California Down Payment Assistance Programs

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Californians! Let’s get you a home!

Listed below are down payment assistance programs for the state of California. We begin the list with statewide DPA programs and from there follow with county specific programs. If you don’t see a down payment assistance program for your specific county, don’t lose heart. Many of the best DPA programs are statewide programs. More importantly, a program near you may not even be on the internet. Before applying to a statewide or national DPA program, contact your county’s local housing authority. They may have a loan or grant more tailored to your needs and income level.

And then you might also want to consider USDA loans.

USDA loans cover 100% of the purchase price and are available in many rural areas. No, it’s not a down payment assistance program, but it can still help you get a house if you’re lacking money to put towards a down payment.

Before you think, “I’ll just get USDA loan then,” hear us out.

Many DPA programs do not have to be paid back, have extended deferred payments, or are forgivable after only 5 years (meaning, if you even ever had to make payments, you’re done after only a few years)— in fact, many DPA programs throughout the country have great perks like these.

What about income? How much can you make and still qualify?

Of course there are more programs available for people with lower incomes, but there are many out there for people making average and above average incomes. In fact, there’s a program on this list that accepts applications from people making 180% of the area median income (which is about $200K a year for most of California).

Down Payment Assistance programs basically lower the purchase price of your home and your monthly payments. All in all, they’re basically free money. If you’re just starting out, first apply to DPA programs before you even start thinking about USDA loans. DPAs are, by far, the smarter financial choice.

Enough talking. Let’s get to it.

PS: Ctrl/Command+f is your friend to quickly find your county or city.

Statewide Down Payment Assistance Programs in California

California Homebuyer’s Downpayment Assistance

Extra Credit Teacher Home Purchase Program (ECTP)

First Home Mortgage Program

  • Website: https://www.lacdc.org/for-homeowners/homebuyer

  • Must have applications before certain dates throughout the year

  • Can also be used with closing costs

  • Up to 4% of the purchase price

  • Grant based

    • No repayment necessary

  • Must have a minimum account of 640

  • DTI can be no higher than 45%

  • Must attend a home buyer education course

  • See website for more details

Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) Platinum Program Homebuyers Fund

  • Website: http://www.gsfahome.org/programs/dpa/overview.shtml

  • Up to 5% of the purchase price

  • Can be used for both down payment and closing costs

  • For low to moderate income earners

  • Can be used with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional mortgages

  • For most borrowers, it is a 0% second mortgage with 0 payments

  • Forgiven after 3 years

  • Can be used with both new and existing homes

  • See website for more details

MyHome Assistance Program

County Specific Down Payment Assistance Programs in California

Alameda County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Great link: Housing contact information for each city and jurisdiction within Alameda County.

City of Oakland’s First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Assistance Program

Community Development Agency: Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)

  • Website: http://www.acgov.org/cda/hcd/homeownership/nsp/forsale.htm

  • Not a DPA program, but does not require a large down payment

    • Somewhere between 1.75% and 3%

  • For the purchase of foreclosures

  • Must meet certain income requirements:

    • 1 person: Less than $77,640

    • 2 persons: Less than $88,680

    • 3 persons: Less than $99,720

    • 4 persons: Less than $110,760

    • 5 persons: Less than $119,640

    • 6 persons: Less than $128,5532

  • Must complete an 8 hour home buyer education course

  • See website for more details

First Time Homebuyer Loan Program

  • Website one: https://www.ci.emeryville.ca.us/639/City-Homebuyer-Program-Loans-for-Market-

  • Guidelines PDF

  • Household income must be less than 120% of the area median income

  • Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

  • Preference is added to Emeryville residents

    • However, employees of the city of Emeryville or Emery Unified School District are also encouraged to apply

  • Payment is deferred until sale or transfer of property

  • If borrower lives in home throughout the entire first mortgage term, the loan is completely forgiven

  • Borrower must make at least a 3% down payment

  • Loan amount can be no more than 150% of the buyer’s down payment

  • See website for more details

Amador County, California: Down Payment Assistance

City of Jackson: First Time Homebuyer Program

  • Website:

  • Contact information:

    • (530) 751-0952

    • 1-866-449-2600

  • Must meet income eligibility requirements:

    • 1 person: $38,750

    • 2 persons: $44,300

    • 3 persons: $49,850

    • 4 persons: $55,350

    • 5 persons: $59,800

    • 6 persons: $64,250

    • 7 persons: $68,650

    • 8 persons: $73,100

  • Must be a first time homebuyer

  • Must attend a home buyer education course

  • Must put down at least 1% of purchase price

  • Can be used for closing costs

  • 3% simple interest loan

  • Payments can be deferred for 30 years, or until home is sold the title transferred, or is no longer the borrower’s primary residence

