What Down Payment Assistance Programs Are Available—and Do I Qualify?

If you’re trying to buy your first home and wondering how to come up with a down payment, you’re not alone. With higher home prices and interest rates in the 6.5% to 7% range, more buyers are actively searching for help with their down payment and closing costs.

The good news? There are real programs out there designed to help you get your foot in the door—sometimes with little to no money out of pocket.

Let’s unpack what’s available, how these programs work, and whether you might qualify.

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First, What Is Down Payment Assistance (DPA)?

Down payment assistance programs are created to help first-time homebuyers (and in some cases, repeat buyers too) by offering:

• Grants (you don’t have to repay)

• Deferred-payment loans (you pay back when you sell or refinance)

• Forgivable loans (they’re wiped out after a set time period)

• Second mortgages with low interest rates

These programs are typically run by state or local governments, housing authorities, or nonprofits—and yes, they really work.

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But Here’s the Key: Every Mortgage Lender Has Different Options

Not every lender offers the same programs. Some lenders have exclusive offerings, while others partner with state and local agencies.

At our shop, we work with multiple first-time buyer assistance programs—some public, some private—and we’re set up to layer them with the right FHA or conventional mortgage to create a fully compliant, low-down or no-down solution.

So if you’re comparing loan options, don’t just ask, “What’s your rate?” Ask: “What programs do you offer to help with down payment or closing costs?” That’s where the opportunity really lies.

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Real Programs Available in California (Especially Sonoma County)

Depending on where you’re buying, you might be eligible for unique programs. Here are some examples right here in Sonoma County:

✅ CalHFA (California Housing Finance Agency)

CalHFA offers down payment and closing cost assistance paired with their own fixed-rate first mortgage. This includes options like:

• MyHome Assistance Program (up to 3.5% of purchase price)

• Forgivable Equity Builder Loan (up to 10% of the home’s value, forgivable after five years)

✅ GSFA (Golden State Finance Authority)

This is a state-backed grant program, meaning you don’t pay the money back. It can provide up to 5% of the loan amount, which can cover all or most of your down payment and some closing costs.

✅ Santa Rosa Burbank Housing Program

This local program offers up to $100,000 in assistance—yes, you read that right—for eligible low- to moderate-income buyers. Funds can be used toward down payment and closing costs.

✅ Sonoma County Employee Housing Assistance

If you work for the county, you may qualify for a second mortgage of up to $100,000 at just 3% interest, payable over 30 years. It can even cover closing costs. This is a powerful way to make buying a home in the area actually doable for public employees.

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Do These Programs Come with Restrictions?

Yes—and no. It depends on the program.

Some DPA programs have income limits, household size guidelines, and home price caps. Others may require that the home be your primary residence, or that you complete a homebuyer education course.

A few programs are more flexible. Some lenders (ours included) offer FHA-based options with minimal red tape—no income caps, no geographical restrictions, just standard FHA approval. These programs can be especially helpful if you’re not a fit for the more tightly-regulated city or county offerings.

And of course, if you’re a military veteran, VA financing is your best friend—no down payment required, competitive interest rates, and no monthly mortgage insurance.

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The Bottom Line: Ask the Right Questions Early

The biggest takeaway? You don’t need 20% down to buy a home—not even close. In many cases, you can get in with 0% to 3.5% down, and you might even be able to cover that with help from a program.

Every family’s situation is different, and the right program depends on your income, location, job, and long-term goals. But that’s what we’re here for. We’ll help you identify what you qualify for and structure the loan in a way that’s smart, sustainable, and affordable—today and for the long run.

If you’re serious about buying a home and want to know what’s available to you, let’s talk. There’s more support out there than you might think.

Call me today for more information (707) 217-4000