The Basics: Your Path to Deed-Restricted Ownership

A guide for deed-restricted housing in Eagle County.

Deed-restricted housing helps full-time Eagle County residents access homes in a high-cost market. These homes come with a recorded legal agreement, called a deed restriction or covenant, that stays with the home over time, even as ownership changes.

In simple terms, deed restrictions are long-term rules that usually cover who can live in the home, how it can be rented (if at all), and how resale works. The goal is to keep homes available for locals, not just today, but for the next qualified buyer, too.

If you're brand new to the term "deed-restricted" or feel priced out of the local market, this course is for you. We'll explain everything in plain language, step by step, no prior knowledge needed.

You may be a fit for deed-restricted homeownership if you…

  • Work in Eagle County and want to build your future here

  • Can afford a stable monthly payment, but not the open-market purchase price

  • Are willing to follow long-term requirements like primary residency and resale rules

Start with The Basics Part 1: Deed Restrictions in Plain Language
In a few minutes, you’ll understand what deed-restricted housing is, how it works, and what to do next.

Need help? Contact us, we’re here to help!

There are two main ways to buy a deed-restricted home in Eagle County

Path 1: Buy an already deed-restricted home

Shop a limited inventory of homes that already have restrictions (often priced lower from day one). You will typically confirm eligibility and follow program rules for the purchase, resale, and occupancy.

Path 2: Buy an open-market home + add a deed restriction

Use a buy-down program (like Good Deeds) with upfront funding applied at closing to lower your effective cost and the total amount you have to finance. In exchange, a permanent deed restriction is recorded on the home so it remains available for future residents.

The parts below will walk you through both paths and help you decide which one fits your situation.

Your journey home starts here

This course has 3 parts. Follow them in order: The Basics→ Part 1 → Part 2 → Part 3

Part 1: Deed Restrictions in Plain Language
Myths & reality, what a deed restriction is, and the most common types.

Part 2: Buying Paths & Next Steps
The two buying paths, what to expect, and a simple step-by-step checklist.

Part 3: Bridging the Gap to a Local Home
How buy-downs work, how partnerships can deepen affordability, and how local pathways differ by community.

By the end of Part 3, you’ll know what path you’re pursuing and what your first “real” steps are (who to contact, what paperwork to gather, and what rules to confirm early).

💡Need help? Contact us, we’re here to help!

🏠 Start Over: The Housing Helpdesk