  • Visit websites or call for more information

Butte County, California: Down Payment Assistance

City of Oroville: First Time Home Buyer

Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA)

Colusa County, California: Down Payment Assistance

City of Colusa First Time Homebuyer Loan Program

  • Websites:

  • Contact information:

    • (530) 671-0220, ext. 121

  • Must meet income eligibility requirements:

    • 1 person: $32,450

    • 2 persons: $37,050

    • 3 persons: $41,700

    • 4 persons: $46,300

    • 5 persons: $50,050

    • 6 persons: $53,750

    • 7 persons: $57,450

    • 8 persons: $61,150

  • Appraised value of home cannot exceed $302,100

  • Must attend a home ownership course

  • Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

  • Considered a silent second loan

  • Up to 50% of the purchase price

  • 2% interest

  • Payments deferred for 30 years

  • Must put down at least $1,000

  • See link for more information

Contra Costa County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Brentwood City: Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Website: https://www.brentwoodca.gov/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=25024

  • (925) 516-5405

  • housing@brentwoodca.gov

  • Current point of contact: Sylvia Elias—Housing Analyst

  • Up to $10,000 in aid

  • Purchase price home can be no more than $600,000

  • Must take a home buyer education course

    • Can take it online

  • Must contribute at least 3% of the purchase price towards down payment

  • Must be with preferred lender of Brentwood City

  • Must have an income less than 120% of the area median

  • No payments until:

    • the home is vacated or sold

    • or the home is refinanced

      • Loan accrues interest until paid off

        • Interest rates range from 3%, 5%, and 7%

  • Must be a first time home buyer, or not have owned a home in the last three years

Pittsburg First Time homebuyer Program

San Pablo Down Payment Assistance: Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership (WISH)

El Dorado County, California: Down Payment Assistance

First Time Homebuyer Loan Program

Fresno County, California: Down Payment Assistance

City of Clovis: First-Time Homebuyer Program

Fresno County Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP)

Glenn County, California: Down Payment Assistance

City of Orland: Down Payment Assistance Loans for First Time Home Buyers

Glenn County Homeownership Assistance Program

  • Website:

  • Points of Contact:

    • Luz Melgarejo— Program Coordinator

      • (530) 934-1480

    • Health and Human Services Agency

      • (530) 865-6129

  • Must meet income eligibility requirements:

    • 1 person: $33,000

    • 2 person: $37,700

    • 3 persons: $42,200

    • 4 persons: $47,100

    • 5 persons: $50,900

    • 6 persons: $54,650

    • 7 persons: $58,450

    • 8 persons: $62,200

  • Loan amount up to $40,000

  • 3% simple interest

  • 30 year deferred loan

    • Unless house is sold, transferred, or is no longer the borrower’s primary residence

  • Home buyer must contribute 1% of purchase price

  • Home must be within Glenn County

  • See website or call numbers above for more information

Humboldt County

Home Buyer’s Assistance

  • Website: https://humboldtgov.org/225/Homeowner-Fix-Up-Assistance-Homebuyer-Pr

  • Note: Program is currently closed, but will reopen as soon as new funds become a available

    • Call point of contact to verify program is still closed and to ask when funds are expected

  • Point of Contact: Katy Boham— Housing and Loan Specialist

    • (707) 268-3735

  • Information sheet

  • Income requirements:

    • 1 person: $33,000

    • 2 persons: $37,700

    • 3 persons: $42,200

    • 4 persons: $47,100

    • 5 persons: $50,900

    • 6 persons: $54,650

    • 7 persons: $58,450

    • 8 persons: $62,200

Imperial County, California: Down Payment Assistance

City of El Centro— Community Services Department & Economic Development Division: First Time Home Buyer Program

Inyo County, California: Down Payment Assistance

City of Bishop: First Time Home Buyer Program

Kern County, California: Down Payment Assistance

City of Delano: Self Help enterprises

  • Website: https://www.selfhelpenterprises.org/programs/buy-a-home/

  • Point of contact: Juan Jaime

    • (559) 802-1642

  • Must provide at least a 1% down payment

  • Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

  • Must qualify for a home loan

  • Must meet income requirements

    • 1 person: $50,160

    • 2 persons: $57,360

    • 3 persons: $64,560

    • 4 persons: $71,640

    • 5 persons: $77,400

    • 6 persons: $83,160

    • 7 persons: $88,920

    • 8 persons: $94,680

  • Must complete a home buyer education course

  • Funds are distributed on a first come first serve basis

  • Home must meet purchase price limits

  • Contact or see website for more information

Kings County , California: Down Payment Assistance

Self Help enterprises

  • Website: https://www.selfhelpenterprises.org/programs/buy-a-home/

  • Point of contact: Juan Jaime

    • (559) 802-1642

  • Must provide at least a 1% down payment

  • Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

  • Must qualify for a home loan

  • Must meet income requirements

    • 1 person: $50,160

    • 2 persons: $57,360

    • 3 persons: $64,560

    • 4 persons: $71,640

    • 5 persons: $77,400

    • 6 persons: $83,160

    • 7 persons: $88,920

    • 8 persons: $94,680

  • Must complete a home buyer education course

  • Funds are distributed on a first come first serve basis

  • Home must meet purchase price limits

  • Contact or see website for more information

City of Corcoran’s First Time Home Buyer Program

Lake County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Affordable Housing Corporation of Lake County

