First-Time Home Buyer Programs

You May Be Closer to Owning Than You Think

Most first-time buyers assume they need 10 to 20 percent down. That has not been true for a long time. California has programs specifically designed to get qualified buyers into homes with little to no money out of pocket.

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You Do Not Need a Perfect File

I work with first-time buyers at every stage. Some are ready to go today. Some need a few months to position. Either way, I will give you an honest picture and a clear plan.

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Good Credit, Not Enough Saved

You have a steady job and solid credit but have not saved 10 to 20 percent. CalHFA and down payment assistance programs were built exactly for this situation.

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Credit Needs Some Work

I never decline an application. If your credit needs improvement I will give you a specific action plan and a realistic timeline. We treat it as a strategic stop on the journey.

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Ready to Go Now

You are employed, your credit is solid, and you are ready to start. Let's find out which programs you qualify for and get your file pre-underwritten before you shop.

Programs Available to You

During your Buyer's Edge consultation I prepare an Itemized Fee Worksheet for every program you qualify for. You see all of them, side by side, before choosing anything.

CalHFA Programs

The California Housing Finance Agency offers a suite of programs specifically for California first-time buyers. CalHFA combined assistance can provide up to 6.5% of the purchase price toward your down payment and closing costs. CalHFA buyers have solid credit scores, good incomes, and have completed homebuyer education, which makes them committed and ready to close.

MyHome Assistance Program

Deferred-payment junior loan for down payment or closing costs. Low interest rate. Can be combined with any CalHFA first mortgage.

CalPLUS with ZIP

Fixed-rate mortgage with closing cost assistance up to 3% of the loan amount through the Zero Interest Program.

California Dream For All

Shared appreciation loan program for first-generation homebuyers. Significant down payment and closing cost assistance available when the program opens each year.

CalHFA VA and CalHFA USDA

100% financing first mortgage programs for eligible veterans and rural buyers, with MyHome assistance available on top to cover closing costs.

FHA Loans

3.5% minimum down payment. More flexible credit guidelines than conventional. FHA wins nearly every time when credit scores are below 680, unless the buyer has 5 to 10 percent down. I will show you the exact comparison so you can see the real difference for your specific situation.

Conventional Low-Down Programs

Conventional loans with as little as 3% down are available through programs like HomeReady and Home Possible. For buyers with stronger credit scores, conventional often beats FHA on monthly payment because of how PMI is priced. I will run both scenarios so you can see exactly where you land.

Down Payment Assistance Programs

There is only one way to get down payment assistance on a conventional loan and that is through CalHFA. All other assistance programs pair with an FHA first mortgage. I will walk you through every program you are eligible for and show you the true cost of each option so you can make an informed decision.

CalHFA by the Numbers

In 2023 to 2024 alone:

6,037

First-time homebuyers helped

$2.6B

In first mortgage lending

$156M

In down payment and closing cost assistance

What Happens When You Work With Me

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Your file is pre-underwritten before you shop. No surprises after you fall in love with a home.

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I prepare an Itemized Fee Worksheet for every program you qualify for so you can compare options yourself.

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Your pre-approval letter is issued within 24 hours of credit pull. Sellers and realtors know it is backed by real underwriting.

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You work with me from first call through closing. No handoffs. No processing team you have never met.

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I leave every client with a financial stability plan so you know how to protect and build on what you just accomplished.

Joanna was awesome throughout the entire process. We are first time home buyers and Joanna explained everything out to us and made it easy to understand. She was informative and extremely helpful. Could not recommend her enough!

Joey Vang

First-Time Homebuyer

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a CalHFA loan slow down my escrow?

No. CalHFA has a turnaround time of one to two business days for compliance review. Many CalHFA loans close within 30 days. Because I pre-underwrite before you shop, the process moves faster than industry standard regardless of which program you use.

Does CalHFA cost the seller anything?

No. There are no costs to the seller. With down payment and closing cost assistance, seller concessions may actually be reduced or eliminated, which can make your offer more attractive.

What credit score do I need?

It depends on the program. Different products have different minimums. The best way to find out is to have a conversation. I will tell you exactly where you stand and what your options are. I never decline an application. If you are not there yet, I will show you the path to get there.

I was told I do not qualify. Should I get a second opinion?

Yes. Different lenders have access to different programs and different guidelines. Being told no by one lender does not mean no everywhere. I work with many clients who were turned away elsewhere and found a path forward. Learn more about why shopping with a broker gives you more options in our Nike shoe analogy on the Process page.

Find Out What You Actually Qualify For

Schedule your free 30-minute consultation. No credit pull. No obligation. Just an honest conversation about where you are and what is available to you.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Or call (916) 708-8555

All loans subject to credit approval and property appraisal. Program availability and eligibility requirements subject to change. This page is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend. Examples shown are for illustrative purposes only.