First-Time Home Buyer Programs in California

What a first purchase actually costs in California, which assistance programs you may qualify for, and how to get pre-approved before you shop.

The short answer for California buyers

Most first-time buyers in California use a conventional 3%-down loan or an FHA loan at 3.5% down, often paired with a CalHFA program for closing-cost or down payment help. Assistance is generally tied to county income limits and a completed homebuyer education course. Because California price points are high, many buyers in coastal counties end up in high-balance conforming or jumbo territory, which changes the credit and reserve requirements.

California first-time buyer numbers at a glance

Typical minimum down payment

3% conventional / 3.5% FHA

Typical credit minimum

620 conventional, 580 FHA

Assistance eligibility

County income limits apply

Homebuyer education

Required for most CA assistance programs

Programs available in California

  • CalHFA conventional and FHA first mortgages Fixed-rate first loans for buyers who meet county income limits and complete homebuyer education.

    • CalHFA conventional and FHA first mortgages

    Fixed-rate first loans for buyers who meet county income limits and complete homebuyer education.

  • MyHome Assistance Program A deferred junior loan that can be applied toward down payment or closing costs.

    • MyHome Assistance Program

    A deferred junior loan that can be applied toward down payment or closing costs.

  • Conventional 97 / HomeReady 3% down conventional financing with reduced mortgage insurance for eligible incomes.

    • Conventional 97 / HomeReady

    3% down conventional financing with reduced mortgage insurance for eligible incomes.

  • FHA financing 3.5% down with a 580+ score — often the fallback when credit is still improving.

    • FHA financing

    3.5% down with a 580+ score — often the fallback when credit is still improving.

  • High-balance conforming loans Higher loan limits in San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange and Bay Area counties before jumbo pricing applies.

    • High-balance conforming loans

    Higher loan limits in San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange and Bay Area counties before jumbo pricing applies.

    How to buy your first home in California

  • 1 Get a no-SSN quote See a real rate and payment range for your price point before anyone pulls credit.

    • Get a no-SSN quote

    See a real rate and payment range for your price point before anyone pulls credit.

  • 2 Get pre-approved A verified pre-approval makes your offer competitive in California's fastest markets.

    • Get pre-approved

    A verified pre-approval makes your offer competitive in California's fastest markets.

  • 3 Check assistance eligibility We compare CalHFA and lender-specific programs against your income and county.

    • Check assistance eligibility

    We compare CalHFA and lender-specific programs against your income and county.

  • 4 Shop, offer, close We lock your rate and coordinate appraisal, underwriting and signing.

    • Shop, offer, close

    We lock your rate and coordinate appraisal, underwriting and signing.

    California first-time buyer questions

    How much do I need to put down as a first-time buyer in California?

    As little as 3% on a conventional loan or 3.5% on FHA. Assistance programs such as MyHome can cover part of that plus closing costs if you meet income limits.

    What credit score do I need to buy a house in California?

    620 is the typical conventional minimum and 580 for FHA with 3.5% down. Higher scores lower your rate and mortgage insurance cost.

    Is there a first-time buyer tax credit in California?

    There is no statewide first-time buyer tax credit today. Mortgage Credit Certificates are offered by some counties and can reduce your federal tax bill.

    Do I qualify if I owned a home before?

    Most programs define a first-time buyer as someone who has not owned a primary residence in the last three years, so prior ownership does not always disqualify you.

    Where we lend in California

    Mortgage pre-approval guide

    What pre-approval requires and how long it takes.

    How much down payment you need

    Real minimums by program and what PMI costs.

    First-time buyer guides in other states we serve

    Colorado

    First-time buyer programs in Colorado

    Texas

    First-time buyer programs in Texas

    Washington

    First-time buyer programs in Washington

    Ready to see what you qualify for in California?

    Get a real rate and payment estimate from a licensed mortgage broker. No SSN required to start.

    Licensed in CA, CO, TX and WA