Your first home is closer than you think
Down payment assistance, CalHFA, FHA, and low-down conventional programs — most first-time buyers need far less cash than they assume. Let’s find out what you actually qualify for.
The programs built for first-time buyers
The biggest myth in home buying is that you need 20% down. You almost certainly don’t. Between low-down programs and assistance for your down payment and closing costs, most first-time buyers are closer to the door than they realize.
FHA — 3.5% Down
The most forgiving path if your credit or savings are still building.
- 3.5% down with qualifying credit
- Flexible credit guidelines
- Gift funds allowed
- Seller can help with closing costs
Conventional — 3% Down
Low down payment, and the mortgage insurance falls off once you hit 20% equity.
- As little as 3% down
- MI cancels later — FHA’s doesn’t
- Best long-term cost
- Strong credit rewarded
VA — 0% Down
If you’ve served, this is almost always the strongest option on the table.
- Often zero down
- No monthly mortgage insurance
- No PMI, ever
- A benefit you earned
Down Payment Assistance
Grants and second loans that cover the down payment and sometimes closing costs.
- CalHFA and similar programs
- Grants or silent seconds
- Income & area limits apply
- Can be combined with FHA/conventional
Your first four steps
Get pre-approved
Free, no obligation — and it tells you your real number.
Know your programs
We check which assistance you actually qualify for.
Shop with power
Agents and sellers take a pre-approved buyer seriously.
Close
I guide you through every step to the keys.
First-time buyer questions
Do I really need 20% down?
No — and this myth stops more people than anything else. VA can be zero down for eligible buyers, FHA starts at 3.5%, and many conventional loans start at 3%. Add down-payment assistance and your out-of-pocket can be dramatically smaller than you think.
What counts as a “first-time buyer”?
For most programs, it means you haven’t owned a home in the last three years — so even if you owned before, you may qualify again. Definitions vary by program, which is worth checking before you rule yourself out.
What is CalHFA / down payment assistance?
These are California programs that help cover your down payment and sometimes closing costs, usually through a grant or a second loan. There are income and property limits, and availability changes — so eligibility should be checked at the time you apply.
What credit score do I need to buy my first home?
Lower than most people think. FHA works with more forgiving credit, and stronger credit opens better terms. If you’re not there yet, a free credit-strategy review can often lift you into a better program before you apply — sometimes in a matter of weeks.
Can my parents help with the down payment?
Yes. Gift funds from family are allowed on most primary-residence programs. The money needs to be properly sourced and documented — I’ll walk you through exactly how, so it doesn’t cause a problem in underwriting.
Find out what you actually qualify for
It’s free, it doesn’t obligate you to anything, and it takes about 15 minutes. Most people are surprised.