For most first-time buyers, saving enough for a down payment takes years — sometimes decades in high-cost areas. But there’s money available to help, and most people never know to ask.
Types of Down Payment Assistance
Grants: Free money that doesn’t need to be repaid. Usually limited in availability and income-restricted.
Forgivable loans: Loans that are forgiven after you stay in the home a certain number of years (usually 3–5). Leave early and you repay a prorated amount.
Deferred loans: No payments until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. The assistance is repaid then, but without interest.
Matched savings programs: Employer or government programs that match what you save (often 3:1 or 4:1) up to a cap.
Major DPA Programs in California
CalHFA MyHome: Up to 3.5% of purchase price, deferred. Available statewide with income limits.
Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) Platinum: Up to 5.5% in down payment and closing cost assistance. No repayment required for first-time buyers.
Riverside County DPA: Offers forgivable loans for buyers in Riverside County.
City of Santa Ana: Provides grants for buyers purchasing in Santa Ana.
City of Anaheim: Operates a first-time buyer program with deferred loans.
Income Limits (California Averages)
Most programs are limited to buyers earning 80–120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). In Orange County, 80% AMI for a family of 4 is approximately $97,400.
The Catch
DPA programs add complexity to your loan. Not all lenders are approved for all programs, and the process takes longer than a standard purchase. We are familiar with these programs and can structure your loan to take advantage of them.