  • Website: http://www.ahclc.org/grants.html

  • Informational flier

  • Loan up to 5% of purchase price

    • 0% deferred loan

    • Loan is forgiven after 5 years and 60 days

  • Buyer must put down $1,000 or 1% of purchase price (whichever is greater)

  • Must meet income eligibility requirements (see website)

  • Must complete a homebuyer education course

  • Must obtain primary loan from an AHC participating lender

  • For more information, call (847) 263-7478

First-Time Homebuyer

Los Angeles County, California: Down Payment Assistance

City of Downey: Downey First-time Homebuyer’s Program

Pasadena Department of Housing: Home Buyer Assistance

City of Pomona First Time Homebuyer Program

Madera County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Chowchilla City: Self Help enterprises

  • Website: https://www.selfhelpenterprises.org/programs/buy-a-home/

  • Point of contact: Juan Jaime

    • (559) 802-1642

  • Must provide at least a 1% down payment

  • Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

  • Must qualify for a home loan

  • Must meet income requirements

    • 1 person: $50,160

    • 2 persons: $57,360

    • 3 persons: $64,560

    • 4 persons: $71,640

    • 5 persons: $77,400

    • 6 persons: $83,160

    • 7 persons: $88,920

    • 8 persons: $94,680

  • Must complete a home buyer education course

  • Funds are distributed on a first come first serve basis

  • Home must meet purchase price limits

  • Contact or see website for more information

Mendocino County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Fort Bragg Home Ownership Assistance Program

  • Website: https://city.fortbragg.com/195/Home-Ownership-Assistance

  • Note: Program funding is sporadic. Call point of contact to ask if there are any available funds or when funds are expected; can also ask to be put on a wait list

  • Point of Contact:

    • Scott Perkins, Special Projects Manager

      • (707) 961-2827, ext. 114

      • sperkins@fortbragg.com

  • Call for more information

Merced County, California: Down Payment Assistance

First Time Homebuyer Program

  • Website: http://www.co.merced.ca.us/442/Housing-Program

  • Guidelines link

  • Application

  • Point of Contact: Loren De Moss

    • ldemoss@co.merced.ca.us

    • (209) 385-7686-4161

  • Home cannot exceed $358,383

  • 0% loan

  • Payments deferred for 30 years

    • Unless home is sold, refinanced, or transferred

  • Will cover up to $49% of the purchase price, up to $100,000

  • Must meet income limits:

    • 1 person: $32,100

    • 2 persons: $36,700

    • 3 persons: $41,300

    • 4 persons: $45,850

    • 5 persons: $49,550

    • 6 persons: $53,200

    • 7 persons: $56,900

    • 8 persons: $60,550

  • View website or contact for more information

Rural Merced County: Self Help enterprises

  • Website: https://www.selfhelpenterprises.org/programs/buy-a-home/

  • Point of contact: Juan Jaime

    • (559) 802-1642

  • Must provide at least a 1% down payment

  • Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

  • Must qualify for a home loan

  • Must meet income requirements

    • 1 person: $50,160

    • 2 persons: $57,360

    • 3 persons: $64,560

    • 4 persons: $71,640

    • 5 persons: $77,400

    • 6 persons: $83,160

    • 7 persons: $88,920

    • 8 persons: $94,680

  • Must complete a home buyer education course

  • Funds are distributed on a first come first serve basis

  • Home must meet purchase price limits

  • Contact or see website for more information

Mono County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Mammoth Lakes First Time Home Buyer Program

Website: https://www.cityofbishop.com/first-time-home-buyer-program/

  • Flier

  • Program utilizes the following home ownership programs:

    • HOME

    • CalHome

  • Each program has different income limits (see flier)

  • For more information, call:

    • (760) 934-4740 or

    • (760) 873-5863

Paradise’s First Time Home Buyer Program

Monterey County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Monterey County Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Website: http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/home/showdocument?id=65505

  • (831) 775-5390

  • Borrower must contribute at least 3.5% of the purchase price

  • Must be at or below 80% of the area median income

  • Must complete a home buyer education course

  • House purchase price can be no more than $396,000

  • House can not have more than 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a two car garage

