California First Time Home Buyer Programs | Down Payment Assistance
Down Payment Assistance for
California First Time Home Buyers.Non-First-Time Home Buyers Also Qualify!
See if you qualify in minutes for down payment assistance programs that can lower the cash you need to buy a home.
- Help for qualified California buyers
- Down payment assistance options
- Grants and forgivable loan programs
- Clear next-step guidance
Down Payment Assistance California Options for First Time Home Buyers
Down payment assistance California comes in many forms. Here are the most common first time home buyer assistance California programs we help buyers access.
Grants & Gift Programs
Many state and local housing agencies offer grants that never need to be repaid. These first time home buyer programs are designed for moderate-income California households and can cover a significant portion of your down payment or closing costs.
Forgivable Loans
Forgivable second mortgages are one of the most common forms of down payment assistance. If you stay in the home for a set period — typically 5 to 10 years — the loan balance is forgiven entirely. It's essentially free money for qualifying buyers.
Government-Backed Options
FHA, USDA, and VA loans each come with their own down payment advantages for first time home buyers. FHA requires as little as 3.5% down, USDA offers zero-down in eligible rural areas, and VA loans require no down payment for qualifying veterans.
Employer & Nonprofit Programs
Some employers, nonprofits, and community organizations offer first time home buyer assistance funds. These programs are often underutilized and can be combined with other forms of down payment assistance for maximum benefit.
Your Dedicated Home Buying Team.
When you work with Jason Whigham, you're not handed off to a call center. You're working with a team that specializes in first time home buyer programs and down payment assistance California — guiding you from eligibility check to closing day.
Jason Whigham
Mortgage Broker
NMLS #1448396 | 25+ years in mortgage | California first time home buyer & down payment assistance specialist
Jason brings 25+ years of mortgage experience and a deep knowledge of down payment assistance California programs and first time home buyer programs across the state. He identifies every program you qualify for and structures your financing to maximize the assistance available — so you can close with confidence and keep more money in your pocket.
Jermaine Whigham
Client Relations & Transaction Coordinator
Jermaine maintains the day-to-day flow of business across the team — coordinating between clients, partners, and our internal operations so every file, conversation, and milestone keeps moving. He handles the operational backbone that turns a busy pipeline into a smooth experience for everyone involved.
Alan Nguyen
Client Experience Lead
Alan designs and optimizes the systems that make working with our team effortless — from initial inquiry to post-close follow-up. He ensures the technology and communication behind every transaction runs as smoothly as the underwriting.
Backed by a full team of processing, underwriting support, and transaction specialists dedicated to getting you to closing day.
What Our Clients Say.
“Thank you Team Whigham for getting our family a low rate while paying off school loan debt. I am grateful for your team and your great services during this time.”
— J. Rodriguez
“Your process was painless and the customer service was incredible. My family and I truly appriciate your guidance throughout the refinance process. Thank you a ton.”
— Jen W.
“I have been working with Jason for an entire year while my new home construction was underway. Jason and his team performance was exceptional throughout the entire process! He was not only knowledgeable about loans and processing them but he delivered his services and products with the utmost professionalism. Jason personality is an asset to the company. He makes you feel at ease during a sometimes stressful situation. I definitely will be a return customer and the recommendation I refer.”
— Turquoise D.
First Time Home Buyer Questions About Down Payment Assistance
Questions Buyers Ask.
Eligibility for down payment assistance California varies by program, but most first time home buyer programs target first-time home buyers, low-to-moderate income households, or buyers purchasing in specific areas. Some programs define 'first-time home buyer' as anyone who hasn't owned a home in the past three years.
Yes. Many down payment assistance California programs are designed to work alongside FHA, conventional, and USDA loans. Stacking first time home buyer programs is common and can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs at closing.
That's where we come in. We help you identify the state, county, and city first time home buyer assistance California programs you may qualify for based on your location, income, and purchase price. Contact us for a personalized assessment.
Amounts vary widely depending on the program, your location, income level, and purchase price. Some down payment assistance California programs cover just closing costs, while others cover a significant portion of the down payment. We assess every available option to maximize your benefit.
Most down payment assistance programs can be qualified within 1–2 weeks, though some state and county first time home buyer programs move faster. We handle all the legwork to identify which programs you qualify for and manage the application process.
It depends on the program. Grants require no repayment. Forgivable loans have a set period — typically 5–10 years — during which you must occupy the home. We explain all conditions upfront so there are no surprises.
See If You Qualify For Down Payment Assistance California
A free consultation is the fastest way to find first time home buyer assistance California programs you qualify for.
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