California Homebuyer Assistance Checklist (Grants & Local Programs)

📝 California Homebuyer Assistance Checklist (Grants & Local Programs)

📍 Statewide Programs & Resources

These are broadly available across California (some may vary by lender or location):

✅ GSFA Platinum / Golden Opportunities Grant

• Free grant (non-repayable) to help with down payment &/or closing costs — up to around 3–5% of mortgage amount.

• Not limited to first-time buyers; works with FHA, VA, USDA & conventional loans. (Golden State Finance Authority)

✅ CalHFA “My Home” Assistance Program

• Deferred junior loan up to ~3% (some lenders show up to ~3.5%) of purchase price for down payment & closing costs (not a grant — but widely used).

• Must pair with a CalHFA first mortgage. (FHA)

🔎 CalHome / HOME Programs

• Grants that go to local agencies to help you through down payment assistance or housing counseling.

• Funds are passed through counties/cities and may be structured as loans. (California Housing Department)

📌 Tip: GSFA grants are among the true grants (no repayment), while CalHFA and CalHome programs generally offer loan-based assistance — still very valuable, but not technically free money. (Golden State Finance Authority)

🏙️ County & Local Assistance Programs

Many counties and cities offer down payment and/or closing cost help. Some of these include grant components or deferred payment support, depending on your income level and first-time buyer status.

📍 Los Angeles Area

• Los Angeles First Home Mortgage Program — grant that doesn’t require repayment to cover down payment/closing costs. (FHA)

• Los Angeles County Affordable Homeownership Programs (HOP) — various deferred or shared-equity assistance options (amounts vary). (FHA)

📍 San Diego County

• San Diego County Down Payment / CalHome Program — up to ~17% of purchase price plus closing cost support. (FHA)

• San Diego Housing Commission First-Time Homebuyer Program — multiple tracks including city/county assistance. (FHA)

📍 Orange County

• Orange County Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP) — down payment/closing cost assistance (amounts vary by city). (VARA Realty, Inc.)

📍 Santa Clara & Bay Area

• Santa Clara County Homebuyer Grants / Empower & HELP Programs — up to ~10–17% for down payment assistance. (aSingleMother)

📍 Fresno County

• Fresno County First-Time Homebuyer Program — local assistance/loan help for eligible buyers. (FHA)

📍 Other Counties (Checklist)

(Programs may vary and change — contact local housing agencies for current details)

✅ Alameda County assistance loans
✅ Sacramento County down payment programs
✅ Contra Costa County first-time buyer help
✅ Ventura County homebuyer assistance
✅ San Francisco County down payment loans
✅ Monterey County down payment help
✅ Riverside & San Bernardino County programs
(And more — many counties have homebuyer assistance if you search “[your county] down payment assistance”) (MFP)

🧠 How to Use This Checklist

✔ Step 1 — Identify your location
Find programs specific to your city or county housing authority (many have unique funds). (MFP)

✔ Step 2 — Check eligibility criteria
Each program will have:
• Income limits
• Purchase price caps
• First-time buyer restrictions
• Homebuyer education requirements

✔ Step 3 — Contact the administering agency
Call or visit your county/city housing department to confirm availability and application windows.

✔ Step 4 — Pair with lender support
Some grants require you to work through an approved lender or housing counselor.

📌 Reminder

📍 Grants = Money you don’t have to repay
📍 Loan-based assistance = Helps up front, but must be repaid under certain conditions

A smart strategy is to combine grants (like GSFA Platinum) with local county assistance when possible — maximizing your support without long-term repayment burden. (Golden State Finance Authority)