California Down Payment Assistance Hub
Compare all major California DPA programs, check your eligibility, understand your options, and navigate the complete application process. Get up to $42,000+ in down payment help.
Max Assistance Available
$42,000+
Counties Covered
58+
Programs Available
5 Major Programs
Typical Timeline
10-14 Weeks
Program Comparison Matrix
Compare all 5 major California DPA programs side-by-side to find your best options.
| Program | Max Assistance | Type | Interest Rate | Monthly Payment | Income Limit | Property Types | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CalHFA MyHome | Up to $10,000 | Forgivable Loan | 0% | $0 | 120% AMI (varies by county) | Single-Family, Condo, Townhome | Statewide |
| Dream for All Alternative | Up to $42,332 | Grant | N/A | N/A | 120% AMI (varies) | Single-Family, Condo, Townhome | Select Counties |
| CalHFA Forgivable Equity Builder | Up to $25,000 | Forgivable Loan | 0% | $0 | 100% AMI | Single-Family, Condo | Statewide |
| CalHFA Down Payment Assistance | Up to 5% down payment | Deferred Loan | Varies | Deferred | Varies by program | Single-Family, Condo, Townhome | Statewide |
| Closing Cost Assistance Programs | Up to 3% of loan amount | Grant | N/A | N/A | Varies by program | Single-Family, Condo, Townhome | Select Counties |
Program Details & Key Benefits
DPA Application Timeline
From pre-approval to closing: A realistic timeline for getting California down payment assistance.
2-4 weeks
Pre-Approval Phase
- •Complete HUD-approved homebuyer education
- •Gather financial documents
- •Check credit score and report
- •Get pre-approved for mortgage
2-4 weeks
Pre-Approval Phase
- •Complete HUD-approved homebuyer education
- •Gather financial documents
- •Check credit score and report
- •Get pre-approved for mortgage
2-3 weeks
DPA Application Phase
- •Submit DPA application
- •Verify income and employment
- •Provide proof of first-time buyer status
- •Provide property appraisal
2-3 weeks
DPA Application Phase
- •Submit DPA application
- •Verify income and employment
- •Provide proof of first-time buyer status
- •Provide property appraisal
3-4 weeks
Underwriting & Approval
- •DPA program reviews application
- •Underwriter verifies all requirements
- •Title work and property inspection
- •DPA loan approval issued
3-4 weeks
Underwriting & Approval
- •DPA program reviews application
- •Underwriter verifies all requirements
- •Title work and property inspection
- •DPA loan approval issued
2-3 weeks
Closing Preparation
- •Final loan documents prepared
- •Closing disclosure issued
- •Title insurance ordered
- •Schedule closing date
2-3 weeks
Closing Preparation
- •Final loan documents prepared
- •Closing disclosure issued
- •Title insurance ordered
- •Schedule closing date
1 week
Closing & Funding
- •Final walkthrough of property
- •Sign closing documents
- •DPA funds disbursed
- •Primary mortgage funds transferred
- •Receive keys - you're a homeowner!
1 week
Closing & Funding
- •Final walkthrough of property
- •Sign closing documents
- •DPA funds disbursed
- •Primary mortgage funds transferred
- •Receive keys - you're a homeowner!
Complete Timeline
10-14 weeks from initial pre-approval to closing and funding. Individual timelines vary based on how quickly you gather documentation and how responsive lenders are to requests.
Program Stacking Strategies
Combine multiple programs to maximize your down payment assistance benefits. Learn which programs work together and how to structure them for maximum results.
Maximize Your Benefits
Not all programs can be combined. The best strategy depends on your specific situation:
- Different program types stack well (grant + loan + deferred)
- Programs from different sources often combine (state + county + nonprofit)
- Down payment programs pair seamlessly with closing cost assistance
Top 10 Common DPA Mistakes
Learn from others' mistakes and avoid losing thousands in assistance benefits.
County-by-County Eligibility Guide
DPA program availability varies significantly by county. California's 58 counties have different income limits, maximum assistance amounts, and program options.
- Check availability in your specific county
- Verify current income limits for 2025
- Understand property type restrictions
- Learn about program-specific deadlines
- Identify county-exclusive programs
Quick County Lookup
Los Angeles County: 3 programs, $113K+ income limit
San Francisco County: 4 programs, specialized urban assistance
San Diego County: 2 major programs, $95K+ income limit
Riverside County: 2 programs, $85K+ income limit
Orange County: 3 programs, $105K+ income limit
These are examples. Check the eligibility tool for complete county information.
Ready to Get Your Down Payment Assistance?
Take the first step toward homeownership. Check your eligibility for California down payment assistance programs and see how much help you could receive.
Have questions about specific DPA programs? Our mortgage specialists are here to help guide you through the process.