  • House must be within the unincorporated areas of Monterey County

  • 3% simple interest

  • Loan must be paid back in 30 years

  • Assistance up to 20% of the purchase price

  • See website for more details

Napa County, California: Down Payment Assistance

City of Napa Homeownership Opportunities

  • Website: https://www.cityofnapa.org/200/Homeownership-Compradores-de-Casa

  • Flier

  • (707) 257-9254

  • fthb@cityofnapa.org

  • Also available in American Canyon, St. Helena, Calistoga, Town of Yountville

  • Deferred silent loan

  • Two funding sources are available:

    • Home Program

    • Calhome

      • Each program has different requirements and available funds

  • See website for more information

Nevada County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Nevada County Down Payment Assistance

Orange County, California: Down Payment Assistance

City of Irvine: First Time Buyers

OC Housing & Community Development: Homebuyer Program

  • Website: http://www.occommunityservices.org/hcd/housing/rehab/

  • (949) 859-9255

  • For low income buyers

  • Income can not exceed 80% of the area median income

  • Deferred payment with 3% simple interest

  • 30 year loan term

  • Up to $40,000

  • 1% minimum down payment

  • Home price cannot exceed 85% of the Orange County median sales price

    • Currently $548,250 (which is 85% of $645,000)

  • Must attend a home buyer education course

The City of Santa Ana: Down Payment Assistance Loan Program

  • Website: www.ci.santa-ana.ca.us/residents/homeowners-renters/rehab-loan-programs/down-payment-assistance-loan-program

  • Must be a first time home buyer

  • Must live in Santa Ana or work have worked there for at least 6 months at 32 hours a week

  • Must complete a home buyer education course

  • Must put at least 3% down

  • Must meet income requirements (see website)

  • Repayment term up to 45 years if owner occupied

  • 0%

  • If borrower attended school in Santa Ana, he or she may be eligible for loan forgiveness every 5 years, up to $40,000

  • See website for more details

Placer County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Placer County First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program

Martis Fund Homebuyer Assistance Program

Riverside County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Economic Development Agency (EDA)— Housing Department: First Time Home Buyer Program (FTHB)

Housing Authority of the County of Riverside

Riverside Down Payment Assistance

  • Website: https://riversideca.gov/housing/downpaymentassistance.asp

  • Note: this program is temporarily unavailable. Check website to see if it has been reinstated, call the number below, or email ARobies.

    • (951) 826-2279

    • ARobies@riversideca.gov

  • Income must be at or below 80% of the area median income

    • 1 person: $37,550

    • 2 persons: $42,900

    • 3 persons: $48,250

    • 4 persons: $53,600

    • 5 persons: $57,900

    • 6 persons: $62,200

    • 7 persons: $66,500

    • 8 persons: $70,800

  • Flyer

  • Must work with an approved lender

  • Guideline specifics

  • See site for more details

Sacramento County, California: Down Payment Assistance

CalHFA: MyHome Assistance Program

School Teacher and Employee Assistance Program (School Program)

National Homebuyers Fund, Inc.

NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center— Sacramento Region: CalHome

NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center— Sacramento Region: Purchase Advantage Loan (PAL)

Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency

  • Website: https://www.shra.org/homebuyer-resources/

  • Note: Program is currently awaiting further funding

  • Fact sheet PDF

  • 20% of purchase price

    • Minimum of $10,000

    • Maximum of $40,000

  • 30 year loan term

  • Funds can also be used for mortgage assistance

  • Borrower must meet income limits

  • Property must be in Sacramento County

San Benito County, California: Down Payment Assistance

(Home) Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Website: http://cosb.us/wp-content/uploads/Home-First-Time-Homebuyer-FTHB-Brochure.pdf

  • Points of Contact:

    • bturner@cosb.us

    • (831) 637-5313

    • cvalenzuela@planning.co.san-benito.ca.us

    • (831) 636-2803

    • (831) 636-1763

  • Income cannot exceed 80% of the San Benito County Area Median Income

    • See link above

  • Deferred 30 year loan (no payments)

    • 2% simple interest

    • Up to 20% of purchase price

  • Call for more information

San Bernardino County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Big Bear Lake First Time Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance Program

Town of Apple Valley: Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Website: http://www.applevalley.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=3801

  • 0% loan deferred up to 45 years

  • 60% of purchase price and closing costs

  • Income determines aid, so borrower must meet eligibility requirements

    • 1 person: $54,600

    • 2 persons: $62,400

    • 3 persons: $70,200

    • 4 persons: $78,000

    • 5 persons: $84,300

    • 6 persons: $90,524

    • 7 persons: $96,750

    • 8 persons: $102,974

  • DAP loan must be used with a first conventional or government fixed-rate, fully amortized 30 year loan

