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Down payment assistance

You may qualify for down payment help.

Saving for a down payment is often the biggest hurdle to buying a home. California has assistance programs that can help with your down payment, your closing costs, or both, and many buyers who qualify never hear about them.

See what I may qualify for

Types of assistance

Help comes in a few forms.

  • 01

    Forgivable assistance

    Some programs offer assistance that is forgiven over time if you stay in the home and meet the program's terms.

  • 02

    Deferred or silent second loans

    A second loan that covers part of your down payment or closing costs, typically repaid when you sell, refinance or pay off your first mortgage.

  • 03

    State programs for first-time buyers

    CalHFA and other state programs are designed to help first-time buyers in California get into a home sooner.

  • 04

    Programs for essential workers

    Some assistance is set aside for people who serve their communities, such as healthcare workers, educators, law enforcement, firefighters and EMS.

Not all borrowers will qualify. Programs subject to credit approval, eligibility and underwriting guidelines.

Who may qualify

More people qualify than you'd think.

  • First-time buyers, and in many programs repeat buyers too
  • Buyers purchasing a home they'll live in as their primary residence
  • Households within the program's income limits, where they apply
  • Buyers who meet the program's credit guidelines
  • Buyers willing to complete a homebuyer education course, when required

How it works

From first call to keys.

  1. 01

    Tell me about your situation

    A quick call about where you want to buy, your income and your savings.

  2. 02

    See which programs fit

    I'll check you against the assistance programs available and explain how each one works.

  3. 03

    Get pre-approved with assistance included

    Shop knowing your budget, with the assistance paperwork handled through closing.

FAQ

Assistance questions

Do I have to pay down payment assistance back?

It depends on the program. Some assistance is forgiven over time, some is repaid when you sell or refinance. I'll explain the terms of each before you choose.

Can I use assistance if I've owned a home before?

Some programs are only for first-time buyers, but others are open to repeat buyers. Let's check which ones you can use.

Does assistance make my offer weaker?

Not when it's handled well. I'll make sure your financing is lined up so your offer is as strong as any other.

Your next home might be closer than you think.

Tell me where you are today and I'll show you the clearest path forward.

Check my optionsCall Jason