!

  • Review the Good Deeds Program Guidelines and the Good Deeds Community Partner Program Price Capped For Sale Deed Restriction.

  • Contact Housing Eagle County to align on goals, target households, budget, and timelines.

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

  • Identify prospective buyers (if applicable) and coordinate with The Valley Home Store on screening and timing.

  • The Eagle County Housing and Development Authority and the Community Partner wire funds to title per closing instructions.

    A Price Capped Deed Restriction is recorded at closing.

    The Eagle County Housing and Development Authority administers the restriction and notifies the partner on resale.

Program Guidelines

For detailed information, please review the Good Deeds Program Guidelines.

Program Manager

For more information and to apply for the program, contact Jesus Camunez at The Valley Home Store.
jesus.camunez@eaglecounty.us
970-328-8700

Additional Resources

Homebuyer Education
Resident-Occupied Deed Restriction
Price-Capped Deed Restriction
Eagle County Affordable Housing Guidelines

  • Start by reviewing the Program Guidelines to learn about eligibility requirements and deed restriction options. This will help you understand the program’s structure and determine if it’s the right fit for you.

  • Familiarize yourself with the Eagle County Affordable Housing Guidelines: Administrative Procedures to gain a deeper understanding of the program’s policies and processes.

  • All Eligible Households are required to attend a Homebuyer Education Class offered by The Valley Home Store.

    This class must be completed prior to closing or within six months of purchase. Qualified Employers are exempt from this requirement.

  • Locate a property within Eagle County that meets the program’s eligibility requirements. The property must:

    • Be located in Eagle County.

    • Be used as your primary residence.

    • Not already be deed-restricted.

  • To begin the application process, please contact the Program Manager at The Valley Home Store (contact information provided below) to schedule an initial appointment. During this meeting, program guidelines, eligibility criteria, property details, and subsequent steps will be reviewed. You will also receive assistance with creating your HomeKeeper online application and information regarding down payment requirements.

  • After your initial appointment and once you have identified an eligible property, please complete and submit your HomeKeeper online application. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis and are time- and date-stamped upon receipt. Approval is at the discretion of the Program Administrator and is subject to the availability of funds.

    A complete application must include the following:

    • A fully executed purchase and sale agreement for the eligible property, including any amendments

    • The most current title commitment for the property

    • Proof of current employment

    • A pre-qualification letter from a lender

    • Proof of residency

    • A valid photo ID

  • Once your application is submitted, the Program Administrator will review and approve it within three business days, provided all required documents are received.

    Upon approval, you will be notified and required to execute a Deed Restriction Purchase Agreement with the Eagle County Housing and Development Authority.

  • After your application is approved, the Program Administrator will prepare the necessary closing documents and funding.

    This process requires 15 business days from the date of initial application approval.