  • Must work with an approved lender

  • Visit links for more information

San Diego County, California: Down Payment Assistance

CalHome

(Available in the unincorporated areas of San Diego County as well as the following areas: Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar, Encinitas, Imperial Beach, Las Mesa, Lemon Grove, Poway, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach and Vista)

  • Website: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/sdhcd/home-buyers-owners/calhome-program.html

  • Purchase price cannot exceed $427,000 for attached homes, or $598,000 for detached homes

  • 3% of purchase price must be from the borrower’s own funds

  • Must not have owned a home in the past three years

  • DCCA/CALHome loan cannot exceed 33% of the purchase price

  • Up to $10,000 or up to 17% of the purchase price

  • No monthly payments are required

    • However, the loan amount accrues 3% simple interest per year

  • See website for more details

Chula Vista’s First-Time Homebuyer Program

El Cajon Homebuyer Assistance Programs

Escondido’s First Time Homebuyer Program

City of La Mesa’s Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance

San Diego Housing Commission

  • Website: https://www.sdhc.org/housing-opportunities/first-time-homebuyers/

  • Serves the following areas:

    • Carlsbad

    • Coronado

    • Del Mar

    • Encinitas

    • Imperial Beach

    • La Mesa

    • Lemon Grove

    • Poway

    • San Marcos

    • Santee

    • Solana Beach

    • Vista

  • Program one:

    • 3% interest, deferred loan

    • Up to 17% of the purchase price

    • No payments for 30 years

  • Program two:

    • Must be at or below 80% of the area median income

    • Up to 4% of the purchase price, but no more than $10,000

    • Does not need to be repaid

  • See website for more information

Vista City Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Program

San Francisco County, California: Down Payment Assistance

BMR-DALP Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Website: http://sfmohcd.org/bmr-dalp

  • Note: On the right hand side of page are the program’s available funds for the rest of the year

  • ‘Below Market Rate’ loan

  • For first-time homebuyers

  • Home must be a below market rate unit

  • Requires no monthly payment

  • Accrues no interest

  • Must work with a MOHCD approved lender

  • Can be used to help the borrower meet the DTI ratio, and make the mortgage more affordable.

  • Can be used to help the borrower purchase a mixed-income BMR

  • There are no fees involved

  • Will cover up to 15% of the sales price

  • Must complete a homebuyer education course from Homeownershipsf.org

  • Income must not exceed 120% of the area median income

  • Must contribute 5% to the down payment (3% of which must be from the borrower’s own liquid assets)

  • Borrower must not have any more than $200,000 in the bank prior to purchase; after purchase no more than $15,000

  • Must have three months of post purchase reserves

  • Property must be owner occupied for the life of the loan

  • Property must have H06 insurance

  • 0% interest, zero payment, 30 year deferred loan

City Second Loan Program (CSLP)

  • Website: http://sfmohcd.org/city-second-details

  • Note: On right hand side of page are the program’s available funds for the rest of the year

  • Down payment loan up to $375,000 (or amount of available funds)

  • Must be pre-approved by MOHCD for income

  • No interest loan

  • Loan can be paid at any time without penalty

  • No fee to apply, but if approved there is a nonrefundable fee to process paperwork

  • Must complete a first time homebuyer course

  • Income cannot exceed 120% of median income

  • Must make a minimum downpayment of 5% (2.5% of which must come from your own funds)

  • Cannot have anymore than $300,000 in the bank, and no more than $60,000 afterwards

  • Must have 3 months worht of payments in the bank upon closing

  • Primary mortgage must come from an approved lender

Down Payment Assistance Loan Program (DALP)

  • Website: http://sfmohcd.org/dalp-details

  • Note: on the right hand side of the page is a note detailing whether the lottery is still open for the year

  • Down payment loan up to $375,000

  • Loan can only be used for a single unit

  • Must be used for the purchase of a primary residence

  • Requires no monthly payments for 30 years, or until the property is sold

  • AFter 30 years, the owner pays MOHCD back the principal amount, plus a share of the property’s appreciation

  • July 31st, 5 PM, lottery applications due

  • August 20, 10 AM, Lottery at SF Main Library

  • August 31st: Lottery results posted

  • September 4th: Applications begin to be processed

  • No fee to apply for the DALP lottery, which uses a pre-approval application

  • There is a fee to process the paperwork, which is collected when funds are reserved to close on your chosen property.

  • Only one lottery application can be submitted per household

  • Must complete a homebuyer’s education course

  • Income must not exceed 175% of the median income.

  • Must not have owned a home in the past three years; this applies to everyone in the household.

  • Borrower must contribute at least 5% to the down payment amount; 2.5% must be from his or hers own funds.

