Mortgage 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 29 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.
I compare loan options from multiple lenders, the way a broker does, 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
Loan options
Home loans I help Durango buyers with
FHA loans
For first-time buyers and flexible credit, including FHA 203(k) and HomeStyle renovation loans
Learn more →VA loans
For veterans and active-duty service members (see my local VA guide)
Learn more →USDA loans
For eligible addresses outside town
Learn more →Jumbo loans
For higher-priced homes
Learn more →Second homes
Durango and Purgatory condos and rental property
Learn more →Reverse mortgages
For homeowners 62 and older, refinancing and HELOCs
Learn more →Good to know
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.
Areas I serve around Durango
- Durango
- the Animas Valley
- Hermosa
- Hesperus
- Florida Mesa
- Durango West
- Rafter J
- Purgatory
- Rest of La Plata County
For Bayfield itself, see my Bayfield page. For USDA loans around Bayfield and Ignacio, see my USDA guide for Bayfield, Ignacio and rural La Plata County; for the rest of the state, see areas I serve in Colorado.
Steps to buy
- 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
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.
“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 reviews or see them on Google.
Questions
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.
No obligation
Buying or refinancing in La Plata County?
Call or text 970-828-1610 or start your pre-qualification online, and we'll go over which loan fits the home you're looking at.