Home Loans in Durango & La Plata County
Buying a home in Durango
I’m Peter Pritchard, owner of Animas Mountain Mortgage. I’ve lived in Durango for more than 28 years, my office is downtown on Main Avenue, and most of my clients are right here in La Plata County and the Four Corners. Durango is a small town with a competitive housing market: good homes go quickly, prices are high, and many properties come with something a lender has to look at closely, such as a well, an HOA, a river location or a condo association.
As a broker, I compare loan options from multiple lenders, match the property and your situation to a lender whose guidelines fit, and handle the loan locally from application to closing. If you are still deciding who to work with, my guide to comparing mortgage lenders in Durango CO walks through what to look for.
- In-town homes and condos, where HOA reviews and older-home inspections come up often
- Subdivisions such as Rafter J, Durango West, Edgemont Highlands and Three Springs, each with its own association rules and dues
- Animas Valley and Florida Mesa homes on wells, septic systems and acreage
- Purgatory-area condos and cabins for second-home buyers
Visit my Durango office
Stop by the office in the Crossroads building (the clock tower) at Main Avenue and 11th Street, 1099 Main Ave, Suite 305, above Alpine Bank. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 to 5, and I am happy to meet before or after work by appointment.
Areas I serve around Durango
Durango, the Animas Valley, Hermosa, Hesperus, Florida Mesa, Durango West, Rafter J, Purgatory and the rest of La Plata County. For Bayfield and Ignacio, see my Bayfield and Ignacio guide; for the rest of the state, see areas I serve in Colorado.
How a Durango purchase usually goes
- Start with a call or a visit to the office downtown
- Get pre-approved before you tour, since good Durango listings move fast
- I order the right checks early for wells, HOAs or flood zones
- Local processing and updates for you and your agent through closing
Home loans I help Durango buyers with
- FHA loans for first-time buyers and flexible credit, including FHA 203(k) renovation loans
- VA loans for veterans and active-duty service members (see my local VA guide)
- USDA loans for eligible addresses outside town
- Jumbo loans for higher-priced homes
- Second homes, Durango and Purgatory condos and rental property
- Reverse mortgages for homeowners 62 and older, refinancing and HELOCs
Good to know before you buy in Durango
Homes near the Animas River. Some properties along the river sit in mapped flood zones. If a home is in one, the lender will require flood insurance, so check the flood map before you make an offer.
Wildfire and insurance. Homes in forested areas can be harder or more expensive to insure, and the lender needs proof of homeowners insurance before closing. Get insurance quotes during your inspection period, not the week of closing.
Short-term rental rules. The City of Durango and La Plata County have different vacation rental rules. If rental income matters to you, check the rules for that address before you buy.
Wells and shared water. Homes in town are on city water; many county homes rely on wells or shared water systems, and lenders want those documented. My rural home guide covers what to order.
What clients say
- “He’s extremely knowledgeable, responsive, and patient.” — Karen B.
- “As a realtor, I’ve worked with many lenders, and Peter consistently delivers.” — Emily G.
Read more on my testimonials page or on Google, where clients have left dozens of five-star reviews.
Frequently asked questions
How early should I get pre-approved in Durango?
Before you start touring. Good listings in Durango often get offers quickly, and sellers expect a pre-approval letter with your offer.
Can I meet with you in person?
Yes. My office is in the Crossroads building at 1099 Main Ave, Suite 305, above Alpine Bank, Monday through Friday, 9 to 5, or by appointment.
Do you only work with Durango buyers?
No. Most of my clients are in La Plata County and the Four Corners, but my license covers all of Colorado.