  • Borrower can not have more than $300,000 in liquid assets prior to purchase, or $60,000 afterwards.

  • Borrower must have at least 3 months’ worth of payments in reserves upon closing.

  • Purchase must live in the property for the life of the loan.

  • DLP must be in second position behind the primary first mortgage

  • Must be pre-approved prior to applying

  • Can be used to cover closing costs up to 2% of the purchase price.

Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco

  • Website: https://www.habitatgsf.org/

  • 0% interest, 0% down payment

  • If approved, qualified homeowners may qualify for a monthly housing payment (principal, interest, property tax, insurance, and HOA fees where applicable) equal to 30% of monthly income

MyHome Assistance Program

  • Website: https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homebuyer/programs/myhome.htm

  • Deferred payment junior loan of an amount up to the lesser of 3.5% of the purchase price/ appraised value

  • Can be used for either the down payment or closing costs

  • Must be a first time homebuyer, or not have owned a home in the last three years

  • Property must be the borrower’s primary residence

  • Non-occupant co-borrowers are not allowed

  • CALHFA borrowers must complete a homebuyer education course and obtain a certificate of completion

  • See income limits restrictions

  • Sales price of the property cannot exceed $705,000

  • Must be a single-family, one unit property; however, guest houses, granny units and in-law quarters may be eligible

  • Property size cannot exceed five acres

School Teacher and Employee Assistance Program (School Program)

  • Website: https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homebuyer/programs/school.htm

  • Must be employed in either a California K-12 public school, charter school, county or continuation school or its school district

  • Must be a first time homebuyer, or not have owned a property in the last three years

  • Must be for primary residence

  • Must complete a homebuyer education course

  • Property purchase price cannot exceed $705,000

  • Must meet the income limits for your area

  • Manufactured houses are permitted

  • Property size cannot exceed 5 acres

Teacher Next Door (TND) Program

  • Website: http://sfmohcd.org/teacher-next-door

  • Note: Check right hand of page to determine available funds for the rest of the year

  • For educators buying their first home in San Francisco

  • $40,000 for a market rate unit

  • $20,000 for a below market rate unit

  • Usually used with other loan programs, such as DALP or City Second (both discussed on this page)

  • Loan is forgiven after 10 years if all requirements are met

  • No interest

  • No shared appreciation

  • Must work with a MOHCD approved lender

Unison HomeBuyer

  • Website: https://www.unison.com/homebuyer/

  • Available throughout all of California

  • Buyer puts 10% down

  • Unison puts the other 10% down

  • With a first mortgage that covers 80%, borrower can avoid private mortgage insurance

  • Fee of 2.5% of the down payment received by borrower

  • Buyer pays nothing else until he or she sells the home

  • When home is sold, borrower pays back the original loan plus 35% of the home’s appreciation

  • If the home has depreciated, 35% is subtracted from the depreciation amount

  • No monthly payments are required

  • Can be used to avoid paying private mortgage insurance (aka PMI)

  • Can be used to reduce the size of your loan

  • Takes only 60 seconds to pre-qualify, and applying for pre-qualification will not affect your credit score

San Joaquin County, California: Down Payment Assistance

City of Stockton Down Payment Assistance Program

County of San Joaquin GAP Loan Program: Downpayment Assistance Program

San Luis Obispo County, California: Down Payment Assistance

PRMG Down Payment Assistance

  • Website: http://www.eprmg.net/DPA/CA/DCASNLSFTFirstTimeHomebuyerProgram.pdf

  • Point of Contact:

    • Suzan Ehdaie

      • (805) 781-4974

      • sehdaie@co.slo.ca.us

  • Income must be at or below 80% of the area median income:

    • 1 person: $42,250

    • 2 persons: $48,250

    • 3 persons: $54,300

    • 4 persons: $60,300

    • 5 persons: $65,150

    • 6 persons: $69,950

    • 7 persons: $74,800

    • 8 persons: $79,600

  • Up to $58,000 in assistance

    • Can also be used for closing costs

  • Maximum purchase price of property is $300,000

  • 30 year deferred loan

    • 3% simple interest

    • Can be paid upon monthly

    • Funds are due upon default, sale, or transfer

Central Coast Lending: Sapphire Down Payment Assistance Program

San Mateo County, California: Down Payment Assistance

San Mateo County Homebuyer Assistance— Heart of San Mateo County: Opening Doors Program

Employee Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Website: https://housing.smcgov.org/employee-down-payment-assistance-program

  • Program guidelines PDF

  • FAQs PDF

  • Point of Contact: Rosa Mendoza

    • rmendoza@smchousing.org

    • (650) 802-5037

  • , For regular county and housing authority employees

  • Must have worked at least 18 months

  • $100,000 loan

  • Deferred for 5 years

  • Amortized for 30 years

  • 3% interest

  • $5,000 grant also available for closing costs

  • Applications due at the beginning of each year

  • Home price no more than $1,500,000

  • See website and links for more details

City of Menlo Park— Hello Housing

Santa Barbara County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Housing Trust Fund of Santa Barbara County

Santa Clara County, California: Down Payment Assistance

City of Cuptertino: Down Payment Assistance

Homebuyer Empowerment Loan Program (HELP)

Note: This program is available in Santa Clara County, San Mateo County cities of East Palo Alto and Menlo Park.

