Down Payment Assistance Programs
Find the right path to homeownership in Northern California
Buying a home often comes down to more than just qualifying for a loan. In Northern California, many buyers can afford a monthly house payment but need help overcoming the upfront barriers that stand between them and the homes they want to live in.
Down payment assistance programs are designed to help bridge that gap. The right option depends on your goals, your timeline, your qualifications, and where you want to buy.
Below are the three primary ways buyers use down payment assistance. Each option works differently and fits different situations.
Grants and Forgivable Assistance
Best for buyers who want to reduce upfront cash without adding monthly payments.
Grant and forgivable assistance programs provide funds toward your down payment or closing costs. In many cases, the assistance does not need to be repaid as long as program guidelines are met.
These programs are often used by buyers who:
Have limited savings
Want to minimize cash to close
Qualify under income or location guidelines
Deferred Payment Down Payment Loans
Best for buyers who can afford a house payment but need help with upfront funds.
Deferred payment programs provide down payment assistance with no monthly payments. Repayment is typically deferred until you sell, refinance, or pay off the mortgage.
These programs are often used by buyers who:
Want to keep their monthly payment manageable
Plan to stay in the home for several years
Need additional buying power without monthly debt
Equity Share Programs
Best for buyers priced out of their preferred neighborhoods due to down payment size.
Equity share programs help fund a larger down payment in exchange for sharing a portion of the home’s future appreciation. Well known examples include CalHFA Dream For All and AC Boost.
These programs are often used by buyers who:
Can afford a home mortgage payment but not the neighborhood they want
Want to buy sooner instead of waiting years to save
Are comfortable sharing some future growth to gain access today
Additional Ways Buyers Qualify
Many buyers assume down payment assistance is only available to first-time buyers with perfect credit. In reality, there are programs designed to support a wide range of situations and professions. These options are often layered with the primary program types above.
Credit and Qualification Flexibility
Programs that allow credit scores as low as 580
Options for buyers who have been told no elsewhere
Assistance that does not require first-time buyer status
Household and Property Types
Programs that allow non-occupant co-signers
Options for multi-unit properties such as duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes
Assistance available to buyers transitioning their current home to a rental property
Profession Based Programs
Teachers and school staff
First responders and law enforcement
Healthcare and medical professionals
County and municipal employees in select areas
Local and County Programs
City and county specific assistance programs
Programs that vary by location and funding availability
Opportunities that change throughout the year
Availability and guidelines vary. Not every program fits every situation. This is where guidance makes the difference.
Not Sure Which Option Fits You Best?
Many buyers qualify for more than one type of assistance. The best option depends on how these programs interact with your qualifications, budget, long term plans, and the local market.
We help buyers compare options, understand tradeoffs, and choose a path that supports both affordability today and long term financial stability and wealth through real estate.