  • Website: https://housingtrustsv.org/help/

  • Must be at or below 140% of area median income

  • Up to 10% of purchase price

    • Maximum purchase price of $800,000

  • Payments deferred for 30 years

    • No interest rate, but rather a a share of appreciation

  • Must be a first time homebuyer

  • Must attend a homebuyer education course

  • Must have a FICO credit score of 680

  • See website for more information

San Jose Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Website: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/documentcenter/view/65362

  • Point of Contact: Jacky Morales-Ferrand

    • (408) 535-3860

    • housing@sanjoseca.gov

  • Minimum loan amount of $5,000

  • Two programs are offered:

    • CalHome Program

    • Inclusionary Second Mortgage Program

  • Must be over 18 and a first time home buyer

  • Must meet income eligibility requirements (see website)

  • House must meet household size requirements

  • Must take a first time home buyer education course

  • Visit site for more information

Sunnyvale First-Time Home Buyer Loan Program

Santa Cruz County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Great website: Santa Cruz Housing Authority

County of Santa Cruz: HOME- First Time Home Buyer Program

Shasta County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Redding Homebuyer Program

Shasta Lake’s Homebuyer Program

  • Website: http://cityofshastalake.org/index.aspx?nid=880

  • Income must not be over 80% of the area median income, but this varies according to the household size:

    • 1 person: $34,400

    • 2 persons: $39,300

    • 3 persons: $44,200

    • 4 persons: $49,100

    • 5 persons: $53,050

    • 6 persons: $57,000

    • 7 persons: $60,900

    • 8 persons: $64,850

  • Must be a first time homebuyer

  • Home cannot be over $224,000

  • Aid cannot exceed $60,000

  • Buyer must contribute at least 3% of the purchase price

  • Point of Contact: Jessaca Lugo

    • (520) 275-7464

    • jlugo@cityofshastalake.org

  • Contact for more information or visit the link above

Solano County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Vallejo City Mortgage Assistance Program

  • Website: http://www.ci.vallejo.ca.us/cms/one.aspx?portalId=13506&pageId=22289

  • (707) 648-4507

  • housing@cityofvallejo.net

  • Guidelines list

  • 20% of sales price, up to $40,000

  • Borrower must put at least 1.5% down

  • Can not have more than $25,000 in liquid assets

  • DTI no higher than 38%

  • Must complete a home buyer education course

  • Must meet income requirements

    • Maximum incomes are as follows:

      • 1 person: $45,050

      • 2 persons: $51,450

      • 3 persons: $57,900

      • 4 persons: $64,300

      • 5 persons: $69,450

      • 6 persons: $74,600

      • 7 persons: $79,750

      • 8 persons: $84,900

  • Call or visit links for more information

Sonoma County, California: Down Payment Assistance

First Time Home Buyer Program (FTHB)

Petaluma Down Payment Assistance

Stanislaus County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Modesto’s Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP)

Turlock City First Time Home Buyers Program

  • Website: https://new.turlock.ca.us/housingprograms/

  • Program link

  • (209) 668-5610

    • Call for fund availability

  • hps@turlock.ca.us

  • Up to $50,000 or 40% of purchase price (whichever is less)

  • Must be at or below 80% of the area median income

    • 1 person: $34,000

    • 2 persons: $38,850

    • 3 persons: $43,700

    • 4 persons: $48,550

    • 5 persons: $52,450

    • 6 persons: $56,350

    • 7 persons: $60,250

    • 8 persons: $64,100

  • Must contribute at least $3,000 to the home purchase

  • Must have good credit

  • Lender must accept that funding will come through this program

  • Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

  • No monthly payment required on the loan

  • Loan term is 30 years at 3% simple interest

    • Loan is due at the end of 30 years or once it is no longer lived in by the primary borrower

  • Brochure link

  • Call or visit links for more information

Sutter County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Live Oak Housing Assistance

Sutter County Regional Housing Authority: First-Time Home Buyer Program

  • Website: http://www.regionalha.org/programs/first-time-home-buyer

  • Individual programs for the following areas:

    • Yuba City

    • County of Lake

    • City of Gridley

    • City of Colusa

    • City of Williams

  • Contact Information:

    • (530) 671-0220, ext. 128

    • (888) 671-0220, ext. 128

  • Must qualify for a first mortgage program

  • Visit website for call for more information

Tulare County, California: Down Payment Assistance

City of Dinuba: Self Help enterprises

  • Website: https://www.selfhelpenterprises.org/programs/buy-a-home/

  • Point of contact: Juan Jaime

    • (559) 802-1642

  • Must provide at least a 1% down payment

  • Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

  • Must qualify for a home loan

  • Must meet income requirements

    • 1 person: $50,160

    • 2 persons: $57,360

    • 3 persons: $64,560

    • 4 persons: $71,640

    • 5 persons: $77,400

    • 6 persons: $83,160

    • 7 persons: $88,920

    • 8 persons: $94,680

  • Must complete a home buyer education course

  • Funds are distributed on a first come first serve basis

  • Home must meet purchase price limits

  • Contact or see website for more information

City of Exeter: Self Help enterprises

  • Website: https://www.selfhelpenterprises.org/programs/buy-a-home/

  • Point of contact: Juan Jaime

    • (559) 802-1642

  • Must provide at least a 1% down payment

  • Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

  • Must qualify for a home loan

  • Must meet income requirements

    • 1 person: $50,160

    • 2 persons: $57,360

    • 3 persons: $64,560

    • 4 persons: $71,640

    • 5 persons: $77,400

    • 6 persons: $83,160

    • 7 persons: $88,920

    • 8 persons: $94,680

  • Must complete a home buyer education course

  • Funds are distributed on a first come first serve basis

  • Home must meet purchase price limits

  • Contact or see website for more information

City of Tulare’s HOME Begin Program

City of Woodlake: Self Help enterprises

  • Website: https://www.selfhelpenterprises.org/programs/buy-a-home/

  • Point of contact: Juan Jaime

    • (559) 802-1642

  • Must provide at least a 1% down payment

  • Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

  • Must qualify for a home loan

  • Must meet income requirements

    • 1 person: $50,160

    • 2 persons: $57,360

    • 3 persons: $64,560

    • 4 persons: $71,640

    • 5 persons: $77,400

    • 6 persons: $83,160

    • 7 persons: $88,920

    • 8 persons: $94,680

  • Must complete a home buyer education course

  • Funds are distributed on a first come first serve basis

  • Home must meet purchase price limits

  • Contact or see website for more information

Porterville First Time Home Buyer Program (FTHB)

Self Help enterprises: Serving the city of Farmersville and the city of Tulare

  • Website: https://www.selfhelpenterprises.org/programs/buy-a-home/

  • Point of contact: Juan Jaime

    • (559) 802-1642

  • Must provide at least a 1% down payment

  • Must not have owned a home in the past 3 years

  • Must qualify for a home loan

  • Must meet income requirements

    • 1 person: $50,160

    • 2 persons: $57,360

    • 3 persons: $64,560

    • 4 persons: $71,640

    • 5 persons: $77,400

    • 6 persons: $83,160

    • 7 persons: $88,920

    • 8 persons: $94,680

  • Must complete a home buyer education course

  • Funds are distributed on a first come first serve basis

  • Home must meet purchase price limits

  • Contact or see website for more information

Tuolumne County, California: Down Payment Assistance

California Homebuyer’s Down Payment Assistance Program (CHDAP)

  • Junior loan up to 3% of purchase price

  • Can also be used for closing costs

  • Must attend a first time homebuyer’s education course

  • Purchase price cannot exceed CalHFA purchase price limits

City of Sonora Homebuyer’s Assistance Loan Program

Platinum Down Payment Grant

WISH

  • Point of contact: Sheila Shanahan

    • (209) 533-6904

    • Email: sshanahan@co.tuolumne.ca.us

  • Up to $15,000

  • Matches up to $3 for every $1

  • Only available to county residents participating in the First Time Homebuyer Loan Programs

  • Cannot earn more than 80% of the area median income

  • Must provide a minimum of a 3% down payment

Ventura County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC): First-Time Homebuyers

  • Websites:

  • Contact information:

    • (805) 273-7800

    • ContactUs@vccdc.org

  • Loan up to $30,000 through either:

    • CalHome Program

    • WISH Progream

  • Note: Little information is available online; however, down payment assistance is provided

    • Must provide your contact information and VCCDC will set up an appointment with you

  • Visit website to submit your contact information

Yolo County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Yolo County First Time Homebuyer Program

Yuba County, California: Down Payment Assistance

Yuba County Community Development and Services Agency: 1st Time Home Buyer Down Payment Assistance

Yuba County Community Development and Services Agency: Self Help 1st Time Home Buyer